How come I can't figure out how to reply to replies? Do you just post a new message? This message is for Smitty who replied to my question about when to exercise after PM implant. Thanks and based on your reply, I'll go for my walk this afternoon. Kind of fun to have a PM Club.

 

I just got my pacemaker on Friday, March 19. I can walk upstairs and up a steep hill near my house without feeling like I'm going to die (yesterday, day 1). I was going to take a long walk today, but don't know when I should start getting back in shape. (I'm a former marathoner/hill bike rider that hasn't been able to do much for the past 3 months.) I've read some of your posts about working out, but I don't think anyone has said when to start.

 

Attention all PM recipients who run. I haven't run in years, not seriously at least. I wan to run a half marathon late this summer. I think that will give me enough time to recover, heal, & train. My PM went in on the 23rd. I need to hear from the runners, what is the best way to train? I need suggestions & encouragement! (lots of it)
Thanks~
Jessi

 

I just received my pacemaker 2 days ago. I started a very intense exercise program back in November with a private trainer. I was overweight and out of shape and had not felt good for a very long time. I was determined to feel better. I lost 20 inches and was feeling much better but still having very irregular heart rates and some days could hardly do anything. I was diagnosed with sick sinus syndrome and a pacemaker was recommended. Honestly, my biggest hesitation was the fact that I would miss workout and get behind. I am so concerned about getting back in the gym and not going backwards. How soon after your surgery did you get back in the groove?

 

Yesterday I did my first big climb on my bike since my implant. Climbed Lookout Mountain outside of Golden, Colorado. 90-97% THMR most of the way (it is a steep, sustained climb of about 6 miles. Total Ride was about 30) and besides being slow did great. On pace for my ride in Colorado's Triple Bypass Ride in July. So for all of the newbies and folks out there wondering if there is life after pacemaker implants I can tell you I am working my tail off to a) get back in shape and b) prove to myself that a screwed up electrical system won't stop me from living my life.

Here is a map of the ride I took yesterday:

http://www.teamevergreen.org/sites/default/files/05%20MorLOMRedRocksLoop.pdf


GO PACERS!!...

 

At age 69 I could walk on my hands 50yds (I was a gymnst), after the operation (ICD and pace) I started back in two weeks and had to have a wire replaced. O.K. now I can stand on my hands, but not yet walk. The operation I was told by my Dr. was optional, but I would live longer. I could always hear my heartbeat in my ear and it was ierreguylar; diagnosed as an enlarged ventrical, so I had it done and am now amazed at my heart's regularity. I used to walk/run a mile every daty, but moved away from the track and have trouble finding the opportunity. I'm happy for the operation, but disappointed that I coundn't do everything I used as many postings promised.

 

I haven't been on the site for some time and just wondering if anyone is running the Boston Marathon this spring? I had a pacemaker put in in the fall Sept 2008 and in Oct 2009 ran the Victoria Marathon and qualified for Boston.
I had a lot of trouble after the Pacemaker was put in and developed frozen shoulder, and Brachial Neuritis which damaged three of my shoulder muscles fairly severley. Seems to be coming back around and slowly building the shoulder muscles back. Boston has really give me the focus to push myself to do better.
I'm really curious if others with Pacemakers are doing the granddaddy of marathons.

 

Walked 30 min w/ my sweet partner...a german shepherd! I know its not alot, but I've walked 220 minutes since last Friday! Wish I could go ahead and get my new Pulmonary Valve to see if I could walk more...or....maybe run????

No extra salt...and walk....remember - Your heart beats for YOU!

Andi...cloudy, but not raining in TX

 

Before my PM I used to run 30-40 miles per week. Now after my second implant I can only run about 200-300 yds then I'm out of breath. I'm 100% dependent and 60yrs old. I have a dual acting PM-afib, and pacing. My high setting can only reach 150BPM and thats where it is set and the low is 70BPM. Is anyone out there who might have any suggestions or comments that they would like to provide.
D. Brinkman

 

I would like to see all of us(EVERYONE) post on this section-Exercise&Sports. No matter what you do or want to do POST it! Even if just walking a few feet. Don't be shy!

Gary

 

For those of you who wonder if there is exercise after Pacemaker implant got 57.5 miles in on the bike yesterday riding with mostly younger folks. Was an easy ride (most of the group only did about 36 miles, I rode to the meeting point and then back home {Why did I pick a house at the top of a hill anyway?} so I got my extra miles and extra climbing in.

Anyway, just want to let everyone know that my goal of riding the Colorado Triple Bypass is on track. Yesterdays ride was about half the distance but only about 1/10th the climbing. Have 4 more months to get ready for those 3 mountain passes, 10,000 feet of climbing and 120 miles.

 

Anybody have any favorites. I am doing dumbbell lunges, broom stick twists, upright rows, wrist exercises.

Gary

 

I recently purchased a Garmin 305 GPS and am having real difficulty getting the heart rate monitor to accurately record my actual heart rate; I've tried moving the monitor around to the back of my chest and even turning it upside down. I haven't tried using an electrolyte type of gel .... possibly I need to improve skin contact. I'm a runner and even after running a few miles it still is not too reliable. Previously I had a polar monitor and it had the same problem after my medtronics pacemaker was installed.
It would seem that the pacemaker signal is interfering with the heart rate monitor. My pacemaker is designed to keep my heart rate from dropping below 50 bpm.
Any suggestions on what I might do to get accurate and cons...

 

I'm almost there! I've been back at the gym doing light workouts since two weeks post op, adding time and intensity each week. Big hurdle this morning- I did a full 25 minutes on the elliptical and for the first time in probably a year, I was able to do it the way I used to- alternate three minutes of medium effort with one minute all out. No ill effects, no maxing out the pm, I feel ready to take on the world, yay!!!!! Next week is 6 weeks so I can stop babying the new lead and add back the weights.

It's been a long road. I started getting tachy when I worked out almost exactly a year ago. We adjusted the pm settings and I added fish oil and magnesium which got me active again, but never able to push it and really go all out b...

 

Hi everyone,
A couple of questions.
My pm is set at 70 on the bottom & 120 top rate. I'm joining a gym & wondered what happens whenI go over 120?

It is running at 80% for the top chambers & 4% for the bottom ones.

Since I have had it, I'm plagued by excessive sweating, mainly my head. It drips off my face & is very embarrassing! Anyone know the reason for tyhis & whether anything can be done to change it.
Many thanks,
Lizzie

 

Hey, pacers!

Well, I'm back from my trip to Africa...just WONDERFUL! I also had no qualms in any airport about my pm nor in any other places I visited where security was an issue. It was great to get out there and enjoy life...isn't that what having a pm is all about?!

I have also been out skiing since being home because our weather has dumped some surprises on us. Nice! I was wondering from you other pacers out there who ski...do you wear any protective gear for your pm? I don't and don't see why I have to really...and I'm usually the one to error on the side of caution. How about you other skiiers? If you do wear some protection, what is it or what do you do? I would like some info here if you don't mind s...

 

Anyone gone to cardiac rehab after a pacer was put in? My doctor is recommending it but we don't know if my insurance will pay for it because I don't have angina. He's suggesting it because I was hospitalized for 2 weeks and have very low blood pressure. I worked out 3-4 times a week before I got suddenly ill. I'm just wondering what to expect and if others have done it.

thanks,
Sherian

 

I have been diaged with SSS and had a pacer put in about 7 months ago for 'heart naps' where my heart would stop beating for several seconds and cause syncope episodes. I have been working out pretty steadily since implant but have recently upped my workouts to above threshold hour plus workouts. Did my first two hour one today and feel like crap after it. About 4 years ago did these on a regular basis but today I feel like crap afterwards. Anyone else with SSS have experience with really hard, long workouts? My doc says besides a little afib and some blood pressure he is watching I am all set to go but wanted to see what folks here have to say. BTW, I am 50 and my AHR for this workout was 141 for the two hours with a max of 159. I ...

 

I just had a pacemaker installed and I want to get a bracelet or pendant to advise others, should I passout as I frequently exercise. Any good sources?

 

HI - I had PM implanted 1999 and was doing great = April 2009 started playing golf 4X/week and in August experienced lead fracture necescitating lead revision.
1) could lead fracture be associated with golf swing?
2) OR is this my excuse for giving up the game since i am so poor at it
Need the help of an experienced, paced psychiatric golfer