Who do I believe?

I just got back from my first month follw up, I had my pacemaker installed July 5th.The doctor told me everything looked good and that I could resume doing all the activities and workload that I had before the operation. I asked him twice just to make sure, and so that my wife could hear it again. I could do heavy lifting, exercise, jogging etc. etc. He said go for it. The St. Jude rep came in after him to check out the settings and make any adjustments if necessary and we asked him if he could tell if the leads were set completly. He stated that they looked good but that I should refrain from any physical activity, including work for 3 months to be safe. That was all my wife needed to hear. Which experts opinion should carry the most weight?

5 Comments

Still Confused

by rwarren - 2008-08-05 10:08:25

I had my PM installed on July 22nd and when I went for my one week check up I was told I could start back to work August 11th but I could only have a 10 pound weight limit for 2 weeks and only work 8 hours for those 2 weeks. I also am a runner and cannot wait to start runniing again. I have been reading all the comments in the sports and exercise comment section and from I am reading most people start running anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks after install. As far as weight lifting I see anywhere from 8 weeks to 12 weeks. I am still confused. I lean more toward the do it as soon as I feel good and my wife tends to lean on the doctors side. I will probally split it down the middle and see what my body feels like once I start running again. Take care and good luck. Always remember your wife is always right.

Only 4 weeks out...hmmm...

by ela-girl - 2008-08-05 11:08:35

LOL...I had to laugh at rwarren's last remark in the post above. Happy wife = happy life!

Seriously...we are all told different things by our EP's, cardios, reps, nurses, etc. for whatever reasons. Keep in mind, however, that it takes time for your leads to firmly entrench into the heart wall. If you "go at it" too soon after implant, you could pull a lead and need to undergo more surgery to fix the lead--and that will just add time to your recovery. So, I say play it safe for at least 6-8 weeks. It will save you loads of frustration. And you're already halfway there! I know some golfers, swimmers, and weight lifters on the site waited closer to 12 weeks to be safe...so...use your judgement. If you start doing something, do it a little and see how you feel. Your body WILL let you know. As far as your job, take it a day at a time. What kind of work do you do? If you've already returned to work, just keep taking it slow.

Personally, I think WE are the experts since we're the ones who've gone through it and live it! We may not be experts at first but trust me, you get there!

Happy pacing,
ela-girl

ME TOO....

by LIVE_STRONG - 2008-08-06 02:08:12

Got mine July 25th. I am ready to go...but have conflicting opinions also!
It was my husband that was told I could not move my arm for 4-6 weeks by the doctor.
I was told 2 weeks by my doctor.
ST Jude Rep......said under no circumstances ...do not move my arm for 4-6 weeks. 6 weeks before moving it above my head! To wear the sling for 4 weeks.
My doctor said I could take my arm out of the sling at the end of this week...which would be 2 weeks. He said next week I could move my arm over my head...hmmm I thought.
I am going to my GP next week and see what his 2 cents worth is.
I would say error on safety....give yourself the extra time..its only a few weeks...
But I am scheduled for surgery on my right arm for a torn rotator cuff...I do not want to do something to my lead..because my other arm is in a sling!

Confused too,...Holly

go slow

by Tracey_E - 2008-08-06 07:08:44

I was cleared to do whatever I wanted after 4 weeks but it was weeks longer before I felt up to doing everything I wanted to. The leads should be pretty well set by now but the pocket take longer to heal. I would expect any exertion to be uncomfortable before it would be dangerous.

one more thought

by bambi - 2008-08-06 12:08:26

Usually the EP will have his/her guidelines, and then everyone else will have their's! Take in what everyone says, find an average, pay attention to how YOU feel, and find your answer! I think generally there is a common thread of agreement that the arm should remain below shoulder level for 3-4 weeks, and a weight lifting restriction for the same amount of time. Many Dr.'s disagree that keeping the arm immobilized for 6 weeks is beneficial in any way. It can cause a whole new set of problems. My arm was out of the sling in 2 weeks, and I was told to take it easy, but I could go back to work in 3-4 days following the surgery! I never had a problem with those particular orders, but every one is different! Like any surgery I have had, I find it best to follow the guidelines, but to get back into the swing of things and not baby myself. I like to keep up my stamina up, my mood up. and my routine going. It seems to be a good way to head off depression, or becoming consumed with my health and letting it run my life! So, different strokes for different strokes! Lots of luck with a hopefully speedy recovery!
Bambi

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