Replies to Here's some follow-up comments to my initial question about tightness and pulling. Since writing that, I've…

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Pacemaker & ICDs | Last Active: Sep 4 6:00pm | Replies (8)

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@patty78

Here's some follow-up comments to my initial question about tightness and pulling. Since writing that, I've had a visit to my cardiologist - the typical one year post surgery appointment. I described the pulling and tightness in the left shoulder, neck, etc. His suggestion was to use a towel to stretch the area. Demonstrated by holding his right hand above his head, hold a towel (or other 2 or 3 feet long cloth) in the right hand, reach the left hand behind your back and grasp the towel, then pull slightly upward with right hand. It does relieve the pulling and tightness.

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Replies to "Here's some follow-up comments to my initial question about tightness and pulling. Since writing that, I've..."

jc76 | @jc76 | Sep 4 4:45pm

@patty78
Really sounds like you got a cardiologist.

Since I have had 3 ICD/Pacemaker implants have gone through the surgery three times. The first was the worst but that word is missleading as had minor irritation.

When you have the surgery like any other sugery they have to open the skin (and in my case my pectoral muscle also) and the skin is going to be tight as they have to pull it back together and now the increase in bulk with the device in. That is going to make it tight and you are going to feel it when you move certain ways.

Over time the skin will stretch and this will slowly improve. Your cardiologist gave you some great stretches to do to help with this. These type exercises will help stretch the skin.

Just be aware you have a foreign device in your body and just be careful with any extreme motions of the arm on the side of your device. And try to keep any outward pressure away from the device. This was told to me the first time so kind of an old pro with the surgeries. I have another coming up in 3 years. I will be 81 when I get my 4th one. I wonder if the device is usually good (battery) 8-10 years I hope I have to deal with another one after my 4th.

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