Swelling

I am 3 and a half weeks post op and my scar is looking great.  The only thing that is bothering me is that my incision site is still swollen.  It has gone way down, but is still swollen nonetheless.  Is this normal? I really thought all of the swelling would be gone by now.  I have been using my arm regularly, but am going to be glad when I can start raising it above my shoulders.  

5 Comments

Swelling is a funny thing

by Gotrhythm - 2024-11-06 12:49:14

Like you, I was surprised at long the swelling took to go down.  It went away very, very slowly over several months, even though there was no problem at all with healing.

Do continue to use your arm. And don't worry if you accidentally forget and raise it. There really is very little danger at this point that you might dislodge the leads.

Hi

by Lavender - 2024-11-06 14:16:12

I was swollen til about my five week check. Each day improves a bit. After the five week check, I was cleared to lift my arm above the shoulder.  You're almost there. Your incision looking good is a very good sign. 

swelling

by Tracey_E - 2024-11-06 14:25:22

I still had swelling a couple of months after one of my replacements. The nurse suggested a heating pad on low which worked after only doing it once. 

Ugh, that swelling!

by karensoftball - 2024-11-06 17:16:32

I too had swelling for the first 3 weeks or so. Ice packs helped me a little, plus doing some movement that didn't raise my elbow above my shoulder and very light stretching. Like slow shoulder rolls with hands at sides.

A nurse friend figured its because we have lymph nodes in that area and everybody reacts differently. She told me to drink as much water as I could to help push fluid out. 

Yes, the day you can finally put your elbow above your shoulder will be an amazing day! I certainly enjoyed it!

 

Extra Bulk From Antibiotic Mesh?

by IrishToast - 2024-11-06 18:05:07

As recently discussed here, sometimes they put the pacemaker in an absorbable antibiotic mesh envelope, which would add more bulk until gradually dissolved over several weeks. So it could also be that.

You know you're wired when...

You invested in the Energizer battery company.

Member Quotes

My muscles are very sore but each day it gets better and my range of movement is improving.