When Can I Resume Running?
- by Runner03
- 2017-02-15 21:31:45
- Exercise & Sports
- 1313 views
- 3 comments
Hi,
I got my Medtronic PM implanted two weeks ago. When I asked the cardiologist, nurses and pacemaker tech when I could start running again, I got different answers which were 4 wks, 6 wks, 8 wks and 12 wks.
What is your experience with starting back slowly? I am walking 2 to 3 miles a day now with no issues. Also, what about resistance training?
Thanks!
3 Comments
Running!
by Kcambridge - 2017-02-15 21:59:56
I was walking more or less right away, too. For jogging it took me about a month to feel ready (strong enough, not in too much pain) though I was told not to do anything two strenuous for six weeks. *However* my feeling ready to run and being able to were two different things. As you may discover from other posts in the forum, it sometimes will take a few trips back and forth to your EP/doc to get the settings just right so that your heart rate accelerates and decelerates at the right times and rates during your work out. I got my pacemaker last June, went back and forth for some adjustments, and then ultimately went in for a stress test (so that they could see my heart & PM in action during exercise and make settings adjustments live). Since then, I've pretty much been able to run as hard as I want without any issues.
All of this is not to say that your experience will be exactly like mine, but don't get frustrated if things aren't perfect right away on your first run. Needing a few rounds of adjustments to get your settings just right seems like a pretty normal experience, and after that you'll be right as rain!
Best of luck!
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by Tracey_E - 2017-02-15 21:53:30
No two doctors give the same instructions. On average, they say wait 4-6 weeks to raise the arm above shoulder level and lift anything over 10-15 pounds. Other than that, do what you want when you feel up to it. Some are out running the next week. For me, it was more like 5-6 weeks before the impact didn't leave me sore. It takes some time for the scar tissue to build up around it and make it numb. If the walking doesn't bother you, throw in some gentle running intervals and see how it goes. You won't damage anything, the only risk is aggravating the fresh scar tissue and getting sore. If that happens, ice, back off a week then try again.
When I had a replacement last year (device, not leads), I didn't have any restrictions on movement (those are only for new leads) however the surgeon said don't get sweaty for 4 weeks due to infection risk. That was the first I'd heard that and I thought it was overkill, but better safe than sorry so I whined a bit but followed instructions.