vibe machine

I have had my PM for 3 1/2 months now . Find that I am unable to get back into my walking like I did before PM. Does anyone know if I can safely use a vibe machine??? Had lost 50 lbs before Pm but since have gained 15lbs. So need some form of safe exercise. Thanks.

8 Comments

walking??

by chili13 - 2010-09-24 02:09:54

Binky- Tracey is right. During your next follow-up visit tell the tech you've been unable to get back into walking. If you can post why it is you can't walk, I can give you some feed back you can take to the next visit. At any rate, they can make many adjustments to customize your sensor at the follow-up appointment. A good tech will always walk with you. If they don't offer, ask them too. after each changes.

vibe

by Binky - 2010-09-24 07:09:08

don't think it is the Pm. just had a check up and all is well Still kind of nervous doing things but getting braver.As for the walking I seem to run out of energy before I go to far. Was walking 3 k a day before Pm, I started walking after my stroke a year ago in Aug. Seems strange but I bounced back from that quicker them with the Pm. maybe I'm being to careful because of the unknown. Plus my arthritis is really flaring up now. seems to be in every joint.
Also i am still having the rapid heart rate going on yet Being moniotored for this.
Thanks Binky
As for the tech walking with me no sure that will happen here in N.S. Can.

maybe

by Tracey_E - 2010-09-24 08:09:24

If you use rate response, a vibe machine will make your heart race.

Why can't you walk? If it's the pm, then it might need to be adjusted. If you were able to walk before, you should be able to walk now. If it's just boredom and lack of interest, maybe try swimming or the elliptical.

Binky!!!!!!!!!

by Pookie - 2010-09-24 10:09:21

Hi.

I am from Halifax!!!!!!!!!!!

I sent you a private message....upper right hand of this screen.

Yes, one of the Medtronic Reps will walk with you. Connie followed me up 8 flights with her high heels on!!!

So glad you found this site.

Pookie

Walking

by chili13 - 2010-09-24 10:09:25

Binky,

Glad to hear your device check when well. If your almost 4 months post-op you can take a deep breath; your leads are are secure and stable. The majority of issues occur within the first couple of weeks after implant. As time goes on your veins form a "web of fibrosis tissue" around the leads, keeping them very secure.

Sorry to hear about the arthritis, I'd image the walking probably helped with arthritis flare reduce flare ups in the past, perhaps?? As for your device, it sounds like all is working well, and that's great. If you enjoy walking and have no other health conditions (e.g., heart failure) that would otherwise explain your loss of energy early into a walks, then there is a good chance that some minor customizations to your device's activity sensor will make a difference for you. Activity sensors are frequently customized according to an individuals exercise routine, so its not a matter of problems with the device, rather of optimizing it for your walking routine. Unless a patient mentions difficulty with resuming an exercise routine, tech's will often ignore activity sensor options. When you say; you run out of energy before you go to far. You are describing a symptom very common to many pacemaker patients' that needed their activity sensors optimized. Of course there could always be other issues, but many times fine-tuning the device makes a significant improvement. Of course it's up to you, but if you haven't mentioned your walking routine to the tech, you may want to consider doing at your next visit. If you do, you'll want to tell the tech the following:

Your are having trouble getting back into your walking routine because you run out of energy shortly after starting. Then, ask the tech what he thinks about making the "activity sensor"a "little more responsive".

I hope you get to feeling better soon,

Take Care.

Thanks

by Binky - 2010-09-26 06:09:12

Really a newbie with this little device that has become my life line. Thanks for the infor Didn't know it had an activity sensor. will be asking to have that readjusted. Did manage a 20 min. walk yesterday. Was tired after and i think a turtle would have passed me but I did walk. Maybe my problem is I expect my walking speed to be up there where it was before PM. Will presist and thanks for the info as a newbie I have alot to learn.
binky

How's the Weather?

by ABelle - 2010-09-26 09:09:01

Hey Blinky. I had my PM put in close to 3 and half months ago as well. I've always been a big walker. It's one of the best parts of my day, but I've really had to force myself to get back into it post PM. I live in Alabama so the summers are a little hot to say the least, and it's really affected my ability to walk long distances. I found myself walking really early or really late to avoid the heat this summer. I'm back up to 3 miles a day, but there are still days I have to force myself to walk and only make it a mile, but at least we're out there walking. It seems like my energy levels are getting better all the time, and now that the weather is starting to cool off I feel like I can walk twice as far. If you're in a hot climate maybe you should try walking laps on an indoor track or at a local mall. The ac might help. Good luck, Anna

ABelle

by Binky - 2010-09-29 07:09:18

in NS we are at our cooler weather now which is good cause I find the hot weather wipes me out since PM. am now forcing myself out to walk before the snow and then will use my treadmill. not enjoying my walking now but maybe that will come. seemed to bounce back so much faster from my stroke but time will help I hope Thanks for your comment and best of luck with your walking and PM

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