Pacemaker and contortion?

Hi! Im only 20 and ive been implanted with a pacemaker two weeks ago. I was looking for opinions on if i can do things like contortion, gymnastics, etc once im fully healed? I will be asking my doctors their opinions as well but wanted the opinion from other pacemaker patients as well. Thank you!

3 Comments

probably

by Tracey_E - 2018-05-29 14:33:21

Full contact sports are usually the only thing we need to avoid but what you feel up to when it heals depends on your build and where it's placed. It's titanium so bumping it won't hurt it, but we aren't quite that tough so you may want to avoid anything that bruises it. I lift weights, kayak, do pull ups and push ups without issue. Good luck!

Agree - probably

by Jimmy Dinfla - 2018-05-29 19:04:40

TraceyE is correct - you will probably do fine after healing.  I have an ICD and do weights, crosstrainer, cardio fitness, Pilates, Zumba, biking, hiking, etc. The only things that still feel uncomfortable are hanging upside down and running hard, so I put a hand over the device to steady it on my chest.  Also, it hurts a LOT if I accidentally strike the implant area (gives me new discipline to remember to close kitchen cabinet doors).  If you get soreness after restarting your workouts, try acetaminophen and icing. Have fun!

Update:  I saw my EP last week and asked about exercise. He told me not to do chin-ups, row a rowboat putting backward pressure on my left arm, or row a canoe using backward strokes on my left side.  I am not to lift more than 30-40 pounds. He said swimming, all strokes, is fine.  Also fine was hiking, backpacking and snorkeling.  Everything else I am doing is OK.  Although I am a certified scuba diver, I decided to forego that sport because I would hate to have tachycardia or arrhythmia many feet below sea level then receive a corrective shock from my ICD, so I will only snorkel in the future.  

Gymnastics can apply muscular stress on your body in various ways.  Pacemakers are different than ICDs (although my ICD can pace if needed).  Recommend talking to your doctor specifically about what you want to do.  Then ENJOY LIFE!    

Activity

by Dexter - 2018-05-30 13:09:09

I do all the things I used to do before my surgery 6 years ago. It took about 6-12 months for that to happen. Of course, I avoid extreme weight lifting and contact sports, as recommended.

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