avoiding "Lead Crush & Exercise"

I Have fallen victim of the condition known as "Lead Crush". I will be under the knife again Monday and getting a new lead installed.
The issue and question is How do I maintain upper body and what exercises MUST be avoided so not to go through this again.
all I get is general statements about "no upper body workout".
It's not that simple !
I have spoken to a Professional trainer and he said a great deal of upper body strength training would be ok but I get nothing but the general statements from the medical field.
Wanting to make a prudent decision. Example : curls have nothing to do with chest and the pacemaker area and the trainer so good to go but ????????? some medical folks say NO.

anyone have any feedback that might help or a direction to point to

3 Comments

no solid answers

by Tracey_E - 2016-01-01 02:01:23

There are not enough of us out here who have been paced long term to really know what's ok and what is not so there are no definitive rules or guidelines. Ask ten doctors, get ten answers. My doc is on the liberal end of the spectrum, said stop if it doesn't feel right but other than that go for it. Some of it has to do with our build and where the pm is placed. Mine is low under the pectorals so it doesn't get in the way, I do whatever I want (Crossfit, Olympic lifting, kayaking) and have never had a problem. Others do a fraction of what I do and have hurt leads, however I believe more are like me and damaged leads are the exception.

You said crush, was the lead damaged from the collar bone? If that's the case, when they redo it, ask them about going lower this time so it's not an issue. Subpectoral is also an option. Healing is longer because it's a lot more invasive but once it heals, it's out of the way.

Is your doctor active? I've found that active doctors are a lot more willing to work with us than the couch potatoes, more likely to find a way to make it happen than simply say no. Perhaps a consult with another dr before the surgery might be helpful.

subclavian crush?

by BillH - 2016-01-01 03:01:54

The most common way to run a lead is via the subclavian vein and in prone to crush problems.

A friend of mine that is a cardiac technician that works with athletes say that you should request that the cephalic vein instead.

Googling there is appears the axillary vein is another option.

Lead crush.

by gleesue - 2016-01-05 09:01:53

My first question is how did you get lead crush? What ever you did, don't do it again.

I made a few alterations to my work out routine after my PM. I have a gym in my basement. I don't do bench presses any more. I do them on a machine sitting, so I don't have to worry about the bar hitting my chest. I also don't do military presses with a bar. I used dumbbells now. I try to do weights 3 times a week and cardio 3 times a week. I also do a lot of kayaking in the summer, golf, hike, jet ski etc. My cardio is either biking or elliptical.

I would think presses would be about the only way you could crush a lead. Modify those and you should be OK.

Like Tracy, my EP is liberal. His advice, if it hurts don't do it.

Jerry

You know you're wired when...

You run like the bionic man.

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