Shoulder Pain 9 Months Post Pacemaker Implant

ask for PT

by Tracey_E - 2024-09-22 10:43:31

You might need to go through your primary rather than cardiolgy team, but we've had others that benefitted from some physical therapy to get help with shoulder mobility. 

Hi there

by Lavender - 2024-09-22 10:47:23

I'm going to direct you to re read your post from a few months back and those responses. Perhaps PT, massage and more investigation by your pcp would come up with more suggestions. My heart goes out to you in your continuing pain. 
 

Copy and paste:

https://www.pacemakerclub.com/message/44331

I do hope you will get some respite from your discomfort soon

by Gemita - 2024-09-22 11:45:16

Caitrin, I hope you won’t have to live with your bilateral shoulder pain for too much longer since I know you and your husband love golf and enjoy an active life.  

I see we responded to a similar post from you in March.  From your response then and now it appears you do not believe your shoulder pain to be Frozen Shoulder, although I am unclear if you have had an opinion from a shoulder specialist or have had any extensive physiotherapy to try to break the pain cycle? 

I do not know what you hope to hear from your electrophysiologist tomorrow.   Shoulder pain is not his area of expertise, although he will be more than aware of Frozen Shoulder affecting so many patients, especially those who tend to guard their pacemaker side arm for long periods following implant.  I know I did because of discomfort and fear that I might do some damage by stretching.

Upper extremity functions as you will read in the link, are clearly impaired after cardiac implantable electronic devices implantation in a significant number of patients. Pain and shoulder range of motion limitations were the most common upper extremity dysfunctions that were associated with cardiac implantable electronic devices implantation. Shoulder flexion, abduction and external rotation were the most frequently affected upper extremity range of motion. Contributing factors of upper extremity dysfunctions may be the dimension of the device, pectoral site of implantation and the upper extremity immobilisation practices after implantation. Upper extremity dysfunction is an overlooked complication of device implantation even though it may negatively impact quality of life. Therefore, measures to preserve and restore the shoulder joint function should be implemented after cardiac implantable electronic devices implantation.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10079016/

I had intermittent bilateral shoulder pain and nerve related complications too, as well as a partial blockage of my subclavian vein due to traumatic lead placement.  I experienced ischaemic related pain going right across my collarbone and that was very uncomfortable until I developed collateral vein circulation which is nature’s way of restoring adequate blood flow. 

I see you have lumbar and cervical spine stenosis.  I think it would be extremely helpful for you to get a shoulder specialist opinion, if you haven’t already done so, who can rule in or out other potential reasons for your continuing pain?

By the way your title for your Electrophysiologist’s assistant “battery assistant” amused me, since here in the UK in my hospital, an assistant to an Electrophysiologist would be a highly skilled "Scientist in Electrophysiology".  Our pacemaker devices are far more than just batteries anyway, aren’t they.  

I do hope you will get some answers and respite from your symptoms soon.

Shoulder Pain Nine Months Post Pacemaker Implant

by Caitrin - 2024-09-24 08:47:35

Gemita.  You are quite right stating that shoulder pain is not an electrophysiologist's area of expetise.  Thus when I brought this up at yesterday's appointment he referred me to my primary who I will see end of November.  Meanwhile I will seek the opinion of a shoulder specialist.    I agree as well that the specialist who actually performs the function of one''s pacemaker is indeed not the surgeon's "battery assistant."  In fact the surgeon simply reports/explains the results of the tests, i.e., percentage of time the battery is called to take over when pulse dips below 60 and the remaining life of the battery.

Regarding the risk of "frozen shoulder" post surgery I was advised to begin using my shoulder as soon as I could and did so.

I do appreciate the several comments to my second post on the forum and the link, Gemita, you provided which I have read and which indeed is of interest concerning my particular situation.

I will post more after I have seen a shoulder specialist assuming I can find one in my area or another practitioner who may be of help regarding my continuing shoulder pain.  Perhaps my orthopedic specialist can be of assistance.  In fact I will initially seek their advice.

Caitrin