Time off after operation

I’m having a PM installed soon. Doc is very vague as to how long I need to wait before swimming. l Normaly lap swim for 1hr. I’m getting indications it will be months, not weeks. My layman’s common sense says once the incision has scarred, the lead ends would be anchored.

Any guidance would be most helpful.

Barry

 

6 Comments

swimming

by Tracey_E - 2018-02-25 14:12:52

Doctors vary anywhere from 2 to 8 weeks for full range of motion with the arms, average is 6 weeks. They also vary on how long to stay out of the water due to infection risk, anywhere from 10 to 30 days.

I'm on my 5th. I've seen them get shorter on the arm movement restrictions but more conservative about infection risk. When I had my last replacement 2 years ago was told no swimming or working up a good sweat for 30 days. Seemed kinda crazy to me, but otoh, infections are really nasty and can lead to the whole pacer coming out so I behaved myself. Better safe than sorry.

swimming

by softball35 - 2018-02-25 21:14:35

I was afraid to use my left arm after my pacemaker implant in 2011.  My shoulder almost froze up so I had to have physical therapy.  Just ease into it and you will be fine.  Increase what you do and after a week you will back to normal., I swim, lift weights, surf, play softball and golf.  I  hit a heavy punching bag for endurance.  So just do it!!!  Life is short so play more and work less.

No swimming for 6-8weeks

by PacerRep - 2018-02-25 23:53:51

You will need to keep your elbow below your shoulder line for 4 weeks, excessive overhead motions need to be limited until the 2month mark.

Thanks for your hel

by Bike boy - 2018-02-26 09:16:46

I’ve been concerned I won’t do enough or to much to soon.

Your collective input is much appreciated!

Thanks

 

Barry

 

 

Swimming

by Adrian II - 2018-02-26 15:37:38

Got my PM last July and was swimming about 6 weeks after.  Once the incision is completely healed I'd say you can do anything that feels comfortable. My golf swing was not for about 2 months and I still feel the PM poke me if I take too long a backswing.  I run, swim, golf and workout with weights with no limitations related to the PM.  Nonetheless you should avoid football and wrestling. 

TENNIS

by Neil Brown - 2018-03-03 12:59:00

Had a pacemaker implanted two weeks ago. Hoping to get back to the tennis courts in 2 weeks. Sound right? Doctor said I can probably start hitting then, and carefully ease into it over the following week or 2.. Similar to comment above, NP said once the outside wound looks healed, the inside is probably too and good to go.  Meanwhile, one more question: Even now at the 2 week point, is a stationary bike ok? CAn I get some cardio as long as I don't stress that left side/left arm?  All counsel welcomed.....

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I, too, am feeling tons better since my implant.