heavy weight lifting

Hello!
first time on here. I am 32 years old and just had a pacemaker fitted. I am 3 weeks out. After my 6 weeks of keeping my arm below my shoulder, i was told that i could return to activity. Before the PM i was in really good shape and weight lifted daily. Are there any lifts that I should stay away from? Bench press? Military press? I am very anxious to get back to normal. I am going crazy with this limited motion. Any feedback will help!

5 Comments

really depends

by turboz24 - 2013-06-20 07:06:36

This seems to depend from doctor to doctor. I was told I can do anything I want to, no restrictions on weight lifting at all. Some people are told to never lift anything over their shoulder, and some people are told to never essentially use their chest again.
It also depends on the routing of the wires, etc. My EP knew I was a weight lifter, so the routing of the lead was intended to prevent any issues with pinch that can occur in some instances.
As long as I'm not recovering from an ablation or something else, been weightlifting pretty hard since 2 weeks after my implant 6 years ago.

lifting

by Tracey_E - 2013-06-20 08:06:08

As turbo said, it varies from dr to dr. I was also told no restrictions, do whatever I want. Make sure the bar doesn't sit right on your device or leads when you clean the bar, that can do some damage. I've been doing Crossfit daily for 2 1/2 years now, no problems at all.

If your dr clears it, you should be able to exercise now, just don't use your arms yet. I was walking the day I got out of the hospital, using a stationary bike and elliptical until I was cleared to raise the arm and lift again.

thanks

by Tpeezy07 - 2013-06-20 09:06:17

I've been riding the bike for 2 weeks and feel fine. I can't wait to get back to my regular routine.

Recovery

by LeeT - 2013-06-27 04:06:05

Took me awhile to get back to weight lifting. I now focus on the lower body and arm work. Some guys do weights with out restriction but I not going to chance it. Been lifting for 22 yrs. Had my PM in January 18, . I am 71 move about easily quick on my feet etc. I am cautious. I sometimes feel a very slight needle point poke in my chest slight pains all new for me. Love weight training. Plan to continue.

A word of caution

by Creaky - 2013-08-01 10:08:54

I am 7 weeks out on new leads. Over my first 3 years with a PM, my leads fractured twice. So now my third procedure- I was lucky to finally find an EP in Boston that was able to extract the leads and reroute the new leads so "they say" I won't be as likely to break the leads.
I am 76 and was very fit, hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, gym, trailwork, etc.... Despite the reroute I intend to be much more careful, for example no bench press, clean and jerk, or similar. They also advise not to do machines that use repetetive back and forth movement.
So, you "pays your money and takes your choice" as they say. My advice FWIW- exercise vigorously but don't be cavalier.
Harry

You know you're wired when...

The dog’s invisible fence prevents you from leaving the backyard.

Member Quotes

I'm 35 and got my pacemaker a little over a year ago. It definitely is not a burden to me. In fact, I have more energy (which my husband enjoys), can do more things with my kids and have weight because of having the energy.