My Shoulders Hurt!

Hi Everyone, my name is Jen and I'm from Scotland. I got my pacemaker just there on Friday 09th November because I've had neurocardiogenic syncope for at least 8 years and none of the meds have worked. I had the pacemaker checked on Monday and the technician said that it's been activated 15 times in 3 days which is a lot apparently. My problem just now is that although the scar hurts sometimes my left shoulder is absolute agony all the time. The pacemaker is right under the collar bone and no matter what position the arm is in it's like all the muscles at the back of the shoulder are cramped. Does anyone have any advice on how to tackle this?

6 Comments

Welcome

by Carol - 2007-11-13 01:11:29

Hi! My PM was placed in October of this year but under the pectoral muscle, My shoulder still gets sore at times usually when I use it a little more than usual. You might try either moist heat or cold compresses -whichever works best for you to relax those shoulder muscles. Don't put it directly over the PM site more like from the top of the shoulder to the back. For me it's moist heat in the form of rice/flax seed pads that I heat up in the microwave and keep in place for about 20 min. 3-4 times a day-very soothing. Even a gentle massage to the back of the shoulder might help "untie those knots". Susan is right in that having extreme pain slows the healing process as tight muscles from pain slows blood supply to the area and consequently slows our natural healing. Good luck and hope you're feling bettr soon. Carol

I used a sling

by TexasAngel - 2007-11-13 08:11:28

I used a sling for a couple of weeks after my surgery to help take some of the pressure off. It also reminded me not to raise my arm above shoulder height. I also used a squishy pillow to put my elbow/arm on when I slept. But if you have any concerns call your doctor's office. That's why they get the big bucks. :-) I hope you are feeling better soon!

Michelle in Texas

ask the doc

by boatman50 - 2007-11-13 09:11:31

Hi Jen, welcome to the club. Its been almost 18 months for me now and my shoulder still hurts sometimes. I think they bend you like a pretzel to get those wires in. In time it has gotten much better. However I think you should contact the doc and let him know whats going on. I had a pain in my shoulder back and neck 2 days after the implant and had toi have the leads put in again.
Good luck and stay in touch, Boatman

It does get better...

by auntiesamm - 2007-11-14 12:11:42

Hello Jen,
I am pleased for you to have found this wonderful Pacemaker Club and its' terrific members. There aren't enough words to describe either - club or members. I have had my PM since May 2006 and other than the first few days have had no pain or discomfort of any kind as a result. But, we are all very different as are the EPs or Cardiologists who do the procedure. No two of us can expect the very exact same outcome. Some of the folks here have had a myriad of problems linked to the PM. Much also depends on the general health of the individual. The fact your PM fired 15 times in 3 days confirms your need for it. How were you feeling prior to the PM? I absolutely am grateful for every single day! When I think of what the alternative could have been I appreciate this little technologic gem so much. You will eventually get to this point - but you are really early in your recovery and adjustment to the PM. Be patient (I know it's hard) and stay connected here. There are so many kind, loving, caring people on here who are generous in their sharing of information and experiences. I found this site 2 days after I got my PM and it has been a tremendous blessing to me. I love these "best friends" who I have never met! Good luck and God bless you.
Sharon (SO CA)

Hang in there!

by mandogrl - 2007-11-15 11:11:18

Hi and welcome to the "Club You Never Wanted To Be a Member Of!" I had mine installed a little over 2 months ago. Mine is for neurocardiogenic syncope also. Until the 6th week I wa feeling pretty discouraged with the pains, but then most of them eased up a lot. It seemed like moving my left arm all around again might have helped. Maybe moving it loosened up the tissues around it(?) The 1st 2 days of moving it over my head again were not fun, but that makes sense.
Anyway, as you read the experiences of the others, you'll see that we all have different experiences with our illnesses, pacemakers, and recovery. The consesnus seems to be we get to feel pretty much better as it heals. Good luck, and keep in touch.

recharger

by carolyn-p - 2008-01-09 04:01:30

I had some pain in my shoulder and it turned out that every time my pm fired my shoulder would twitch. My Cardiologist said it was from the "battery recharger" and he shut it off and after a day or two the pain was gone.
Good Luck!

You know you're wired when...

Like the Energizer Bunny, you keep going.

Member Quotes

So, my advice is to go about your daily routine and forget that you have a pacemaker implanted in your body.