Post pacemaker running

Hi there, I am 44 and received a pm on Dec. 23rd. I am a runner and am having a difficult time getting my stamina back since the pm. The technician keeps tweaking the pm but I still don't have any stamina and feel, at times, like I cannot run more that 2-3 miles. I received the pm due to bradycardia and am set at 70 bpm. Any suggestions or info. would be very appreciated, thank you...

5 Comments

time

by Tracey_E - 2011-02-28 07:02:53

My first thought is you haven't had it too long, you might just need to cut yourself some slack and not push so hard until your body's had more time to get used to pacing. Are you getting lightheaded or dizzy, or just tired? Have you checked your pulse when it happens? And last question, do you know what causes the bradyardia? Different conditions can cause a low hr and the fix varies.

It's not uncommon to need the initial settings tweaked, after a few tries they should be able to get you feeling good again. If one tech can't get it, can you ask for another? Another thing that's helped them get me tweaked is getting on a treadmill while hooked to the pm computer and let them watch what happens on exertion.

Good luck! Where in Fl are you? I'm in Fl also.

Stamina

by donr - 2011-02-28 09:02:54

Stefani: Can you spell ANESTHESIA? You had it, even though all they did was sedate you. Dunno if you have ever had it before, but it takes time before you get back to where you started. That you are at 2-3 miles already is pretty darned good!

Like Tracey said - cut yourself some slack! here's why: 1) You just lost a knife fight w/ a surgeon. 2) He knocked you senseless for about 30 - 45 minutes. 3) You have a problem w/ your heart - it will take some adjusting of your new friend to totally sort that part out. 4) you were (I hope) inactive for several weeks post surgery while recovering from it.

I once had an abortive procedure where they knocked me out w/ general anesthesia then discovered that they could not do the procedure. Guess how long it took me to recover from nothing more than being under for about 30-45 minutes while they got to the point where they had to turn around & go home?

That you can already run 2 miles is a wonder! I found out about two weeks post Op that I can no longer sprint - but I could jog/run at a workout pace. The difference is/was a little adjustment called ADL (Activities of Daily Living). It's a delay time (adjustable) built into the PM that tells it how long to wait to believe your demand for a higher pulse rate to keep it from reacting to false alarms. Mine was set too long - like about 15 seconds (I think) - long enough to finish a 100 meter dash before the PM kicked in to start helping me out. Till it kicked in, my heart was on its own, & it didn't work very well - of course - I needed the PM!!!

Just keep plugging & chugging & keeping in touch w/ your Dr. All should work out over time.

Don

Kudos

by Edouard - 2011-02-28 10:02:35

Hi Stefani
Wow! You are ambitious!
I am a 59 year-old competitive swimmer and was introduced to "Pac-Man" last May. Even though I felt well following surgery, I was beached, on doctor's orders, for six weeks afterwards. I don't need to tell you that my performance suffered. Even now, it is a struggle to get back to my pre-surgery times. On the other hand, I am making progress, slowly, but surely.
I've finally been able to get back under 27 minutes for the 1,500 meter freestyle - not too shabby for someone my age.I'm now working on my endurance for the 100 meter butterfly.
As Tracey and Don have said, it takes time. Be happy that you've been able to resume your active lifestyle so quickly. Don't worry, it WILL come back.
Regards
Edouard

Thank you for all of your help and information...

by Stefani - 2011-02-28 10:02:42

Thanks again to everyone who responded, I wish I would have written sooner! All of you gave me so much valuable info. and hope.

Tracey, I am not getting dizzy just very tired, most of the time and when I run I feel like I have bricks on my feet and a heavy feeling in my chest. Unfortunately I do not have a diagnosis for my bradycardia and the doctors told me all of my symptoms may not be relieved with a pm (exhausted all the time).
Donr, you really gave me hope and made me feel better, wish I wouldn't have waited so long, thank you. I don't know much about the adjustments but I do know the tech turned everything off and said we will work from the bottom up??? I am anxious to discuss the ADL now, thanks again.
Edouard, wow, congrats on your swimming stats you are quite an athlete! I guess I expected a lot and really thought I would bounce right back. I know I am lucky to be able to run at all, I guess patience (and technology) are not my strong suit.

Thanks again to everyone, you have been a huge help and comfort, Stefani.

Rate response!

by Hot Heart - 2011-02-28 11:02:20

Hi there, is your rate response on do you know? I just couldnt run or do any real aerobic exercise before it got switched on, I was exhausted just walking up a flight of stairs.

HH

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