Neck pain/headache

Hey everyone, I'm new here, 32, and just had my first dual chamber PM implanted on 4/30/20 to treat Bradycardia (I'm 3 days post implantation).

Anyways, I'm experiencing some pretty solid neck pain/pressure that's leading to some pretty good headaches. I'm pretty hyper aware of everything I'm feeling in my chest right now, so trying not to panic about any of that stuff, but this neck pain/pressure and headaches are really annoying. Have felt the neck pain and headaches ever since the pain meds from the operation wore off. Anybody feel something similar? Does it get better?!?!? Haha I don't like taking Advil, but Tylenol does provide a LITTLE relief for a short amount of time. But always comes back. 

3 Comments

check your blood pressure

by rosesophia23 - 2020-05-04 02:59:19

HI,I'm 33.I had my PM at 32 like you,last october.I'm remember that feeling 1 week after the implementation.when I checked ,my BP was high.My husband who is a doctor  said that my body is working to respond because is something new to it,I was like that for 3 days.just took tylenol because advil is prohibited because is an anti-coagulant.when I went to my first check up after 10 days and I explain that to the cardiologist he said that my stress level could be responsible.What I'm trying to say if the pain persist call your doc,it can be something else.

Neck pain and headache

by Selwyn - 2020-05-04 09:04:13

I am sure you will have had a check over, physically, prior to your PM insertion.

Having a PM inserted is a stress. This results in a hyperawareness of body sensations ( I rembember asking the cardiology registrar why I could feel the pulse in my big toe! He had no answer to give!!) . This hyperawareness is not written about. However, your heaache sounds typical of a tension headache. These are stress related, typically felt from the back of the neck, radiating over the shoulders and up over the scalp and around the head.  They are the most common type of headache.

Relaxation, exercise , and warm packs to the back of the neck help.Sometimes a little diazeapm is used for a few days to help, though I would avoid this unless you are really stuck with them. 

I would start off avoiding caffeine ( which worsens tension). Practice relaxation. Try and get plenty of exercise eg. walking, cycling. Heat packs and massage help over the neck. 

See https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tension-headaches/

 

Hyperaware!

by Graham M - 2020-05-04 17:24:55

Hi,

It's just over 8 months since I had my PM fitted (dual lead for bradycardia caused by Mobitz Type II block), and it really has made a big difference to my life.  I can identify with the neck pain and headaches, but they disappeared after about a week.  Pacemaker surgery is a routine procedure these days, but it is still stressful, and involves the surgeon putting a fair amount of pressure on your shoulder.  Also, the position you have to lie in during surgery must affect the neck muscles.  I was told to make circular movements with my shoulder to loosen the muscles and this helped a lot.

I was aware of my heart beating (and skipping beats) before I had my PM, but I can still feel the beating when I am sitting quietly or when I am in bed, and it's really annoying, but it is getting better.

Anyway, welcome to the club and I hope you start feeling better soon (I'm sure you will).  If you do what Selwyn suggests, and keep your shoulder moving everything should be OK.

Graham.

You know you're wired when...

Your pacemaker interferes with your electronic scale.

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