Restrictions?

I just got my  PM and am wondering what I should never do.  Obviously tackle football and boxing  should be avoided but at 70 I'm not interested in those sports.   Are some yoga stretches  hazardous. What about freestyle swimming?  Are there exercises that might dislodge the electrodes?  Doctors are conservative when asked these sort of questions.  I'm interested hearing from longtime pacemaker people who are very active.   


8 Comments

Welcome

by TBrous&Chip - 2017-09-07 04:43:50

The first task is to heal.  Do gently move your shoulder and arm through the healing process. After healing your activity level will depend more on your general health than your having a pacemaker. Do tell the doctor your exercise plans in case the pm settings need adjustment.

Restrictions

by Good Dog - 2017-09-07 08:16:34

I have had my PM for over 30 years. My doctor did not impose any restrictions after I healed. Once I healed-up after the first couple of months I began trying to determine what I could do. I started participating in sports activities (baseball & basketball) and quickly discovered that I could do anything that I wanted to do. I was 38 at the time. However, that has been the case ever since. 

Once I realized that I didn't need to restrict myself with regard to activity, I began to forget I had a PM. That was the best therapy one can undergo. I really have lived for 30 years exactly the same as someone without a PM. I beleive that there is nothing I cannot do. 

My best advice is listen to your Doc and your body. Your body will tell you when you need to take a break or slow down. Just don't be afraid. Be smart, not afraid.

I wish you the best.

Sincerely,

David

no activity restrictions

by Tracey_E - 2017-09-07 09:26:03

Some doctors are more conservative than others. I won't have a doctor who doesn't fully support me being very active because I don't have any problems other than the heart block, which is corrected with the pacer. My electrical system is a mess, I figure the best thing I can do for myself is eat right to keep my arteries clear and stay active so my heart muscle stays strong. My doctor is all for it. We have a running argument if CO or UT skiing is the best. (UT is best, don't let him tell you otherwise) I do Crossfit 5 mornings a week, love to hike and kayak. In the last 6 months, I've done several ropes courses, been ziplining 3 times, rode an Olympic bobsled, finished 2 5k's, a 10k and my first half marathon. I got my first pacer in 1994, my 5th one last year. No one would look at me and guess I pace every beat. 

Should be fine

by Jill S - 2017-09-07 09:55:49

I've had a PM for 16 yrs and have always been quite active. After you've healed, you should be able to whatever you feel up for.  I don't think there are any yoga positions you need to worry about.  I've done yoga for years with no problems. As always, listen to your body. All the best.

No Restrictions - except 1

by ljharper62 - 2017-09-07 11:17:43

My doctor said that the only restriction is no arc welding and to stay away from power plants. Other than that I can do anything activity wise as I feel up to it after 4-6 week recovery time.

If your doctor wants to restrict you, ask why. If you aren't satisfied with his/her answer then get another opinion. Its your health and your body.

Restrictions

by The real Patch - 2017-09-07 12:41:54

the only one I can think of after 11 years experience with a device...

Don't irritate a spouse

Restrictions

by gleesue - 2017-09-07 13:36:56

Dave, There are already a lot of comments, but I thought I would include mine since I am 70 also. I'm a very active 70 year old. I play tennis, golf, bike, jet ski, coach youth soccer, lift weights, hike, kayak. I also like a cigar and a glass of wine when I watch th sun set at our summer home. Once your leads heal, it is almost impossible to dislodge them. I had a pretty good spill on my jet ski. It scared me a bit, but everything was fine. So, not to worry!

The only suggestion I can give you is to pass on what my doctor told me. Start back up slowly and if it hurts, don't do it.

Good luck,

Jerry

I love you guys!

by Hoser - 2017-09-07 14:47:07

I am a bit younger at 59, but it's the same for me. Once I healed and by following all of the advice and instructions from the doctors, I have done pretty much what I wanted. Walk,run, lift, swim, ski, baseball, go-karts, construction. You name it!

Only thing I was told not to do is to get too big in the chest from weightlifting. Don't want the pacemaker bulging out of your chest!

P.S. Good  job all posters for encouraging Adrian!

You know you're wired when...

Your device acts like a police scanner.

Member Quotes

I just want to share about the quality of life after my pacemaker, and hopefully increase awareness that lifestyles do not have to be drastically modified just because we are pacemaker recipients.