Getting my life back

Anyone who caught my story initially back in fall of last year, knows that my pacemaker and I have not become friends. That being said, at least I am finally getting my life back. The first 3 months after surgery were the most difficult as the recovery from surgery was so painful and then the bronchitus had the doctor concerned that all my coughing would disconnect my leads.

I had been training to run my first race when all this happened to me so unexpectedly. I had signed up to run the Army 10 miler with my husband and a friend from high school. After finding the "Clean Diet" and managing to "shut-up" my pacemaker for the most part, I finally had the energy to begin working out again. Feeling like I owed my friend a race and needing a goal to shoot for, I reached even higher by signing up for the Country Music Half-Marathon. So, on April 28th I crossed the finish line with my husband and friend from high school, completing the 13.1 miles in 2 hours and 48 minutes. I was just happy to finish.

While traveling that weekend of the race, I didn't stick to my clean diet and boy did my pacemaker let me know it. Now that I am back home and eating correctly (which isn't always easy), the pacemaker is quiet once again. It truly has been amazing to see how what one eats definitely affects just how much the pacemaker runs.


2 Comments

HUZZAH!!!!

by COBradyBunch - 2011-06-05 07:06:40

Goals.... I love goals. Mine comes July 9th (was supposed to be July 10th last year but an SUV broadsiding me while training put and end to that). And the name is even fun for us pacers and people with tickers that demand additional attention. It is called, "The Triple Bypass."

Great news and keep on keeping on...

Clean diet?

by Sethun - 2014-04-20 05:04:19

I just had my pacemaker implanted this past Thursday and in very interested in learning more about what you called the clean "diet". What exactly is that? Aside from the pain of recovery from the surgery I am noticing my heart rate going from high 70s up to 103 bpm for seemingly no reason at all. Because I'm only three days out I am not exercising but was a daily exerciser and so I'm curious how this will impact my beats per minute when I do start working out again. Any suggestions or advice?

I'm sorry to hear about the difficulty you had adjusting to your new pacemaker and of course I'm concerned as well but I am very happy to hear about your last race, congratulations!

You know you're wired when...

You have a 25 year mortgage on your device.

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.