Body Building

I am 17 and I have had my pacemaker in for 2 1/2 weeks. My doctor finally gave me the go to work with 25-30lbs weights. What are some exercises that I can do without too much stress in my pacemaker area? (It is implanted under my chest muscle about an inch above my nipple) I worked out extensively for about a year before my surgery and have been itching to start again. Any help would be great. My physical therapist gave me the go to start working out lightly again as well, if there is anyone that has one and does any body building/weight lifting that can help me please let me know.

1 Comments

ease into it

by Tracey_E - 2013-05-03 10:05:37

I wouldn't go any heavier for 6-8 weeks, probably stick to mostly lower body work and aerobic exercise to give your body time to heal. I mostly walked with wrist and ankle weights and use the stationary bike while I healed.

Did they warn you about going over head? Drs vary on how long we should hold back but on average they tell us no heavy weights (my dr said 20#) for 6 weeks and no raising arm over shoulder level. After you heal fully (6-8 weeks up to 3 months depending who you ask), you should be able to do anything you want, just avoid anything that would involve the barbell sitting on your device, mostly cleans and presses. It sounds like yours is far enough down it won't be a problem.

Mine is lower, also, and I do pretty much anything I want. Inverted rows aggravate my scar tissue, that's about the only thing I don't do. I'm not worried about it doing damage, but I end up holding back for a few days after because it hurts.

You know you're wired when...

You have a new body part.

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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!