Working out

MP and workingout

by tcportman - 2016-06-03 23:04:40

I'd like to know more about this too.  I got my Boston Scientific PM three weeks ago.  My doc said I could start running after just several days but no lifting for four weeks.  Mostly I started taking long walks.  After two weeks I went for a couple bike rides that seemed to go quite nicely.  My doctor also said I could work out my legs (I am doing squats with light weight) and right arm as much as I want as long as I keep the area of my pacemaker relatively stable.  He also actually said I could do lightweight curls with my left arm, again, as long as I keep the area around the pacemaker stable.  Today I ran, slowly, for a couple miles.  Felt just fine.  At four weeks I'll start some gentle gym workouts with weights but still avoiding things like lat pulls or deep bench presses.  I was instructed to not play golf for three months.  I was told that the ultimate in wound healing occurs in about three months and is referred to as "choniclly" healed at that point.  I am getting an appointment with a sports medicine doctor who has experience with heart conditions, pacemakers, and training.  I hope to learn a lot then.

Working-out

by Good Dog - 2016-06-04 11:32:30

There is no reason why you can't do anything. I have had my PM for 30 years and had worked-out regularly and rigorously. The only question will be how well your heart works on the high-end. In-other-words, does your heart pickup and work well above the max setting on your PM. That was the case with me. My max setting was 140 and when working out I would have my pulse above 180 without any problems. As I've gotten older that may not be the case anymore. If your heart doesn't do well on its own, that is where the activity sensor of your PM comes in handy. I have never had mine turned-on, but if you need a higher rate when working-out, then the activity sensor could be the answer. There are some folks on the formum that I hope chime in here, because they actually depend upon it when workling-out. Thing is; some PM manufacturers offer more robust features than others. I can't help much there, but there are some others in the forum that can. If I were you I'd start-out (working-out) slowly and gradually work your way up. Your body will tell you how you are doing if you pay attention. Really, if your HR picks-up well and you don't get light-headed or dizzy, then you are good. Just take it slow and monitor your pulse!

I wish you all the best!

David 

Working out

by Pebarguen - 2016-06-04 14:28:49

This helps tremendously!! With my heart, even before my pacemaker, it does well other than the I'm out of shape part lol. My heart just tends to pause occasionally and forget to send blood flow to my brain which can cause me to pass out but I've been feeling great and I think I am going to start slowly and work my way up. Keep me posted about when you go to the sports medicine Doctor! That info may be helpful, is truly appreciate it!! Thank you guys so much!!!

Also

by Good Dog - 2016-06-04 17:01:04

Just to add to my previous comment............My point was simply that people get PM's for different reasons. My PM was intended to keep my heart in sync (prevent heart block). Obviously, my problem was that my heart would slow too much. I had a 1st degree congenital block all the time. However, when exercising my heart worked great (once I got it going). It sounds like your situation is the same or similar. 

It is actually a good situation to be in, because with a PM you can pretty much do anything.

David

my experience

by Jonah - 2016-06-26 16:45:03

Ive had a BS pace/defib since 2011. Had to have it implanted after I had a cardiac arrest while sleeping. It was 3 months before I was cleared for any exercise and it was rough going in the beginning because my ejection fraction was low and my energy was low. Dr told me to lift no more than 20lbs. Being a former bodybuilder and strength athlete this was very disheartening.  Fastforward-Currently I train relatively hard but keep to under my max to try to not overstrain my heart. Train 5 days a week normally and lift relatively heavy. 405lb deadlift on heavy days for example. I do my best to keep hydrated, cool and take breaks between sets to allow my heartrate to slow. Have a fitbit to monitor hr but its not the greatest. So...42 years old, heavy weightlifting, cardio often and havnt had any "events" since 2011. I even went a hiked 12miles in Yosemite last weekend with no issues. There is the possibility of an active exercise full life with a pm. Take it easy, monitor your heartrate and dont push to your max.

Hope all is well

J