Riding My Horse

Hi Everyone - Tomorrow will be 8 weeks since my pacemaker implant. I rode my horse yesterday for the first time since my operation and it was wonderful! I had help lifting my western saddle up on his back, and I am still being careful about using my left arm too much, but once I was up on him, everything went well, and it was a mental (as well as physical) triumph for me. I am 60 years old, and still pretty darn healthy, despite it all :-)

I had posted about 3 weeks after my pacemaker, when I was very sore and hurting and down in the dumps. The good people on this board helped me overcome those mental doldrums, and made me see that with time, there was life on the other side of it.

I still have a little bit of soreness on the pm site, but only if I do too much. I think it is healing well, but the muscle tissue is still tender in that area. I am starting to forget that my pm is there most of the time, and I am back to walking and trying to get stronger. I will continue to ride my horse, since we have such a short time in the Northwest when the weather is good, but probably won't attempt to throw the saddle up on him myself for another few weeks.

Just wanted to post some good news, and to thank all of you for your wonderful support.

Cheers,
NW Girl

3 Comments

excellent!`

by Tracey_E - 2009-05-11 03:05:09

That's wonderful news!!! As long as it doesn't hurt or pull, you can do whatever you want with your left arm now. You're well past the danger period. Sounds like you're using common sense- when it hurts, stop.

Encouraging!!!

by Pookie - 2009-05-11 07:05:05

I just love when I get to read a post that tells the story of success!!!!!!!!

Bravo for you NW Girl. I am truly happy for you to be able to almost feel "normal" again and getting back to what you obviously love...horses. I too am an animal lover. They sooth your soul, eh? What a feeling you must have had when you first rode after all that time not. Wow. Sometimes I think our hearts can actually smile.

Excellent News!
Pookie

Good going!

by ElectricFrank - 2009-05-12 12:05:17

After 8 weeks I wouldn't be too concerned about tossing the saddle. The main thing to be careful of is spraining a shoulder or arm since you haven't done that kind of activity for quite a while. By now the pacer and leads should be fine.

I was back to 4x4 off road driving in 3 weeks with no problems. I was just reasonable about my activities.

enjoy,

frank

You know you're wired when...

You run like the bionic woman.

Member Quotes

At age 20, I will be getting a pacemaker in few weeks along with an SA node ablation. This opportunity may change a five year prognosis into a normal life span! I look forward to being a little old lady with a wicked cane!