Chest pain with pacemaker

You could be right. I had my device implanted 2 years ago and I find when I use my left hand/arm more than usual - like doing gardening or perhaps when driving the riding lawnmower - the area around my device bothers me. I have found that using a gel pack from the refrigerator, wrapped in a towel, and placed over the generator for 10 or 15 minutes, really helps soothe any discomfort.
My device is tacked to my pectoral muscle with a stitch and I am sure it gets irritated from time to time. I hope my suggestion offers you some relief.

Thanks, your comments are reassuring. I hadn't thought of using a gel pack or anything else. It's not severe, just a little concerning because I was told there would be no pain. I'm not sure what mine is tacked to. Thanks again, for your reply.

@elizadolittle
I see you had your implanted 4 years ago. I have had one since 2006 and on my 3rd one. Mine was put in below my chest muscle on left side because I did not have enough skin thickness.

I was told would take a year to get used to it and they were right. However you have a foreign object in your body. Your body will automatically encapsulate the pacemaker. Thus using muscles, movement in that area will cause the pacemaker to interact more.

I found that raising my left arm above my head really affected my pacemaker and movement. I do water aerobics and a lot of movement was above your head. I quit doing arm movements above my head on left side and it really helped. Try doing things that reduce the irritation in that area. I also found doing slow movements and not quick jerks can also help when using the muscles and arm movements on upper left side.

I am not sure if you have a PACE CLINIC like Mayo Jacksonville has. They can work with you to reduce the discomfort you are feeling. Just remember that the device is not that small that it is not going to move or be affected by arm and muscle movements in that area. Just find ways to redue it and talk to your EP and Pace Clinic if you have one.

I get it checked every six months, but I haven't really discussed it with any medical personnel. I had an operation for spinal stenosis, a year and a half ago and I find if I use my left arm more, my right side is protected which is where the operation took place at L4 and L5..

I'm glad to hear from people with similar experiences. Mine is quite high up near the collar bone. It makes a difference to hear others experiences. Thank you.

Has anyone used PEA as a pain killer? I've been reading about it. But I think I would give greater credit to someone connected to Mayo.