Pacemaker and arm swelling

[Kansan]

I had a pacemaker put in in mid-June (2009).  It's on the left side.  My left arm is swollen, tight and sore and really has been for the last 7 or 8 weeks.  A dopler test revealed no blood clots.  My electrophysiologist said sometimes (but not usually) it takes the other smaller veins a while to get the blood rerouted.  He said since the test showed no blood clots, he's not particularly worried.  He said he thinks the swelling will go down in a few weeks as the collateral veins assume their work.  My left arm feels tight and is clearly larger than my right arm.  Any thoughts about this?

[shirley79443]

Hi: my husband has had 2 incidents with severe swollen arm and hand . He had a pacemaker inplantation in 2007 and it seems that twice since he had his surgery, he has experiencxed  a swollen left arm and hand, once in 2010 and again 6 wks ago. He had  to be fitted with sleeve and hand glove to help keep the swelling undercontrol. This last one was a blood clot in the joint of the elbow. HE IS STILL  suffering with the problem now. He is 85 yrs. old and  doesn't seem to be able to walk withjout the use of a walker now. I am his wife and I am very worried about his condition. I really think something went  wrong  with his surgery and it took awhile for all of this to show up.

[javak]

I am having same issue with swelling of left arm.  Dr. are like anyone else, they don't like to have their work questioned.  I am determined to get full use of left arm without pain and welling.  I worry about clot as swelling is sign of blood not flowing normally through the arm.  Remember, their are not stupid question.  Ask questions, don't demand.  WE all have thing go wrong through no fault of our own.  Dr. are same way.  Maybe one lead had rough spot witch caused fluid retention.  Biggest thing is not to have a blood clot that can bust loose and go to lungs, brain, etc.  Outcome not good when this happens.  Thanks for sharing.

[JustJanet]

My pacemaker was put in on May 26 this year.  It has moves up to my shoulder blade and I think still moving.  Next week I will go back to have it moved back and sewn into place.  It is uncomfortable to say the least.

[Jerry_NJ]

We have lots of people with pacemaker experience, hope you'll get something helpful.

I do not have any pacemaker experienc myself but do know there is often some tenderness in the area of the pacemaker (close to skin I guess).  

It sounds like your problems, while uncomfortable, are normal and you should fine ongoing improvement.

Hope improvement comes soon and fast,