Arm movements during recovery from pacemaker

[Jonathan_C]

I had a pacemaker put in 19 July (writing this on the 26th) - Recovery so far has been a journey, but seems to be going well and as expected.

I have the "fear of dislodging the wire" haunt my every move.

Simple question - is it ok to bend your left arm in the way one needs to when eating with it during this period of recovery?

I sit up right when eating just like a refined English Gentleman gentlemansgazette.com/table...

So I bend my elbow, but do not ever (goodness me) lift it above should height.

[SchnauzerOtto]

It's important to stick to the recommendations, ie. not lift above shoulder height or bend across the front. BUT equally important to keep movement within possible range. I had a wire dislodged in the first night (was not put in right in the first place, so not down to movement) but then I was so cautious about not moving that I developed a blood cloth in the arm. It's a balance but the advice generally given at discharge is helpful or also I found advice on thr Pcaemaker Club forum useful.

All the best.

[Pouchielou1972]

I don't recall bending my arm when eating. I would usually treat my left arm as if it wasn't there to avoid dislodging the wires ..but saying that...it is absolutely vital to move it less than shoulder height every day using the exercise sheet the hospital should have hopefully provided which guides you through recommended movements for each week of recovery.I was a bit overcautious I think which meant by the time I was allowed to loft myarm above my shoulder after 6 weeks, my arm just wouldn't go as it had stiffened up..but it did eventually and I'm now back weight lifting.

[Jonathan_C in reply to Pouchielou1972]

I wasn't given an exercise sheet, but both importance of restricting arm movement and also to move it were emphasised

This appears to be a useful resource youtube.com/@ginahoegh

[Pouchielou1972 in reply to Jonathan_C]

The link you sent is really useful and better than the exercise sheet received. I wish I'd had this during my recovery, thank you.

[Buddy00]

carry on as normal, it’s very important to keep using your arm. As you say just don’t raise your elbow above your head.

[samui4611]

You will get back to normality,in time,different people recover in different ways.relax

I had mine replaced at 92, soon made a recovery.