Pacemaker placed 10 days ago

I had a pacemaker placed 10 days ago. I was told to take it easy for 2 weeks and not put my arm above my head in that time.

I normally lead a very busy, active life. I run a horse farm and my daily activities include: carrying water buckets, walking fences, carrying 50lb grain bags, throwing multiple bales of hay, running, riding, and dealing with lifting all sorts of things.

How long should I be NOT doing my normal activities? It's killing me to sit and watch this Summer go by and it's only been 10 days. I don't want complications but would also like to get on with things.

Just looking for timeframes, things to be careful of, and things to NOT do.

3 Comments

Hello Fellow Michigander

by NiceNiecey - 2014-07-29 11:07:37

and welcome back to the site. Are you male or female? It makes a difference with lifting, IMO.

Truthfully, I think your doctor is the one that knows you best but mine said not to lift much or raise that arm for 4 weeks.

Do you have a double lead device or just one lead? The fewer the better! I take it you don't have a defibrillator. If you're too aggressive about getting back to full-strength on the farm, you may regret it. Better to take it easy now than risk loosening a lead and being set back even further.

You can probably do a lot of your lifting work on the opposite side your PM was implanted. You can also walk, run, and ride in another few days. "Normal" activities for you may be another couple weeks away. I'll bet by mid-August you'll be back in the saddle.

Don't Rush

by PeteFindlay - 2014-07-30 05:07:23

Not worth the risk of complications with the incision or leads dislodging. Generally, 4 to 6 weeks, subject to medical checks, seems to be the guideline. I was given what seemed to be a standard 6-week restriction on moving and lifting with my left arm, then told 'Carry on as normal'. Beyond that, it's just being sensible with rehab, as for any other recovery. You should have a good basis to build on, given age and activity level beforehand.

Pete

Helpful

by aportice - 2014-07-30 09:07:00

You all have been very helpful. I didn't get alot of information presurgery since this was unplanned. I had a fast heart rate but I was also having slow rates at night and pauses after activity. In fact I passed out numerous times in a 2 hour period and my heart didn't regulate until in the ambulance sometime later. My problem was two fold. Meds and a pacemaker. Some of the information told me 2 weeks so I figured I was almost in the clear but somethings I read said 4-6 weeks.

I am a woman but I do have alot of upper body strength from working with horses since I was a kid. I have very strong shoulders and strength in my arms. Maybe that is why I am just now getting past the muscle pain. OUCH that was terrible.

I am just frustrated I think because I have to have help to do anything. Working and doing things in the barn which is normally my everyday requirement are still impossible. This isn't a do it just because I want to - it's a do it because I have to. I have 30+ horses to care for. Luckily my family has bucked up and helped it but we were thinking it was a short term help. Unfortunately every part of my day is lifting and using my arms. I guess it's time to rethink this then step back and punt again.

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