need a new routine

I have read numerous posts on here in this category regarding lifting weights. Some say to go ahead and try with light weights, but my doctor gave me strict orders that I can never do another push-up or pull-up. I can never do another chest press or shoulder press. I can never lift more than 5 pounds over my head and I can never strain to push, pull or lift anything. He said the bone would literally saw my two leads in half with this type of motion.
I was an avid P90X work out routine with 5 miles jog 3 days a week. I am in week 5 since receiving my first pacemaker. I am out walking, but no where at a pace that I feel I should be. I am walking an 18 minute mile for a 5 mile walk and don't even feel like I could possibly think about jogging at this point.
I hate to loose all the muscle and gain weight. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

3 Comments

I am also a weight trainer

by BillyD - 2010-10-22 11:10:47

I am with you on this. I have been a work out person with weights most of my life. My doctor has not said one way or another about lifting my weights for keeping in shape and if he says no........well I would find it hard to comply..........Keep strong and do what you doctor says for now at the very least. I will keep you informed what my physician tells me next week when I see him.........We can be friends and talk anytime

BillyD

Comments

by ElectricFrank - 2010-10-23 01:10:37

The doc is a bit extreme in his/her restrictions. I'm not into weight training, but I certainly have lifted more than 5# above my head. If the pacer and leads were installed correctly the bones shouldn't damage the wires. I've had mine for over 5 yrs and work under my Jeep using heavy tools.

My suggestion would be to avoid the heavy aggressive stuff for 6 months or so after surgery to give the leads time to settle in. Then start working back up.

frank

Bummer

by Edouard - 2010-10-23 10:10:03

As many readers know by now, I got into an argument with my surgeon about 20 minutes before the procedure. She had told me my swimming days were over when many of her colleagues had assured me that I could resume competition after a reasonable convalescense. On my insistence, she checked with her supervisor and eventually told me she would do a cephalic vein insersion rather than the usual sub-clavian entry.
But that's history! Your situation is different and you have to play the cards you were dealt. My suggestion is for you to discuss this further with your cardiologist and / or get a second opinion.
If your weight-lifting days are indeed over, check with your local YMCA to see if they have fitness programs geared for people who have had cardiac surgery and look to see if they can set up a personalized fitness program for you. Another option: my hospital, the Montreal Heart Institute, has set up a fitness center (called "EPIC": www.centreepic.org) geared for its patients. I would be surprised if the health institutions in your area did not have similar facilities. They may not provide you with the exact answer you're looking for, but they might be able to steer you towards a new passion.
Oh! and as far as your jogging is concerned, don't worry too much. Like it or not, the period of inactivity after surgery undeniably constitutes de-training. It took me 4 months to break the 27 minute mark for the 1,500 freestyle, but I finally did it a couple of weeks ago.
Good luck and let us know how things turn out.
Edouard

You know you're wired when...

Bad hair days can be blamed on your device shorting out.

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I am a competitive cyclist with a pacemaker!