Triathlon and new pacemaker

Hi folks,
Well I got to join the club this last week. Not something I had in my plans. I'm right in the middle of training for a 70.3 Ironman. I'm told I can resume cycling and running within a couple weeks but will need to stay out of the pool for 3-6 weeks. What has been the "norm" around here with the athletes?

I had a case of A-Fib a month ago, then an echocardiogram done that was "normal". I wore a monitor for a week and that's when they found that my heart was "taking a brake" (AV-block)at in opportune times, although I wasn't having typical symptoms. The lack of daily symptoms made it hard to accept as well.

Anyway, I have no doubt I'll have lots of questions for you all in the next few weeks/months.

Thanks

5 Comments

Yay!!!

by Firefoy - 2014-04-06 01:04:10

Finally another person on here that is younger than I am. I got my PM over 3 years ago for SSS and Chronotropic Incompetence. After a little bit of trial and error with the settings I am back to my full training schedule. I have throttled back the intensity and increased the duration. I am running 50+ miles a week, weight training 2-3 times a week, and cycling when I can. Don't try swimming until the Doc gives you the OK to make sure that your leads are secure. It's worth the wait now. Good luck with everything.

training

by Tracey_E - 2014-04-06 08:04:48

When is your race? Running and cycling don't put any stress on the leads so you can do those as soon as you feel up to it. We're generally told not to raise the arm higher than shoulder level or lift anything heavy for 6 weeks. Some drs say more, some say less, but 6 weeks is average. You can swim a little after 3 weeks, but I'd probably wait closer to 6 for any heavy training in the pool.

Once this healing period is over, you should be able to do whatever you want. Odds are good your performance will improve now that your heart is beating like it should. Good luck and welcome to the club. Don't be shy with the questions.

Uh - Let's talk about.....

by donr - 2014-04-06 09:04:41

.....younger than you!

I don't care how old you are there is always someone younger than you w/ a PM or ICD.

For your own edification, look up in the Photo Gallery AbigailWinthrop & UVAGershwin.

Donr

Swimming

by Bostonstrong - 2014-04-06 10:04:29

I was swimming a week after the implant but I used a sterile clear waterproof dressing. Also was careful how I moved my arm. Sort of. But you should do whatever your doctor advises, you don't want to dislodge a lead. Good luck with your ironman!

Welcome!

by NiceNiecey - 2014-04-06 12:04:20

You are much younger that me (55) but we have some similarities. I, too, am forgiven; thank goodness. I was formerly much more athletic than I have been in the past 3 years. Without realizing it, I may have been compensating for my low energy by slowly dropping out of my athletic activities. I'm gaining weight so I need to step it up again and resume my former activities.

I am 3 months post PM and am feeling better every week. Contrary to the initial comments of the cardiologist that released me from the hospital Christmas Day, I was NOT able to carry on with business as usual "without missing a beat." I felt horrible. My heart was beating irregularly, I also got Afib, and then developed a blood clot. I kept walking a mile or so each day, despite feeling terrible, but do as much as you feel you're able.

BTW, we all had "slacker" hearts that were sleeping on the job. Thank God for PMs and the "club." I find the posts on here very helpful.

Fearfully and wonderfully made,
Niecey

You know you're wired when...

You have an excuse for gaining an extra ounce or two.

Member Quotes

My pacemaker was installed in 1998 and I have not felt better. The mental part is the toughest.