How soon to return activity to "normal"?

Hello,

While reading through many posts it appears many patients have received different directions on how to deal with post-op activities. I was told after receiving my pacemaker not to lift my left arm over my shoulder for 4 weeks and no more than 4 pounds. I am nearly at the 4 week mark. However, many folks seem to have received information not to lift their arm for something like 6 - 8 weeks. I don't want to be overly cautious, but I don't want to do anything that will disturb my leads and set me back. Any opinions or experiences out there? Thank you in advance!

12 Comments

6-8 weeks is better

by jbkeys - 2008-03-22 02:03:49

hi, I waited 6 to 8 weeks,thats what they told me, it really has to heal inside. so the longer you wait the better you will heal. as far as lifting anything heavy, do not over do it, i was told no more than 50 lbs. I learned to do alot of things with my right hand, since i am a lefty. take care of yourself, you will be fine. good luck.jbkeys

again, 6-8 weeks

by aldeer - 2008-03-22 02:03:50

My ep said that I could swim in a month. I read at Cleveland Heart Center that it takes 6 to 8 weeks for the lead to really settle in, so not to lift or swim for that time. I had already started to swim at five weeks before I read this, and did feel as tho the pm moved slightly twice while doing backstroke. I was also told ten pounds for the first six to eight weeks. You will be so much happier if you don't rush it! I am also a lefty so I try hard to do things with my right arm. Good luck aldeer

Thanks, a subsequent question...

by Swedeheart - 2008-03-22 03:03:18

Thank you both! Much appreciated. When you were told not to lift more than 50 pounds... is that "forever"? I am not a big woman so 50 pounds might be my max anyway!

I had called my EP and they said I could lift with my right arm right away... any thought on this???

Part of what I want to do is yard work... spring is arriving and I want to pull weeds, rake, and garden. Should I only use the right side, or just let it be for awhile yet?

I really appreciate this website. So much more information than I have received from anywhere else!

How Long Not Lift Arm!!!!

by Seniorcitizen - 2008-03-22 04:03:17

I was told not to put my arm over my head for at least 6-8 weeks but I am still careful and do not try to do things that I know could cause a problem........It throbs once in awhile and I always know it is there which I did not know when I had the first one.

6-8

by NH - 2008-03-22 04:03:23

Hi,

I could not lift 5 lbs. and it was 6-8 weeks. I think the 50 pounds is forever. In my old job, before I retired, ability to lift 30 lbs was in some job descriptions. I was fortunate and was an admin. asst. and did computer and desk work.

I didn't ever lift 50 lbs anyway so it was no problem for me.

Lifting the right arm is ok. If you ask me wait on the yard work until you get past the 6-8 week date.

Raking would especially cause you to move and you want the leads to get set in there very well.

Glad you are doing so well.

Take care,
NH

Thanks again.

by Swedeheart - 2008-03-22 05:03:07

Well, I will try to be patient and wait the 6 to 8 weeks. The last thing I want is for a lead to "migrate" on me! I really appreciate the up front replies. So much more than I got from my doctors!

How about repeated movements? I asked at my first interrogation and asked about using the computer. I type alot... they said it wouldn't be a problem. Anyone experience anything different?

Thank you!

6-8

by boatman50 - 2008-03-22 05:03:21

I was told to keep my arm down for 6 weeks. Not long after that I started walking and after a few months I started lifting weights again. I am now almost 2 years in and can do anything I did before hand.
Good luck,
Boatman

Yard work

by auntiesamm - 2008-03-22 06:03:15


I believe the standard protocol is 6 weeks to not raise your arm ABOVE SHOULDER LEVEL. That means you can put your arm straight out, bend at the elbow, open a cupboard so long as your arm stays below shoulder level! You can garden so long as you follow that rule. Don't reach overhead to do pruning or any such thing. But working the soil, planting containers, etc. should not be a problem. You do need to exercise the arm and shoulder so that it doesn't freeze. If you limit all activity in the affected arm a frozen shoulder can happen very quickly, is extremely painful and disabling. I did shoulder shrugs to keep the shoulder loose and supple. Common sense will dictate what NOT to do. Good luck.

Sharon

Typing OK for me

by NH - 2008-03-22 06:03:59

Typing was no problem as I worked on a computer most of the day and typed letters and such.

Wow! I am posting a lot on your thread. I don't mean to be a big mouth.

Take care,
NH

Thanks a million!

by Swedeheart - 2008-03-22 09:03:28

Thank you one and all! This site is soooooo great! I really appreciate all the wonderful posts folks have made when I pose a question.

I will keep my arm down 6 to 8 weeks. I have been pretty good to do so thus far. I have reached into cupboards, but with the bent elbow... my hand is above my shoulder, but my arm isn't reaching up. I do exercise my arm with doing everyday tasks ~ that was the biggest thing my EP doc told me was to be sure to use it so it wouldn't freeze!

Thanks again everyone!

Return to normal activity

by MHCHAMPION - 2008-03-22 11:03:46

I think being overly cautious is good after surgery. It has worked for me for many surgeries over my 66 yars. Take care, all.
Happy Easter to those who believe and to those who don't.
Margaret

size of pacemaker

by Seniorcitizen - 2008-03-27 12:03:38

I think that I was trying to find out if anyone else has a huge pacemaker like i to. size of a pack of cigarettes and or deck of cards.........Someone out there, please let me know and if it throbs at times or just aches...I got this one 12/6/07....It was my second one.

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