Pacemaker and weight lifting

Limited overhead movement

by Kcambridge - 2018-10-04 09:32:01

Hi there,

I agree that your limitations can vary significantly by who your doctor is and where they placed your pacemaker.

I’ve had a dual lead pacemaker for two years. It’s a pretty typical placement, seemingly near the surface of my skin on the left side of my chest.

The purpose of the limitations I’ve been given are to prevent wear or breakage of the leads against my clavicle bone. 

My doctor has told me that I’m not allowed to lift more than 30 pounds on my left side ever again, and also that I can’t put force on my left arm at extension when it is stretched out over my head, and that I should avoid certain repetitive motions with my left arm. For example, I used to love lap swimming, but my doctor recommends that I limit myself to breast stroke only and avoid the freestyle/crawl stroke. For another example, I enjoy rock climbing and ice climbing occasionally, and to continue this sport I’ve had to adapt the motions I’m doing with my left arm to avoid pulling with or swinging an outstretched arm repeatedly. My doctor did specifically mention certain weightlifting moves that should be avoided from now on — I think overhead presses in particular — but I’m not a big weight lifter and so don’t remember specifics.

All that said, your best bet is to speak with your doctor about the mechanics of your specific situation. On this forum, you’ll read about some folks with pacemakers who have continued on with competing in triathlons and cross fit, allegedly without issue. You’ll also read about folks who may have overdone it and broken leads prematurely. Your doctor should be able to tell you more about where your leads were placed and the precautions you should consider taking to protect them.

Good luck.

lifting

by Tracey_E - 2018-10-04 13:23:45

Mine is not near my clavicle so direct pressure on it is not an issue. My ep sees 1000+ young patients (congenital specialist) and he said no worries, I will not hurt it. My SJM rep has been my rep for over 20 years, sees many many patients, he said do what I want, that leads are thin and flexible and intended to move with us. I trust them and I don't hold back. I have been doing Crossfit since 2011 and I deadlift more than my bodyweight, can clean/jerk triple digits, do pull ups and push ups.

Kcambridge is likely talking about me, I'm very active and outspoken about it because I think it's sad when people live in fear of having a device. Some people will still have limitations once they heal but many of us, especially those of us without other health conditions, do not have restrictions.  I am not allegedly without issue, I am for sure without issue. I have one working lead from 1994, well past expected average lead life. My ep does annual xrays to check for minute damage in the leads. He does an extended echo once a year to verify veins holding those leads look good and heart function is what it should be. He not only permits my activity, he encourages it and he loves that being fit is a priority to me. Nothing I do is careless or without permission. 

I can think of two members here who have had damaged leads from activity. Some people have placement such that they need to be careful, particularly if putting pressure on the clavicle will put pressure on the device or leads. Some doctors don't have many active patients so they're overly cautious simply from lack of experience with active patients. YMMV, do what you're comfortable with. I have 100% faith in my team. All 3 - the cardiologist, ep and SJM rep- told me not to worry about it.  When I first started CF, I didn't do anything from the pull up bar after reading posts here, and I'd never touched a barbell in my life so I wasn't going heavy. My cardio is the one who first said quit holding back, if it feels ok, go for it. Nothing pulls, tugs, hits the device or otherwise doesn't feel right.

First, finish healing. Second, talk to your doctor. Then, ease back into it. It's going to pull and be achy at first and it's going to take some time to get back to where you were before. If something doesn't feel right, back off and try again in a week. If something puts direct pressure on your device or leads, don't push it. 

No offense meant!

by Kcambridge - 2018-10-04 14:58:32

Hi Tracey! You’re an inspiration, truly! No offense was meant by my “allegedly” comment. I also wasn’t singling out you specifically — you’re one among many I’ve come across whose doctors are more encouraging of an active lifestyle than is my own. I am super frustrated with my own situation and the restrictions imposed by my doctor/EP team b/c I am young and otherwise healthy. I so wish that from the outset I’d been connected with a team that had more experience with active people and had placed my device with that in mind.

Bluedogg - I do hope you have a medical team more like Tracey’s working with you!!

no offense taken :)

by Tracey_E - 2018-10-04 15:20:23

I'd love to know what my team would have to say to you! Have you ever had a second opinion?  Or considered having it relocated? Definitely ask about that when you have a replacement, don't put up with limits for the rest of your life. Because really, those restrictions are very rare these days and personally, I would be really mad at any doctor who placed it so that it's that in the way. Most of them go lower/deeper now, esp on younger patients, get it out of the way. 

There was a time when many doctors were more conservative but as the years go by and more of us are paced long term, they are seeing that leads can handle it. There's a reason I never picked up a barbell before 2011, I was afraid of it and the damage I might do. My GP and EP would both be on my case if I wasn't active. Staying fit is the best thing we can do for ourselves, it's inexcusable that they'd give you unnecessary roadblocks. 

Thanks Robin, KC and Tracey

by Bluedogg - 2018-10-04 16:42:31

I appreciate all your comments and am realizing there is really no "one size fits all" when it comes to this topic other than some generall precautions.  My initial post pacemaker discussion with someone from my team told me no more than 50 pounds for the rest of my life. As stated earlier, I have an upcoming appointment and will further inquire in regards to my specific exercising routine.

Thanks again.