Pacemaker put in 1 week ago : (

After trying meds for atrial fib & flutter with 2 second pauses, I now have a PM.. It’s only been 7 days, but i’m ready to start doing push-ups, weight lift & run into burning buildings again. There is no pain at the site. My left shoulder aches from being told by Dr that I cannot raise my elbow above shoulder for 2 weeks. Dr told me NO push-ups or any upper body exercise for 6 weeks : ( He said I can then do all the push-ups I can do, but only light weightlift training. No swinging of baseball bats or golf clubs for 5 months : ( I understand all upper body restrictions are to keep wires from dislodging. I’ll keep fast walking 4 miles everday & look forward to getting back to what I was doing. At first, Dr did not want me to get back on fire truck at work & be the first one into burning buildings. I told him since I’m a Captain, with only 5 years until retirement, i’ll take it easy. I dont want a desk job. Thanks for listening.

6 Comments

I know how you feel

by Cosmic - 2009-06-04 10:06:09

Same routine as you but I’m like 5 months into it. There is some give and take, and believe me this is a far cry from jumping out of choppers and swimming for miles. But, like other situations in other places and times, I can reflect that I am alive.

Just watch yourself and give yourself time to heal, then go back to it. Same as working out, it takes time but when you get there, it’s worth it.

conservative

by Tracey_E - 2009-06-04 10:06:35

Your doc is very conservative! I wouldn't go against his orders, but most doctors clear us for just about anything we feel up to after 6 weeks. It can't hurt to question him and see if he has a specific reason for waiting that long or if that's his standard answer for everyone. It's very rare to dislodge a lead after 6 weeks.

It's weird that he'd say all the push ups you want but only light weight training. I wouldn't consider push ups to be light.

You can still move the arm, just don't lift anything heavy and keep it below your shoulder. It's good to move it so you don't get a frozen shoulder.

Good luck! It sounds like you're healing quickly. It's frustrating to want to do more than you're able, but it's a good sign for things ahead. You'll be back to your old self before you know it!

You will do well

by ElectricFrank - 2009-06-05 12:06:06

Aside from the usual healing that has to take place with any incision, the only thing you need to be concerned about is giving the leads time to develop some scar tissue in the vein to hold them in place. When you lift your arm above your shoulder the pacemaker may move up a bit which pulls on the lead wires. They follow the vein to your heart where each is attached (actually they are screwed into it to the heart wall. It is possible, but unlikely one could be pulled loose if you move to aggressively.

From my reading the most like reasons for the leads coming lose is that they weren't attached properly in the first place, or the heart wall is in bad shape. Doesn't sound like you have the latter.

So from my perspective it is just a matter of how much risk you are comfortable with. (I can guess that answer from your profession). Just keep in mind if you pull one lose it will set back your recovery.

frank

keep it moving

by northis - 2009-06-05 12:06:25

good morning and i'm very happy that you are doing well and have a great attitude. our situations are similar. i've had my pm for eight days and the onset was suddent. i too, have atrial fib. which is being treated with medication: coumadin and flecanide; last week i experiecned 2-3 second pauses, which resulted in extreme dizziness. I enjoy wokring out at the gym; power walking for cardio as well as Okinawa Kenpo Karate. I have been following similar Dr's orders. I can't wait until my two weeks are up, so i can begin power walking. In six weeks, i will begin light weight training. I know its hard transitioning from a very active lifestyle and demanding profession to light duty. But, we are not young ( I'm 47 and will be 48 in october) So moderation is the key. I'm not as sore around the incision sight and i inadvertantly lifted my left arm above the shoulder this morning-stretching; otherwise its been by the book. Good luck and please keep sharing your experiences

northis

Fire Department

by cqmccann - 2009-06-07 04:06:51

I am also a FF with a pacemaker. It was like pulling teeth to have the FD let me come back. Did you catch any flack? Any NFPA 1582 questions? Just curious. Glad you are back at it.

Dr's assume everyone is weak and dying

by christ1381 - 2009-06-14 04:06:08

I am about to be medically done with the army, however I am not done being fit. I know exactly how you feel that regarding what you can handle vs what they tell you. I am 29 years old and was fitted with a pacemaker last July, and I spend 18-20 hours a week in the gym. Lifting, and lifting heavy! I am still doing jiu-jitsu, and considering judo now too. Everything I am doing my dr frowns upon, but he also has a guy that makes him look pregnant, so I submit who is more unhealthy?! Best of luck, and keep playing. Life is only worth it if you live it and not watch it

You know you're wired when...

Your old device becomes a paper weight for your desk.

Member Quotes

The pacer systems are really very reliable. The main problem is the incompetent programming of them. If yours is working well for you, get on with life and enjoy it. You probably are more at risk of problems with a valve job than the pacer.