Arm pain

[John]

I have a recurring pain in my left arm that starts at my elbow and radiates down toward my hand, almost as if I have hit my "funny bone". This pain starts with initial exertion from rest. If I continue the exertion, e.g. walking, jogging, etc. for about 5 minutes or so the pain always subsides and eventually goes away altogether. After this, I can continue to exercise at a vigorous rate or for an extended time without any pain. I have had a stress echo test which came out absolutely normal. I do have GERD and possibly a hiatal hernia, and I wonder if there might be some connection. I experience no chest pains at any time. Any insight on this would be appreciated.

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

I kind of doubt it is related to your GERD.  I'm not really sure what could be causing your symptoms.  Have you seen a neurologist?

[diana]

I too have a numb felling in my left arm.  I had a pacemaker put in about 2mths ago and the Dr ordered an ult of my subclavin vein to r/o a thrombosis.  The test came back negative but it is still numb and my hand swollen and  dark purple at times.  The more I use my hand the more numb it becomes. Do you have any ideal on what might be causing these strange symptoms?  Thank you for any input

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

I don't really know.  It is possible but unlikely that something happened during the pacemaker implant.  I would give it a little more time and if not improving would see a neurologist.