Newbie questions

Comment posted by dlt21 on 2010-11-13 15:19.
Hi
I just had PM installed 9 days ago. I am seeing the doctor on monday for first check up. I usually workout everyday so this is a rough time. I guess 6-8 weeks is normal time frame for not lifting left arm above heart. My question is can you do any exercise ,eliptical ,treadmill or any light weight exercises like curls,
how about situps ??

5 Comments

Newbie questions2

by dlt21 - 2010-11-14 07:11:30

Also read i should avoid cordless tools. Also we sleep on a heated mattress cover has this been a problem for anyone.

Aside from bodybuilding, like to detail my cars using power tools any problems ther ?/

It depends....

by pacergirl - 2010-11-14 11:11:17

It depends on your progress, your doctor's recommendations and how you are feeling. Oh and if you have a trainer (like I do) what they have to say is important as well.

I had my new PM implanted on March 5, 2010. I began to workout again just last month. I had to get a dr. release and a stern talk from my trainer. No upper body stress. I can lift light weights only. I can do a lot of repetitions, but light weights only to start. I am doing well, but my left shoulder is really hurting so I think I have over done it. :(

I also use a lot of power tools. I love woodworking and I also like to keep my car in awesome condition! I do favor my left shoulder, but the power tools help a lot. I don't work under the hood of my car with the engine running and I don't do welding.

Good luck, have some fun.
Pacergirl

Workout not a problem

by jmac - 2010-11-15 11:11:36

Welcome to the club! I've had my pm for 3.5 years. I still play competitive softball in the summers, I run15-20 miles per week, and do the aerobic machines, plus nautilus and free weights. I've not had a problem. As for the power tools, I was told by my doctor, and pm technician not to mess with a chainsaw, and work on a car engine while its running. The electrical forces could cause the pm to not pace when needed. Oh, have fun being patted down by the TSA at airport security. I've been waiting for that '25 year old blonde female' but apparently there isn't one that works for the TSA.....

Good luck, and enjoy life!

John

Up to you

by TSan1961 - 2010-11-16 03:11:36

Hi dlt21,
I think it's entirely up to you and how you feel as far as exercising. I think most doctors would prefer to see their patients exercising, but they feel the need to err on the side of caution so they warn you to wait a few weeks. I started with walks around the hospital the same day of my pacer replacement and new vent lead implant (Oct 1st) and kept up with daily walks around my neighborhood (2 to 4 miles) for the first two weeks, then started back to my intensive cardio workouts, which includes light weights, step, sit ups, jumping jacks, running in place, squats, lunges, planks,.. everything. The only restriction was weight limit, couldn't do push ups for awhile, and lifting my left arm over my head, but I don't have those limits anymore. Start slow and light, see how you feel and go from there.
Best wishes and congrats on the new PM :))
Teresa

newbie

by dlt21 - 2010-11-16 06:11:52

Thanks for all the input. I saw Dr. yesterday and he said it was ok to use my Eliptical as long as I kept arms in place.
I went for 30 minutes at moderate pace yesterday worked up good sweat with no problems.

He said also ok to do curls with super light weight 5lbs max for first month. Then all other exercises using 10 max for an additional 2 months. After that back to normal which has been more reps lighter weights as Ive grown older

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