weights and rugby

im a 21 year old male that has been having passing out episodes over the past 2 years. i had a Loop recorder implanted and that showed that i flat lined for around 10 seconds in my last passing out episode. My heart for some strange reason kick started its self again. The hospital dont know what is wrong with me but have stated that the main nerve from my brain to heart isnt working correctly and that is what is causing me to pass out.

I have now been fitted with a pacemaker and it has been 10 weeks now. i have started going back to the gym and im getting fit for the new rugby season in 2017. I have been told to take extra precaution when playing and to wear protective padding.

I just want to know that if i am able to do shoulder work and rowing again?

4 Comments

depends who you ask

by Tracey_E - 2016-11-01 10:17:19

Unless your device is very close to the collarbone or placed such that you'd be likely to hit it with a bar, you should be able to do whatever you want. Excessive repetition can cause wear on the leads, but rowing and shoulder work are both allowed, just don't go crazy. There are no studies or consistent rules so ask ten doctors, get ten different responses. I have been doing Crossfit for 5+ years now with my doctor's blessing and don't hold back at all. 

Agreed

by Good Dog - 2016-11-01 18:34:41

Tracey is correct. I have to commend you for not allowing your PM to hold you back. You do need to take a common sense approach to protecting yourself, but you should try to live your life in as normal a way as possible. I have read that repeditive exercise that causes the lead(s) to flex continually poses the greatest danger. So it depends upon where the leads are positioned relative to the exercise being performed. I've read stories about guys weight lifting to really bulk-up that have had lead fracturing problems, but they are lifting excessively. However, as Tracey said, it depends upon who you ask. Before I started to have arthritis problems I had been doing 300 to 400 pushups along with crunches and arm curls every morning . For maybe 20 years. I never had a problem. I think that you do need to cover and protect your PM as best as is possible. If you are hit in that spot I doubt you'd do damage to the PM, but it could really hurt like hell!

So go enjoy your life.

Sincerely,

David

Hello

by Sarbear - 2016-11-02 12:55:38

Hi there!

I am 25 and it sounds like you have the same condition that lead me to get a pm around 10 months ago.  Basically the Vesovegal nerve is overactive and istead of just dropping blood pressure, actually stops the heart.  I was flatlining for up to 15 seconds every time I passed out.  

As far as rowing and weights are concerned-I have rowed a full competetive rowing season since it was implanted and have done weights as well.  I waited 3 months before starting anything upper body related, but have gone back to my normal routine since then and have had no issues.  My doctor basically said it was better to take the small risks and enjoy life and maybe need to have a replacement than to be overcautious and give up what you want to do.  Good luck with everything!

Hey bro

by Glenny17 - 2016-11-20 01:14:41

I finally have found somebody that has the exact same condition as me. 

I've had mine for two years now. I'm not going to lie to you, I hate the GD thing. But c'est la vie. 

I have been active all my life (hockey, soccer and training). 

I'm doing everything I was doing before. I took about three months off to make sure I didn't mess anything up inside. 

Whats frustrating for me is I haven't had a reoccurrence since it was put in. 

To be honest, I'm glad I have a backup system per say, but I detest the fact that I have one. 

Cheers bro 

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