Get back o it.

Hi! I am a 27 year old female and I had a pacemaker installed last week due to a slow heart beat and complications due to that. I have always enjoyed exercising and was wondering how long you waited until you got back into it. I don't want to get too out of shape so would like to start back soon. I really would like to use the elliptical or run. I feel great with the pacemaker, save the terribly sore shoulder that I am sure you all experienced. Any suggestions?

6 Comments

Ah- to be young again!

by bambi - 2007-08-14 08:08:27

Hi Lucybell,
Oh my gosh! You had your pacemaker installed last week, and you're chomping at the bit already eh? Good for you! I always think that the Dr. who placed your pacemaker surely gave you instructions about your activity level when he discharged you.However, after reading some of the outrageous "lack of care" stories others have shared, I no longer assume that! Usually, you're to increase your activity gradually. Most Dr.s don't want you to raise your arm over your head for 4 weeks or so, so you don't dislodge a lead. Also you should not lift anything heavier than 5 lbs. for as long. As for running and the elliptical, please ask your Dr. or your PCP. I teach ballet, 20 classes per week, and I've had 3 pacer and lead replacements. I was able to resume teaching, following those basic guidelines, after 1 week of rest. So I imagine a young, in shape gal like you, could probably start exercising as soon as you feel well enough! Welcome to the site, and keep us posted!
Bambi

Hi

by randrews - 2007-08-14 10:08:05

My doctor told me to go ahead and start running one week after the implant. That is the only time I have ever heard of a doctor saying to exercise that fast. While I did run for a while his nurse finally called me and told me that I really should wait to run inspite of what he said. I did what she said because I didn't want to risk pulling a lead. I did do some fast walking and some hills just to maintain some activity.
Good luck with your recovery. Let us know how you are doing,
Rusty

Activity

by auntiesamm - 2007-08-15 02:08:44

Hi Lucybell,

I've had my PM since May, 2006. I'm 67 y/o and have never been a great exerciser/runner, etc. but have always walked several times a day. On discharge I was told I could do anything other than raising my arm above shoulder level for 6 weeks, which seems to be the standard, and run. Well, running wasn't a problem. Not raising the arm was a problem with just everyday activity we take for granted! Your best bet is to check with your doctor because they all have different ideas about activity with the exception of arm raising. I was home the day after PM implant, took a couple of walks that day and drove to the grocery store the next day and shopped. After the PM I felt so much better than I had in a long time even though I had not known I had heart block. Good luck to you and you seek answers to your questions. You have found the right place. There is someone on here who has an answer for just about any question you ask about pacemakers. It has been my best resource since I found it the day after my PM! Wonderful, caring, helpful folks. God bless you.
Sharon

Thank you!

by lucybell - 2007-08-19 06:08:51

Hi everyone! Thanks so much for all of yoru help. I am walking and riding the bike. I am sitting up and not moving on the bike so I figure its ok. I feel so great exercising now- this makes such a difference. When I have started out I feel like my PM is working really hard and then it seems to cool down- I am guessing this is normal? Is it readjusting itself? But at any rate- I am feeling great and am hoping to be back doing everything soon. Thanks for the great advice!
Laura

Take it gently

by francine - 2007-08-20 12:08:38

Hi Lucybell,
I'm also 27 and a keen runner, and just had a pacemaker last week for similar problems (bradycardia & blackouts due to that). I was also keen to get back to exercise and my doctor said that was fine as soon as I felt comfortable, but the nurses and cardiac technicians were less keen... in the end they said it was probably fine to ride a bicycle after 2 weeks, and run after my 1-month checkup.
It's also probably worth going in to see the technicians a few times to get the settings right - I've already been back once when it didn't feel right, and they have retuned now to fit me better. Bear in mind that these things are highly customisable and they are usually set to a standard for slightly older or less fit people so it's worth getting it tuned to what you need!

Good luck,

Fran

I Went For It

by snovak126 - 2007-09-18 06:09:46

Hey there
I am 54 and got my pm 4 weeks ago after going into the ER twice for problems related to a low heart rate (30). Since my cardiologist knew that I was an exercise nut, he said that I could go back to the treadmill the day I went home, but no eliptical. He also said I couldn't ride my outdoor bike, so I just use my stationary bike, instead. I did wait about 3 weeks before I got back on my eliptical, but a nurse suggested I should have waited until my first checkup, which is this week. I decided to go ahead and keep using it, but without using the arms. He also said I could lift my hand weights, which I thought was odd, but hey whatever I can do I will. I am looking forward to going back to the gym for a more intense workout and hope they will give me the go ahead soon. Good luck, Sandi

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