upside down

Hi
On the 10/1/2011 it will be 4weeks since my newest best friend was placed in . All is going well.

I want to start doing sit-ups again.This is how I used to do it: my feet locked in this contraption and my body on a 45 degree angle with head down near the floor. A 5kg weight in both hands above my head ( I know its not a lot, but I'm a girl and not very big) and then I would crunch up with the weight moving towards my core.
Now, I dont think I should be using the weight and Im happy to fold my arms on my chest but I am worried those leads will migrate towards my head end.
Probably being a bit neurotic but I really dont want to start all over again if these leads end up in ear or something.
I actually did do it last week but only 10 and I kept my body more horisontal. then lost my nerve and got off. What do you think?
By this time the leads should be buried in the intima shouldnt it?

4 Comments

Arm above the head

by agelbert - 2011-01-05 06:01:21

I have had a PM for 4 years now. I was told not to lift my left arm above my head for three months. It takes a while for the fibrous tissue to surround and secure the leads. Remember that the barb at the lead end is holding the position of the lead as well as the suturing of the subclavian vein lead entry point to the fascia and muscle. After implantation you had chest x-rays, right? They did different angles beacuse the EP needs exact positioning info to assure that the lead(s) expend as little energy as possible to pace you. Granted that the loop from the subclavian vein exit to the PM is suppossed to provide slack for your muscle movements, why risk depositioning the lead(s) with over the head arm movements? The weights probably are not a good idea yet either. If, God forbid, you altered the lead barb position, you would have to get repositioning surgery because your battery life would be otherwise reduced or other effects you may want to look up about syndromes when a pacemaker 'paces' the wrong part of your anatomy because of lead depositioning.
Take it easy. Wait.

Hi

by Gellia3 - 2011-01-05 08:01:00

I don't think you should worry about that.

Most leads today have a small screw type end. The lead is actually screwed into the myocardium and scar forms around it. It would be very unlikely that just standing on your head could dislodge them.

Enjoy your exercises!

Hope this helps some.
Best to you,
Gellia

I would wait

by AmyS - 2011-01-05 12:01:29

I think you should wait another 2 weeks at least. I've had some real problems (I'm 6 weeks post implant) with putting a lot of pressure on the site from just bending over or looking under a bed. I don't mean direct pressure from the outside, but the pressure produced when putting your heart above your head. I don't think your leads will pull out of your heart, I think that your subclavian vein and all the surrounding tissue where the leads went in are more of an issue. I think you've hesitated and asked because you do feel the pressure there and that's what's making you nervous. Just do regular sit-ups, not at a 45-degree angle. I don't think that's good for you anyway. Sure it gives you a better workout, but your head being down so low puts a lot of pressure on all the tiny arteries in your eyes and brain. They've recommended to not hold babies upside down for any length of time for just that reason. Play it safe and take it easy. 2 weeks more is not unreasonable.
Amy

Exercising after pacemaker

by Pookie - 2011-01-06 12:01:39

Hi:)

I really think you should discuss this with your doctor before you do any exercising just to be on the safe side because (believe me) you do not want to have to go for another surgery because your leads "fell". Mine fell 3 times:) = not fun.

Take care,
Pookie

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