Question for Angelie re: running

Hi Angelie,

I am a runner also. I have not been able to run much in the past 3 years due to lone A-Fib and symptoms from a low heart rate. My Dr. is hopeful that my new PM will help (implanted one month ago). I started back to the gym and am now running/walking on the treadmill. So far, so good. Would you mind sharing your story and problems with running? I am 55 years old and love to run. I have missed it tremendously. When I read that you had run a 5K - I knew how you felt. There is nothing that compares to what running can give to a person.

I am so happy for you! Michele.

2 Comments

Hi there

by Angelie - 2008-12-09 05:12:49

I have never been a runner until I got my pacemaker. I've always aspired to be, but never could. At 2 weeks post implant, I started walking fast on the treadmill about 2-3 miles. At 6 weeks, I was cleared to jog, I signed up for a 5k and started my training.
Some days, I start running and get about 1/2 mile and it's just not there. I don't force myself. If I'm having a rough time and my body says, "No", then I listen, and try again next time.
The last few weeks before my race, I could hardly runa at all. It was awful! I was determined to do the 5k anyways. I walked some, and jogged a lot. It went incredibly fast.
I still can't believe that I did it.
Read my bio for more details about me. I haven't been right since I was a little girl. The last 8 years have been "hell". I was implanted in 8/14/08, and now I'm 33 trying to pick up the pieces and realizing that time didn't stop during all those years that I felt bad- it moved on. So now, I'm trying my best to live it up. I know I can't make up for that lost time, but I'm not gonna sit around anymore and just let my life go by. I try to make the best of it while I'm here. My doctor has, in a way, given me a new lease on life.
At my last pacemaker check, it was noted that I still get into very high rate atrial flutter (380 bpm). I don't know what's going to happen to me next, because I still haven't talked to my EP doc, but for right now, I'm going to to do what I can- while I'm able. I'll face what's next when that time comes.
Keep me updated on your fitness level, please.
Wonderful to meet you here,
Angelie

Running

by maryanne - 2009-01-15 01:01:25

It's so encouraging to read about people's success stories.

Like you I enjoy running. I am not a competitive runner other than trying to beat my own time or run a little farther. Prior to my recent surgery I was up to running 16km's.....I started by walking then walk run and then running. I set goals as to how long I would run...how far I would run...before you knew it I was running 5km 3 -4 times a week.

This past December I had a complete PM replacement with lead extraction...the extraction was unsuccessful and I ended up with having to have open heart. I am now 6 weeks post op.

Since I got home from the hospital I have been walking...my longest walk has been 1 1/2hrs. I am now on my stepper and today I was able to do my stepper for 25mins. I am a happy camper.

My goal is to be back running my 10km's run with being able to run my ultimate 20km run by the summer.

Wish me luck....and good luck to you with your running....
Cheers, Mary Anne

You know you're wired when...

Friends call you the bionic woman.

Member Quotes

My eight year old son had a pacemaker since he was 6 months old. He does very well, plays soccer, baseball, and rides his bike. I am so glad he is not ashamed of his pacemaker. He will proudly show his "battery" to anyone.