Post-op discomfort

Hello group

I am eight days post op from receiving my pacemaker, and finding that I am having a lot of discomfort in my elbow on the operative side. It hurts to fully extend my arm (definitely not raising my arm over my head, and wondering if that is the cause). I have returned to work pretty quickly after surgery. I work as a surgical technologist. I am working within my restrictions and my doctor approved. I was wondering if anyone else has experienced this arm pain after surgery? If so, how were you able to find relief? Any stretches or light exercises you would recommend?

Thank you

1 Comments

It’s early

by Lavender - 2023-07-15 20:04:17

Welcome. Sorry to hear that your elbow hurts. Yes! My elbow and left arm hurt a long time. I wondered if it had to do more with positioning of my body while my CRT-P was being inserted, was something pulled too far(??) They do cut muscles and nerves to make the pocket to hold the device and while it might looked healed on the outside, the inside takes longer. 
 

What worked for me was ice packs alternating with heat. 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off then switch to ice/heat. When I was okayed by the cardiologist to go to a therapeutic masseuse, that really helped!  
 

Do be sure to not baby the arm. Use it just keep the elbow below the shoulder and hopefully you already know not to wear the sling, if provided, for more than a day or two post surgery. 
 

It will get better! Hugs! ❤️‍🩹
 

 

You know you're wired when...

Your kids call you Cyborg.

Member Quotes

One week has passed and I must admit that each day I feel a little stronger.