Arm usage while having a pm.

I had a pm put in in May 2017. Im curios whether using a pull rope starter on my power washer is something to worry about since it has been a year since pm implant. Can I still damage or cause any problem with the leads after this 1 year of implantation? Thanks for your input...


5 Comments

No, you're good to go.

by AgentX86 - 2018-07-14 23:27:42

I assume you're left handed, or wouldn't be asking.  No, everything's pretty well scarred in place by now. 

BTW, you can come over to my house when you're done. ;-)

Not too hard at first

by Theknotguy - 2018-07-15 11:42:17

You should be OK but per Robin1 you'll want to work up to it if you haven't used the arm before.  

I throw the ball for the dog left handed.  Pulled the scar tissue early on and it took about six weeks to heal.  Volunteer at a wood shop where I move all sorts of equipment and wood.  Sometimes I have to change the position I'm using because I'll pinch the pacemaker between my shoulder and ribcage.  Made it pretty sore at first.  

After four years I can throw the ball as hard as I want.  Can move all sorts of equipment and wood.  Just have to be careful I don't pinch anything.  Pacemaker is like the old Timex watch - it takes a linkin' and keeps on tickin'.

Hope everything goes well for you.
 

go for it

by Tracey_E - 2018-07-15 20:31:17

Other than full contact sports, there isn't much we can't do, and that';s because it hurts if we get hit not because it'll do any damage. After a year, the leads are in so tight that it takes a special laser to get them out. 

Arm usage while having a pm.

by Rhythmstorm - 2018-07-16 11:36:58

I also wonder if the leads can be dislodged from the pacemaker itself if too much strain is applied from lifting, pulling or anything else. My EP cardio has moved so I haven't seen a new one yet to ask. Thanks all !!

 

no

by Tracey_E - 2018-07-16 22:28:51

You will not dislodge them from where they attach to the device. They are screwed together. 

I do Crossfit, with my doctor's blessing, 5x a week for over 7 years now and I don't hold back at all. I also kayak every chance I get, ride roller coasters, and pretty much anything else you can name that some doctors might consider pushing it. My doctors have always told me I won't hurt it, live my life and forget about it. So far, so good! 20+ years and no complications. The device is titanium. The leads are thin and flexible and intended to move with us. We don't need to baby it.

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