Exercise

hello,

i had my pacemaker put in 3 weeks ago. I was very active until a couple of months ago when the symptoms started and resulted in the need for the pacemaker. I just started walking and did 1 1/2 miles on Saturday and today. The dr said ok to do this. My chest feels a little tight and my breathing is a little labored. Not sure if this is my new normal or if it gets better. Really want to  eventually get back to my jogging, swimming and biking. Anybody else deal with this after getting their pacemaker?


5 Comments

the first few weeks

by bluevelvetcake - 2018-08-06 20:17:53

yes, after two weeks I started jogging again. I was like you where I used to jog but I just stopped from lack of energy. When the new EP told me I could jog after my two week appointment and I knew I had an upcoming physical stress test in a few weeks, I wanted to get back into the swing of things. I also had so much initital energy that I had to get out there and burn it! The first week of jogging my muscles hurt and I felt a little light headed and my heart muscles seemed to squeeze. I could only run maybe a quarter of a mile and then I had to walk.  By the second week I was stronger and better. It helped to hold my chest muscle when I jogged down hill cause the motion seemed to pull at the pacemaker site. Now exactly 8 weeks later I don't have to do that any longer and I also don't have any symptoms of pain or exhaustion other than just being out of shape and getting back into it. I truly think jogging right away helped me mentally recover quicker.  Jogging came back to me like riding a bicycle and I'm sure it will for you too. 

Thanks

by DebDeb - 2018-08-06 21:09:44

You give me hope! I have been going a little crazy without any exercise. I was training for a half iron man relay, the swim part, before the pacemaker. Although I won’t be able to do this one, I will do another one. 

It gets better

by Gotrhythm - 2018-08-07 13:09:54

The purpose of a pacemaker is not to limit you, but to enable you to get back to the life you enjoy.

Read through the archives. You'l find we have members who participate in any sport you can think of. It can take a while to get back in top form, and sometimes people need adjustments of their pacemakers to allow for very active lifestyles, but you can confidently look forward to a satisfying, active future.

Exercise

by DAVID H - 2018-08-11 20:51:47

Yes, things will improve.  It took me a few weeks to get back into the exercise grove. (original PM implanted in May 2012).  I would do 2 miles treadmill, 2 miles indoor walking track, 5 miles recumbent bike.  Early this year an Iliotibial Band Tedonitis struck - aggravated by the recumbent bike. Finally, I found the right Doc who fixed me.  Now, I stay away from the recumbent bike and do 3 miles treadmill, 1 miles walking track, 20 minutes on rowing machine, and 15 min. on a "Nu Step" machine.

Thanks !

by DebDeb - 2018-08-13 21:08:47

I’m still getting tightness and some shortness of breath but have worked up to 2 miles. I truly hope this gets better because I want and need to exercise! 

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As for my pacemaker (almost 7 years old) I like to think of it in the terms of the old Timex commercial - takes a licking and keeps on ticking.