Hi-I'm new! Resuming Outdoor Acts/Horseback Riding

Hi there-

I just got my first PM implanted on October 27th! I am 26 and live fairly rugged as far as out door activities... I know I am not to resume running for a couple of months, but I am wondering if low impact hiking is ok? Basically a walk in the woods? From reading other posts, I think the leads/risk of infection are the major concerns while in recovery so if I get my HR up - as long as I am not utilizing my arms/upper body - it is ok? One more concern is I am a side sleeper and I find myself waking up with my arms raised above my shoulders to cushion my head - is this bad? Of course I am sore laying on my side/chest so I promptly move them but I am scared I will stretch the leads! This is so much of an adjustment.

I have returned to work today, which is a desk job and I am feeling SO much better than a week ago - with ALOT more energy than before PM. I am already ready to get back into life. Anyway, I just wanted to introduce myself and see if there was any recent advice out there. Or if I should hold my horses for now and how to be smart about getting back into the swing of things...

Speaking of holding my horses, I do volunteer at some stables nearby - is anyone familiar with PM and horseback riding? I know it would be a couple months still, but the St. Jude booklet says to "avoid it" - which is not ok?! Any input?

Thanks!

6 Comments

Welcome!

by Heidiglassmeyer - 2010-11-08 07:11:24

Welcome to the wonderful world of pacemakers :)

Sounds like you are recovering well and itching to get out and that is fantastic.

I would think a walk would be great if you feel ready for it. Just listen to your body. Like you, I was ready to get out shortly after implantation. Trust me, your body will let you know what it can handle. Also, since this is new for you, many members including myself found that the generic PM settings they often leave you with after implant do not meet your needs. As you become more active you may find that your settings may need to be adjusted. So, don't be afraid to ask questions about settings or discuss issues you may have with your DR. I know I was frustrated when I wasn't feeling well when exercising. After receiving information/support from this site, and 5 adjustments later, I am happy with my PM.

I am also a side sleeper and during my recovery period I did have to sleep with the sling because I would wake up with my arm in positions it should't be in. I still find it more comfortable to sleep on my right side with a thin pillow under my arm.

Glad to hear you are feeling better post PM and hope you continue to have a great recovery.

Not sure about horse back riding but I'm sure someone will respond.

Yippee!

by pacergirl - 2010-11-08 09:11:01

I'm so proud of you!

Horses! Horses! Horses! I love the horses. After I got my first pacemaker I decided to learn to ride! And that is exactly what I did. I love to ride.

Good for you!
Pacergirl

Horses?

by Creaky - 2010-11-08 09:11:17

Good information above. I might venture a guess about horseback riding. Perhaps the doc is concerned about mounting or falling off. Mounting might stretch the arm above your head. Falling could damage leads or move PM out of it's pocket.
I'm a hiker and so far have stayed out of the forest until after my 6 week check which is this Friday. Meanwhile I've been taking long hilly walks and started back to the gym- nothing overhead though.
I've found that pushing the upper HR limit results in irregular beats, so be prepared for that until after your 6 week check.
Harry

Thank you everyone!

by mermaidonfoot - 2010-11-08 11:11:14

Thanks for the comments and advice. And so quickly, too. Definately helps with the feelings of anxiety that I'm doing something wrong! I will wait for my 6 wk for hiking. Probably on the safe side anyway.

:)

by mermaidonfoot - 2010-11-09 03:11:29

Thanks, Frank.. I have been gtn so restless and trying to figure out how to adjust to this device is consuming! There are so many dos and donts to learn. I have had more energy than ever and I've been itchn to take her for a test drive haha. Looks like I won't be waitn for December 16th afterall (Whew!).
Another thanks to all of you. It's really awesome to have this community of support and encouragement.

Go for it

by ElectricFrank - 2010-11-09 12:11:51

There is no reason why you can't get out for as much of a hike as you feel like. The only concern is to keep from raising your pacemaker side arm above pacemaker level. That's the reason for not hold horses. It would be all to easy to forget if the horse raised its head.

I was out walking in our neighborhood the day I came home from surgery. Within a week I was out in the desert climbing my favorite hills. I just respected and messages the incision sent me (pain) as far as how much I bounced around. I also kept my HR below the upper limit as Harry mentioned. For me that was 120.

Unless there are complications there is absolutely no justification for the 6-8 week restrictions some cardiologist's try to put on us. Mine got a jolt when he saw me hoofing it across a vacant lot towards his office for my first checkup about 2 wks after the surgery. He was in the parking lot talking to another doctor. Then he found out I had walked 4 miles to his office and planned on doing the same back home.

best of luck with your new friend,

frank

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