Pocket revision

Arm pain

by Lavender - 2022-08-31 12:17:33

Hi there, I checked your last post from January to catch up on why you may be having a revision. I assume you're done with physical therapy and still are having pain? I'm sorry to hear of your continued issues after your surgery, it has to be so frustrating and disappointing to think all would be well in time and now to consider more surgery.

 I'm eighteen months post pacemaker implantation and still can't sleep on my left side. I'm smaller built and it feels as though the pacemaker gets impingement going when I lay that way. I've adapted to right side or sleeping on my back.  I also see a licensed massage therapist twice a month to loosen my left arm, which gets muscle stiffness and knots. 
 

I guess if I were you and knew things wouldn't heal or adapt, I would too wonder about a revision. If the surgery could be done and healed in a few months, might be worth it since you put up with so much for so long.  The leads wouldn't change so perhaps the surgery wouldn't be as long or traumatic, but might be a bit more painful given they're placing it between muscles.  

your post:

I had a PM inserion (left side) just a little over a year ago for complete heart block.  After 6 weeks of limited range of motion (ROM) for the  arm (per drs. orders), I develped frozen shoulder syndrome.  I went to a massage therapist and she helped me with the majority of the pain and ROM.  I still have pain in my arm and now  I believe that this is due to the PM hitting up against nerve/nerves.  The PM is underneath the skin.  Has anyone else experienced this?  I have consulted my Cardiologist that inserted the PM and he indicated that the PM should be moved to go under the mucle.

Pocket revision

by Manson - 2022-08-31 17:01:18

Sorry to hear about your problems too.  I have finished PT and that did help my frozen shoulder syndrome.  I have my pacemaker on the left side and I sleep on my right side I have to bunch covers under my left arm so that I don't have pain from the pacemaker.  I too can't sleep on my left side.  I have my Drs apppointment shortly so we'll see what he says.

Thank you

by Lavender - 2022-09-01 00:25:45

My left arm is mostly tolerable and it's not something that I even take Tylenol for, it just gets stiff. I do prop it on a long body pillow beside me to sleep at night. 
 

I hope your pain improves and your doctor comes up with the perfect solution for you. 
 

If you go to the search feature -Q- in the menu here and type in revision, there are others who discuss that. 
 

Here is a link to copy and paste:

https://www.pacemakerclub.com/message/20623/pocket-revision

and this one:

https://www.pacemakerclub.com/message/27557/pocket-revision

Pocket revision

by Manson - 2022-09-01 11:08:35

Saw my Electrophysiologist yesterday and I am schedule to have the pacemaker moved to under the muscle.  I'm excited and anxious for the surgery.

Thanks for the links!

Pocket Revision

by BuddyOne - 2022-09-06 17:20:27

Hello Manson

I'm on here infrequently and just read your posts on revision and on frozen shoulder. Had experiences with both. Regarding revision, I had my second pacemaker sub-pectoral implanted because at the time I worked in law enforcement and was always worried that someone could grasp it during physical contact. Healing process is a bit longer as surgical site is more intrusive as opposed to the typical just under the skin. It should be noted my pm pocket is my right side as I am left handed and I wanted it away from the butt of long range wapons (rifle, shotgun). You should be prepared for possible other complications such as routing of the leads. I have experienced pacer pocket contractions and diaphramic contractions at different times over the past 5 implants (on #6 since 2006). Contractions usually occurred due to lying or sitting positions and were "cured" through pm setting adjustments. I should note that the diaphragms contractions could have been from the right side pm placement and leads being closer to the phrenic nerve.

As to the frozen shoulder. That occurred after my third pacer because the NP told me to keep my right arm in a sling for 30 days. Prior to 3rd pacer, I had issues with my pm leads and I guess she wanted me to be cautious of displacement. Non movement lead to frozen shoulder, months of PT, 2 cortisone shots and finally shoulder surgery that took a full year to heal. Good luck in your surgery.

Al

Leave it alone.

by PacedNRunning - 2022-09-07 06:49:36

I personally would leave it alone. Keep doing PT and trying to make it work. I've seen others move it for this reason. Had temporary relief and back in the same boat but worse off. I have the same nerve damage. I've opted to leave it unless it got unbearable. So far I've managed to keep things happy. Still get irritated here and there but definitely much better than the first year after implant. I would caution surgery. Please be extra careful in deciding. I was told not to move mine because it may happen on the other side or worse.