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Is There A Connection Between My Right Arm And Hand Hurting Which Is The Same Side As An Inserted Pacemaker?
Question: I had a pacemaker inserted two weeks ago and now my right arm & hand hurt on the same side as the pacemaker, is there a connection?
Brief Answer:
It may or may not be related
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Since when you are having this pain? Pain may or may not be related to pacemaker surgery. Do you have any swelling or pain at pacemaker site, any swelling or edema of hand and arm ? If yes then it can be a pacemaker related pain, otherwise should be unrelated.
Did you have similar kind of pain in the past as well ? Commonly such pains are caused by cervical spine problem, and may have neck pain, headache, tingling, numbness, burning in the arm. This may be increased by neck or arm movements. So basically there can be multiple causes for these kind of pain. So you please get back to me with some more details of the pain like onset, duration, aggravating and relieving factors and other above factors.
You may have paracetamol 500 mg sos upto three to four times a day, for pain relief.
Hope this helps you and get back if you have any doubts or more information to share.
It may or may not be related
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Since when you are having this pain? Pain may or may not be related to pacemaker surgery. Do you have any swelling or pain at pacemaker site, any swelling or edema of hand and arm ? If yes then it can be a pacemaker related pain, otherwise should be unrelated.
Did you have similar kind of pain in the past as well ? Commonly such pains are caused by cervical spine problem, and may have neck pain, headache, tingling, numbness, burning in the arm. This may be increased by neck or arm movements. So basically there can be multiple causes for these kind of pain. So you please get back to me with some more details of the pain like onset, duration, aggravating and relieving factors and other above factors.
You may have paracetamol 500 mg sos upto three to four times a day, for pain relief.
Hope this helps you and get back if you have any doubts or more information to share.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Remy Koshy
Yes I do have swelling of the pinky & ring finger and the hand is hot to the touch. the under-arm is warm to the touch. What do I do now that I know it is related to the Pacemaker?
Brief Answer:
Elevate your limb
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
So, now you should visit the cardiologist for examination of the limb and if convincing on examination then he ll do venography of the limb to look for blockages in vein which can occur in post pacemaker patient. On confirmation, you ll started on blood thinners.
Meanwhile, you should elevate your arm using pillows to reduce swelling and pain. The swelling is new onset right, it wasn't there before? Although, sometimes, pain may be there due to arm movements restrictions, but since you have other symptoms as well, we should rule out blockages in the vein, especially if this is not settled in a day or two. All the best.
Elevate your limb
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
So, now you should visit the cardiologist for examination of the limb and if convincing on examination then he ll do venography of the limb to look for blockages in vein which can occur in post pacemaker patient. On confirmation, you ll started on blood thinners.
Meanwhile, you should elevate your arm using pillows to reduce swelling and pain. The swelling is new onset right, it wasn't there before? Although, sometimes, pain may be there due to arm movements restrictions, but since you have other symptoms as well, we should rule out blockages in the vein, especially if this is not settled in a day or two. All the best.
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
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