Post Pacemaker pain

[Sorre1]

First post so apologies if I get things wrong.

Had a dual lead a pacemaker fitted 7 days ago as I have occasional brachycardia plus Paroxismal AF. Cardiologist wants the Pacemaker to control the heat rate (sometimes as low as 35bpm) so he can increase Bisoprolol and prescribe Flecainide to deal with the fast bits.

I did my research, read all the info about surgery and expected pain for a couple of days but after a week it’s no better. There’s no redness or heat but some swelling above and below the wound which was closed with surgical glue (still there).

The main pain is around my shoulder, both behind and all around the incision area. Wasn’t too bad Sunday/Monday but it’s worse today. I’m trying to be careful with movements but it’s awkward because I’m left-handed and I’m wondering if I’m doing too much. Any help appreciated

[fantasyfanuk]

Hi Sorre1, I had a dual lead pacemaker for 2 years and it’s now been replaced with a 3 lead biventricular device. Both times I had quite a lot of pain and big bruising around the site for some time. But if it’s getting worse than it was, you could ring the pacer clinic for advice. I’ve done this a few times and they have always been very helpful. There’s always someone there for queries during working hours. I’m afraid I didn’t find the advice on pain and timescale for returning to work particularly accurate! The second time I knew more what to expect which helped. I certainly tried not to do very much with that shoulder and arm for a while, other than keeping the joints mobile, as I didn’t want to dislodge anything. I hope everything settles down for you.

[Sorre1 in reply to fantasyfanuk]

Thanks. Rang them and going to get it checked tomorrow

[bantam12 in reply to Sorre1]

I had mine in Feb and can honestly say it was way more painful than I had been led to believe ! It took a good 6 weeks before the pain subsided and even now 5 months on I still get days where my arm and shoulder ache if I've done to much, the pm also catches me if I stretch my arm forward so it's quite restricting but overall I'm so glad I went for it.

[Thanksnhs]

Hi I don't have a pacemaker it's an icd I have but assume they are put in the same way, mine took ages to settle in, I ended up with a frozen shoulder which was agony for months it took a cortisone injection before the pain eased, they said I had either moved my arm too much or too little so to this day I am none the wiser, I am thin and I still have pain when it moves, if I lie on that side, I am just used to it now and it did save my life, I hope you get yours sorted out, take care char