Trying to get active again

I got my pacemaker in 2011 when I was 24. Before the pacemaker I was very active - constant trips to the track and a few programs like P90X. After the pacemaker I pretty much shut down. I gained 80lbs and was so in my head about things I couldn't even jog up a flight of stairs.

I have finally come out on the other side of things and have been going to the track again. I still have to work to not be too paranoid. I would like to work back up to run a half marathon later in the year.. My doctor has cleared me for all exercises except cross fit, pull ups, and push ups but I still fatigue easily and worry when I feel it going off. Any tips to exercising or ways to avoid the mental game of being active with a pacemaker?

5 Comments

Go for it

by chatterbox3110 - 2016-03-18 05:03:10

If you've been passed fit for everything else but what you've mentioned, there's nothing stopping you but yourself. I had my PM fitted end of November, and I'm now back walking several miles a day. I can't do arm exercise because I damaged my shoulder a few days before the PM was fitted (long story), but I went to Turkey last week and was able to swim of a fashion, albeit doggy paddle!!

Just ease yourself back into it gently, that's what I've done, the PM is there to help you, not be the end of life as we knew it :)

Good luck!

welcome to the other side!

by Tracey_E - 2016-03-18 07:03:11

Glad to hear you are ready to move on! For me, being active and feeling good was all it took for the paranoia to gradually go away. The more I could do, the better I felt, the less I thought about it.

Fatigue is normal and to be expected, try to be patient and fight through it. We decondition pretty quickly, and the weight is not insignificant so you're up against two challenges. Fitness is 20% exercise/80% diet, so what you put in your mouth will affect how quickly you get your energy back.

Pick something fun so you're having a good time, not thinking about the pacer. Start slowly and don't set goals that are too high or unrealistic because if you don't make it, you'll be discouraged and that makes it harder to keep going. There are lots of couch to 5k programs that are great for getting started moving again.

Why no CF, pull ups or push ups? I do all three, quite a few of us here do. If there's a solid reason, then listen to your doc. If it was an offhand remark because he doesn't have other active patients, then I'd ask again. (assuming it's something you want to try, but you did P90X so I'm guessing you would) CF works for me because the coaches make it fun and it changes every day so I never get bored.

Bottom line, doesn't matter much what you do, just pick something and DO it!

Thanks!

by emmasrekrab - 2016-03-20 01:03:59

I think my dr's aversion to cross fit etc is a personal thing. Per usual, when I asked if I could do certain activities instead of a straight yes or no I got a lecture on why she thinks it's a dumb thing to do. I've been reading everyone's posts about exercising and being active, and it has been very encouraging! Looking forward to getting back in shape and, like you said, getting over the paranoia by realizing what I can do instead of dwelling on what I can't.

Welcome back !

by lahbigbro6 - 2016-03-20 03:03:32

I have been exercising for years before and after my 1st pacemaker. But, seriously for 3 years with a 5-6 days a week schedule. Nothing hardcore but enjoy it. I feel so great after a workout, your mind and body feels great. I ask a lot of questions on this site and everyone is very helpful. Right now I have a toe infection "long story short...went to foot doc to take care of toe nail and now infection". I cannot wait to workout ...hopefully it clears fast.

one of those

by Tracey_E - 2016-03-21 08:03:48

I just love that attitude (insert sarcasm font), judging what they don't know. There are people who do Crossfit stupidly, they get too competitive and don't listen to their bodies. There are good and bad boxes, good and bad coaches. Imo the important thing is it's fun so I stick with it, and it works so I'm in the best shape of my life. I know my doc has his doubts (he never tells me no but he does roll his eyes occasionally lol) but he's said he wishes all his patients took fitness as seriously as I do. He knows I push it, but he also knows I'm not going to do anything stupid, that I listen to my body and respect my limits.

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