New Pacemaker

Hi All,
I just had PM put in this past Friday and it is REALLY painful. Feels like it will never stop hurting. My arm's in a sling and I cannot sleep or eat much (i'm a chubby girl, so that's prob a good thing :)

I'm staying with my 24yr old daughter while recovering and it is a challenge since we both live alone & are quite independent. Fortunately my heart is healthy other than the Sick Sinus Syndrome they said I had which should be corrected by this PM. I have alot of anxiety and I am anxious to get back to my exercise class (it was a low impact class and also went to Yoga).Please tell me it gets better.

Cornell

8 Comments

Hi Cornell Girl

by hotform - 2007-08-06 01:08:59

I does get better and the pain should start to lessen each day. Around the one month mark you should not be feeling much pain at all. If your pain is increasing or staying the same daily then you should talk to your doctor about it and have a recheck to make sure there isn't a problem.
Usually around month 3 people start feeling more normal and are generally feeling well and doing most of the activities they were able to do before the pacer and maybe even some they couldn't for quite a while because of heart function limits.
Take care and I hope you feel better soon. Rick

It Gets Better!

by hooimom - 2007-08-06 04:08:29

This is still really, really new for you. It does get much better. The pain should start to ease up soon but be careful about lifting that arm. It is easy not to lift it when it is sore but when it starts to feel better you can easily forget. Get plenty of rest. If you can't sleep at night, see if you can get naps in.

The anxiety is normal as well. I think almost everyone who has a PM has gone through feeling scared and sad. It is a big adjustment and it takes some time.

As far as exercise, I walked each night to start off and then worked my way back to my old routine. Yoga and some aerobics will be impossible until you are allowed to raise your arm. Your doctor should have told you how long that would be before your were discharged. I have heard anywhere from 4-6 weeks.

You have found a wonderful support system here. There are very helpful and knowledgeable people on this site who love to share. Ask anything or just vent!

Michelle

Yes it does get better!

by bambi - 2007-08-06 08:08:07

I can't add too much more to the already great comments in the above posts, except to also encourage you and welcome you to the club! Sometimes wearing the sling 24/7, causes the arm to feel stiff and sore. Maybe for a couple of hours when you're awake, like watching TV, you can remove the sling and gently, keeping your arm at waist level and below, move and stretch your arm! This used to make a world of difference to me! Michelle had a great idea about the walking! That truly helps too! Good luck!
Bambi

Sling

by hooimom - 2007-08-06 11:08:34

Bambi mentioned something that I forgot to mention. My doctor had me wear the sling to sleep and that was it. She said it was very important to use the arm so that the shoulder wouldn't freeze. My instructions were not to lift anything over 5 pounds and not to lift my arm up past shoulder level. Did your doctor give you instructions about the sling Cornell? If not, call the office and find out what their instructions are because some doctor's instructions vary a little.

Michelle

Hi

by randrews - 2007-08-07 01:08:14

I had SSS and got my pm 4 months ago. I didn't have a lot of pain but the anxiety was tough. It will all get better. Keep talking, and seek out encouraging people to help you with the changes you have gone through. Take care of the arm but stretch out and do some balance poses for yoga. You will be back at it before you know it. I must be tough having your daughter care for you. It is a gift though to have people we can lean on. Please use this site for encouragement and education. We Care!
Take care,
Rusty

Hi

by Fiona_R - 2007-08-07 09:08:39

Hi cornellgirl, I had my pacemaker implanted on Jul 30. So like you in the early days. I am still in pain, 8 days in. Try to get limited movement in your arm. I was never given a sling, just told not to raise my arm above my head. that is important. But on the other hand you dont want frozen shoulder. I am only taking pain meds at night, but I still feel uncomfortable. You will get a lot of useful info on this site.

Also we all know what you are going through.

Take Care

Fiona

Hi

by Lori - 2007-08-10 11:08:11

Hi cornellgirl, Hope you're doing well. Wodering what initial symptoms you had. I also heard the term sick sinus syndrome?

Pain

by bowsue - 2007-08-20 06:08:36

Hi Cornell girl:

I feel your pain very much; mine lasted 2 months. Do you have sutures (stiches) or glue. My upper chest and collar bone was all red and when I got out of bed it felt as though the pacer was moving.

It will subside believe me and you will gradually feel whole again. You must try and focus on mending. I did not wear a sling and I walked up and down my living room each time the pain got worse. I prayed and said how grateful I was to have good movement in my legs.

Through this wonderful site I read of a lady and frozen shoulder (I thought I was frozen all over, including my brain) and the Physical therapy she got. I immediately got PT and it was the biggest life saver. The gal massaged my shoulders and back and most delicately spread a little oil over the incision. She said it felt like leather - I was terrified when she touched it and she assured me she had treated many PM's before. Now after 8 weeks I am socializing again, but very gingerly.

Please get well and I know you will do some of the things we are suggesting. Much good luck and prayers for you.

Marie

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My pacemaker has ultimately saved mine and my unborn child’s life for which I am thankful.