Considering Pacemaker

I am a 66 year old who was a runner for 41 years until Afib ruined the party 13 months ago. I have had two ablations, and while the afib is now fairly minimal, I just cant run again because one of two things happen. My HR stays between 160-180 the entire time, or it returns to a normal area of 115-125 during a run, but then plumits to the low thirties in the hour after exercise. My EP has me considering a pacemaker. He has discussed single and dual chamber pacers. Has anyone chosen to have a pacemaker implanted, and did it allow you to get back to your exercise regime? Thanks Tom

2 Comments

get back to your exercise regi

by hb3 - 2018-01-01 06:06:47

I recently had a pacemaker and stent and so far notice no inprovement. My HR only went to 100 and rested at 40 and I excercised 3 times daily for over 40 years too. I still excercise daily 3 times at 67, regrettably I wore out my knees so I bicycle. Perhaps I should have tried  abilations instead?

Chose to have pacemaker

by PAMMY - 2018-01-02 16:30:14

Hi Tom

After running for several years, completing 14 London marathons and at the age of 55 I developed 2:1 heartblock in 2012 but only when I was running and my heart rate got up to abourt 140 bpm. .  I was told that if I wanted to carry on running then I was advised to have a pacemaker but did not need one.  As other members will know I was in a quandry whether to go ahead and came in this site asking for advice/opinions from members.  I was so glad I did as I went ahead and had one in 2013 after a lot of encouragement from PMC members.  If you read my previous posts you will see what I mean. I am still running regularly albeit I have not competed another marathon (yet!).  Talking from experience if I could go back and given the choice again I would still opt for the pacemaker.  However it does take a lot of tweaking with setting etcs at the pacemaker clinic  before getting it right.  Best of luck with your choice and keep us posted.  

Pammy

You know you're wired when...

You play MP3 files on your pacer.

Member Quotes

My ICD/pacer is not a burden. I still play tennis and golf.