Considering Pacemaker

I am a 66 year old who was a runner for 41 years until Afib ruined the party 13 months ago. I have had two ablations, and while the afib is now fairly minimal, I just cant run again because one of two things happen. My HR stays between 160-180 the entire time, or it returns to a normal area of 115-125 during a run, but then plumits to the low thirties in the hour after exercise. My EP has me considering a pacemaker. He has discussed single and dual chamber pacers. Has anyone chosen to have a pacemaker implanted, and did it allow you to get back to your exercise regime? Thanks Tom

2 Comments

get back to your exercise regi

by hb3 - 2018-01-01 06:06:47

I recently had a pacemaker and stent and so far notice no inprovement. My HR only went to 100 and rested at 40 and I excercised 3 times daily for over 40 years too. I still excercise daily 3 times at 67, regrettably I wore out my knees so I bicycle. Perhaps I should have tried  abilations instead?

Chose to have pacemaker

by PAMMY - 2018-01-02 16:30:14

Hi Tom

After running for several years, completing 14 London marathons and at the age of 55 I developed 2:1 heartblock in 2012 but only when I was running and my heart rate got up to abourt 140 bpm. .  I was told that if I wanted to carry on running then I was advised to have a pacemaker but did not need one.  As other members will know I was in a quandry whether to go ahead and came in this site asking for advice/opinions from members.  I was so glad I did as I went ahead and had one in 2013 after a lot of encouragement from PMC members.  If you read my previous posts you will see what I mean. I am still running regularly albeit I have not competed another marathon (yet!).  Talking from experience if I could go back and given the choice again I would still opt for the pacemaker.  However it does take a lot of tweaking with setting etcs at the pacemaker clinic  before getting it right.  Best of luck with your choice and keep us posted.  

Pammy

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The experience of having a couple of lengths of wire fed into your heart muscle and an electronic 'box' tucked under the skin is not an insignificant event, but you will survive.