Stinging feeling middle of chest and near ribs

My pacemaker is just over 3 weeks old. Incision healing well. I went for follow up and cardiologist released me to drive and I return in 4 months. Trying to keep arm below shoulder for two more weeks. . A package was delivered yesterday and when I lifted it; I realized it was probably too heavy and put it down immediately and pushed it into the house. My incision felt the tug. Last night I noticed a stinging type of pain in side near ribs then noticed same stinging later in center of chest. Almost feels like a small needle stick and it’s gone. Had them occasionally during day but very infrequent. Now getting  more intense stinging in back near left shoulder blade.

Could a lead be displaced and I’m getting zapped where I’m getting referred pain? I have a two lead Pacemaker for SSS and Bradycardia. If this is a normal healing process I won’t bother the doctor. The nurses act as if it’s a bother to take a message for the doctor!

1 Comments

Stinging pain

by Samianhill - 2018-10-25 23:04:26

I have had the same issue but I can’t say it started after any lifting. ICD placed on 10/3. Stabbing pain started on 10/15. They suggested I start a regimen of high doses of ibuprofen for inflammation in case it was pericarditis although ekg suggested it wasn’t. The pain subsided after a couple of days then came back 2 days later feeling more like an electrical pain. It felt like someone was hitting me with a cattle prod. 

Chest xray shows the lead in the same place as the day they placed it. Pain comes and goes and has moved around. Primarily now directly in the center of my chest. Intensely uncomfortable when it happens. Someone suggested nerve pain.  I have no answers from the doctors office. Just had an echocardiogram and am waiting to hear results. 

Sorry to hear you have this pain as well but I feel better knowing it’s not just me. Hopefully we both get answers soon. 

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