running

Hi,
had my pacemaker fitted six weeks ago,Previously had run 20 marathons,lots of half marathons & covered a lot of milage in training, prior to having my pm fitted i was running half marathons, i have now decided to run up to the half marathon distance[ lost intrest in marathons]can Any one out there give me any advice for starting to get back into running with a pm fitted.Also anyone experienced using a sauna / hot tub with a pm.
many thanks
tony

2 Comments

Runner Also

by LShaw - 2010-04-05 03:04:47

Hi Tony,

I am 56 years old and have been running 30 years. I had my pacemaker/defibrillator implanted in March 2008 for ventricular arrhythmia. In 2009, I ran 35 races in 7 states. I started gradually and let my body dictate how I felt. Most of the races have been 5 and 10K but also have run three half marathons and two 10 milers. This past weekend, at the 3 mile mark, my defibrillator went into effect. I knew something was not right and then, THUMP, and even jogged the last 100 meters and was first in my age group. More concerned now about the arrhythmia re-occurring but so thankful the defibrillator worked or I would be dead. Good Luck!

Hot tub/Sauna

by ElectricFrank - 2010-04-06 01:04:52

I have an above ground spa on my patio and use it at least twice a day. The only problem I had right after my implant in 2004 was that they had Rate Response turned on in the pacer. The vibration of the jets on my upper back would fool the pacer into thinking I was running and jack my HR up to max. Once I got that setting correct there is no problem. In fact I was back in the tub the day after I had replacement surgery in Jan. Just kept the incision out of the water.

More than a couple of days out of the hot tub and I go into withdrawal. LOL

frank

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You participate in the Pacer Olympics.

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Yesterday was my first day mountain biking after my implant. I wiped out several times and everything is fine. There are sports after pacemakers!