Been 2 Weeks ...

.... since I got my dual chamber Boitronik pacemaker. I had heart block. Was feeling fatigued ...ran/biked 3 to 4 times a week until my shortness of breath/dizzy spells caught up with me. My Dr. says its ok for me to walk, but wants me to hold off on the running for about another month due to all the bouncing so soon. So, I walked 3 miles 4 times last week. Feel great, but still a little concerned that I have a pacemaker. Can't wait until I start running...... but nervous about it. I guess as time passes..I will get more used to it? Anyway, I'm happy feel better, but ...concerned how much exercise I can do. We will see

7 Comments

Running

by Bostonstrong - 2013-09-17 11:09:16

Hi, I got my pm in June and went for a run that night, found a deserted hallway where it wouldn't disturb others. A friend who was with me sent me a pic of that this week, lovely gray socks with tread, stylish green hospital gown, robe from home, bulky dressing, and monitor attached, and my son running behind me. If your dr wants you to wait a month you should do that-the bouncing is tough on your incision. You are doing great to get 12 miles in in a week, it took me a little longer to start building up mileage, did 14.4 miles Sunday. You will be running again before you know it. It is normal to be concerned, this is still very new for you. It takes time to adjust. Stay strong and keep us posted.

Good for you!

by Grateful Heart - 2013-09-17 11:09:22

It sounds like you are recovering well. You will be back to your normal exercise routine very soon.

Glad you are feeling so much better, you're doing great.

Grateful Heart

Encouragement

by Galadriel - 2013-09-18 01:09:17

Hi and welcome to life with a pacemaker! I had mine fitted 3 weeks ago and went for my second run this morning. My pm seems to have bedded in really well and I wasn't very aware of it, just a bit nervous because it's all new. My cardiologist had said I could try a gentle jog after two weeks but go with your advice and how you feel. The main thing to bear in mind is that you are already fit and your return to running will be un hampered by heart problems.

Best of luck and happy running!

Cathy

Exercise

by gleesue - 2013-09-18 01:09:47

Don't be concerned about exercise. As you get stronger you can do all you want. I exercise vigorously almost every day. I bike, use an elliptical, lift weights, play tennis, golf, hike, kayak etc.

You can do everything you did before and more. Don't worry about that thing in your chest. Eventually you will get to the point you will hardly know you have it.

I also have the Biotronik and my EP has said he even has marathoners who have it.

Jerry

healing

by Tracey_E - 2013-09-18 11:09:01

I found that the better I felt and the more active I could be, the more I trusted the pm and stopped thinking about it. I rarely give it a thought now. Glad to hear you are already getting out and about!

If want some variety from walking, you could do a recumbent bike also. Really, anything low impact that doesn't use arms is ok.

You are WORRIED about the ...

by donr - 2013-09-19 08:09:22

...WRONG issue at two weeks Post-op!

Go to top right corner of page, use search feature. Search for "Some Tough Love for Newbies." Open & READ IT. I wrote it & it addresses what you should be thinking about at this point in your PM experience. It's based on what follows EVERY surgery you face, NOT just PM implant.

You mentioned "...concerned..." about having a PM. How would you feel at this point if you just had a hip job? a Knee replacement? I'll betcha a lot less concerned than w/ the PM. A natural feeling about PM's.

You are still in the time period where just the big cut is the REAL problem, not the reason for the cut. F'rinstance - I was eviscerated last 15 May (Lost 1bout 18" of my colon to a messy polyp that was non-malignant). Talk about an incision - ribcage to pubic bone. I'm just now really feeling like I'm over the incision & can work at anywhere near near a normal rate.

Too soon to worry about how much running you can do. Just be happy you can walk any distance & work on it from there as time passes & you feel better.

You have the rest of your life to run, bike, etc. Just be patient.

Just yesterday I was out on an errand w/ Wife & commented to her that I felt so agitated because I was not yet back up to normal work levels. She told me exactly what I'm telling you - it's coming; she can see improvement every day. Tough to take when YOU are on the receiving end of the advice.

Don

Running and I never did get along

by COBradyBunch - 2013-09-23 02:09:18

Something about 4 knee operations, and then getting hit by a car cycling home from work (this was 1 year after I got my pacemaker) but I cycle a lot, probably going to hit 7k miles this year. And we aren't talking about nice flat riding we are talking about the foothills and mountains here in Colorado. Most of my friends on Strava would probably freak if they realized the 54 year old FOG (fat old guy) that is chasing their KOMs has a pacemaker to boot but hey, when I got my pacemaker one thing I vowed was it wasn't going to change my life, at least not for the negative. Did keep me from passing out, did allow me to keep my license, but I still cycle, hike, play some basketball (the metal in my leg from the SUV v. Me accident has slowed that down) and do basically everything else I want. So yea, you will get back and when you do you will even have days you forget you have the pacemaker, like when I accidentally walk through the metal detectors heading into some sporting events... OOPS.

You know you're wired when...

“Batteries not included” takes on a new meaning.

Member Quotes

I'm 43 and have had my pacemaker four weeks today. I'm looking forward to living another 50 years and this marvelous device inside me will help me do that.