Bicycling

Hi all,

I am very new here. Had a pacemaker put in around 6 weeks ago. I am trying to get back on my bike. I want to start training for a tour I plan for next year.

Any advice, on how to start without causing my PM to explode.

thank you.

8 Comments

New Pacemakerr

by The Peddler - 2009-09-01 11:09:07

Welcome to the Pacemaekr Club. Hope you enjoy what you see here as much as I have.

Number one is forget that you have a pacemaker. Seriously, at 6 weeks, if there is no soreness around the pacemaker location, the incision is healed and the leads should be set pretty good, and about the only thing you have to think about is not getting a direct blow on your pacemaker. Even that is not likely to hurt the pacemaker, but it will certainly hurt you. Of course you don't want to get into any strong electromagnetic fields, but they are hard to find so I never worry about them

As for your exercise programs the pacemaker does not care what you do. It will sit there and monitor your heart beat and if it thinks you heart's natural pacemaker is not sending an impulse to make your heart beat the pacemaker will, but nothing unusual about as that is what it does regardless of what you are doing.

So get on with your cycling and let the pacemaker take care of it assigned duties.

Good luck,

explosions

by Tracey_E - 2009-09-02 06:09:39

It won't do anything weird, it'll just keep your heart beating nice and steady so you can train! Many of us bike, go for it.

Advice

by Quemal - 2009-09-02 07:09:41

Thanks for all the advice.

new pacemaker

by Paulma - 2009-09-03 06:09:51

Hi,

I am from Perth Western Austalia and had the pacemaker put in about 5 days ago. Being 46 and an avid cyclist I am very keen to get back on the bike. It is very reasurring to read these comments as well as finding this club. I will certainly be reading these forums regularly.

My problem was a slow pulse and it is now set at 60 so feeling a bit strange at the moment. I was hoping to return to work yesterday but still feeling a bit sore and sorry for myself. Hopefully will return in the next 5 days.

Paul

GO FOR IT!!!!

by COBradyBunch - 2009-09-03 08:09:43

I started exercising just more than one week after I was released, keeping in the 'fat burning' 65% - 70%. Once I got the go ahead for full out exercise (4 weeks) I picked up the pace and actually at 6 weeks the doc had me in for a treadmill and I got up to within 3 beats of my theoretical max (167). But I did that with my docs okay as well. My problem is a heart that likes to take naps and stop beating all together for several seconds. Always restarts (so far) but the slowdowns were too much so I am set to have the pacer kick in when I get below 50 (normal RHR was high 50's).

So check with your doc, but basically get back on the bike and have fun. He might want you on a trainer or stationary bike until the leads have a chance to set but after that (4-6 weeks) you shouldn't have any other issues unless your doc says so.

My first ride

by Quemal - 2009-09-06 02:09:32

I talked with my GP, and he is not worried about my starting slow and building up over the next month or so.

Well, I finally got back on my bike today. Only went a couple of miles, but really enjoyed it. I discovered, because it has been awhile since I last was able to ride, I am SO out of shape.


I did notice that I am getting winded, when going up hill. I hope this is due to my lack of fitness.

I am going to try a longer ride tomorrow.

cycling

by seeker581 - 2009-09-06 07:09:48

Hello Quemal.
I just finished a five day cycling tour of the Canadian Rocky Mountains.After receiving my pm three years ago I was a little hesitant about doing anymore long distance cycling.However having a pm should not prevent you from resuming the activities you enjoy.You simply have too give yourself some time too regain your endurance.Good luck.

Getting better

by Quemal - 2009-09-08 08:09:21

Well, on Labor Day, I made just over 11 miles. With a couple of hills! I did notice that even though my heart rate jumps to 130 very quickly, it also drops to "normal" just as fast.

It's beginning to look like I will be able to make that tour next year.

You know you're wired when...

You have a little piece of high-tech in your chest.

Member Quotes

I have had my pacer since 2005. At first it ruled my life. It took some time to calm down and make the mental adjustment. I had trouble sleeping and I worried a lot about pulling wires. Now I just live my life as I wish.