Chest pain with pacemaker

Posted by elizadolittle @elizadolittle, Jul 19, 2024

I had a pacemaker implanted 4 years ago. There are times I experience pain in my left chest. Sometimes it feels like a pulling. others like prickles. Since my operation for spinal stenosis, I'm using my left arm and hand more. I'm wondering if this has something to do with it.

My pacemaker is checked every six months and the reports are positive--no changes noted. I'd appreciate hearing other people's experiences with a pacemaker.

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Profile picture for elizadolittle @elizadolittle

@cottagecountry Thanks for that information. I don't know if mine is tacked to anything or it is just under the skin, etc. I will try a get pack for 10 or 15 minutes in the future.

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@elizadolittle has anyone noticed if your left shoulder has begun to shrink? I've noticed that the bra strap is looser than in the past. I've had to shorten the strap to keep it from falling down.
This wouldn't be a concern for the opposite sex. It's just annoying. I've had mine since 2020.

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Profile picture for dj61 @dj61

@cottagecountry I'm going to try this. I think I may have done a little to much this week. I was trying to help out with some painting in the house just the trim but I'm really feeling some discomfort in the left shoulder area.

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@dj61 I received my pacemaker just a little over a year ago. I haven't had any issues until now. I just think I over did myself. Feeling much better this morning. 😊

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I received my pacemaker in September, 2025. I recently tried carrying heavy groceries to assist my daughter. That was a mistake. I had to take 3 sick days from work. It’s only now after about 3 weeks of recovery that I feel stronger. It looks like lifting heavy things will not ever be possible with a pacemaker.

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Profile picture for mauricepower @mauricepower

I received my pacemaker in September, 2025. I recently tried carrying heavy groceries to assist my daughter. That was a mistake. I had to take 3 sick days from work. It’s only now after about 3 weeks of recovery that I feel stronger. It looks like lifting heavy things will not ever be possible with a pacemaker.

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@mauricepower
You have to learn to do some things differently. If left-handed, you have to use your right hand more. I had to learn to change the way I carry my purse for instance. Best of luck--and thanks for sharing.

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I have not found many things that I had to do differently with an ICD. Sleeping on my stomach is no longer comfortable. Holding a baby is cumbersome unless you normally hold one on the right side (glad grandson is 16, is beyond that stage), bra straps are often annoying, .... can't think of anything else that has changed since I became a bionic woman. @mauricepower, yes, lifting heavy items if you are not used to it can be an issue. I work out at the gym and have SLOWLY worked my way back to the weights I used before Buddy (my ICD) became a part of my life.

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Profile picture for Linda, Volunteer Mentor @walkinggirl

I have not found many things that I had to do differently with an ICD. Sleeping on my stomach is no longer comfortable. Holding a baby is cumbersome unless you normally hold one on the right side (glad grandson is 16, is beyond that stage), bra straps are often annoying, .... can't think of anything else that has changed since I became a bionic woman. @mauricepower, yes, lifting heavy items if you are not used to it can be an issue. I work out at the gym and have SLOWLY worked my way back to the weights I used before Buddy (my ICD) became a part of my life.

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@walkinggirl I found an online club for people with pacemakers, etc. Through that I found a company that made special pads you can attach to a bra. It was $25.00 US. It was supposed to be made of special material! I'm sure you could make one yourself with very silky cloth, a bit of padding and velcro for the straps to hold it in place. At the time, it was worth it for the increased comfort from the bra strap.
I don't work out at a gym. I just got myself a 7 lb. Pomeranian pup that I'm constantly lifting. She only fit one of my criteria for adopting a dog. She needed a home and the add said she would be perfect for a "senior." That's all I needed to enquire about her. I'd been rejected by a rescue organization. They didn't say it was due to my age. But their actions told it all. Another person, changed his mind 3 times about adopting out his dog to me. Anyway,
I have Miss Molly and I'm not feeling depressed--and I'm not a person given to depression. So far, I can hold her with my left arm.
Have a great day. We're in the midst of an atmospheric river of rain.

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Profile picture for lindat2025 @lindat2025

I had my pacemaker put in October 3 last year,I'm still getting used to it ,what bothers me is turning over to my right side in bed causing mine to hump up in my chest,sometimes I have to get out of bed to allow it to go back down.Has anyone else experience that.

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@lindat2025 I've had my pacemaker for nearly 7 years, have no problems at all with it. But when I turn over to my right side in bed it seems the pacemaker shifts towards my left shoulder and I can feel its edge against the tissue there. I've found it helpful to have a soft pillow under my left arm that raises the arm to the level of the rest of me when lay on my right side. It's comfortable and that way I don't think the pacemaker moves much if at all. Hope that helps.

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