Up To Speed When Running

Have a Boston Scientific S603 rate responsive pacemaker that was implanted in Nov 2010. Was just getting used to it when I had some ablations for Afib and flutter in Feb of this year. Have been a serious runner for years and regularily at the top of my age group. Now, after several attempts to get my PM adjusted, I can run/jog at a moderate pace with no problem but when I want to run in a race I can't get started. Most recent attempt had me walking several times in the first mile as it seemed like my legs had no energy and I couldn't quite get my breathing going. After a couple of miles I was able to pick up the pace, but by then I'm at the back of the pack. Have gone from a 7:30 pace for the 1/2 marathon to a 9:30 pace. Has anyone had a similiar experience and, if so, were you able to resolve it (and HOW)?

4 Comments

BOY !!!!

by Tattoo Man - 2012-08-12 09:08:15

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Tattoo Man

Slow starter

by IAN MC - 2012-08-13 05:08:01

Hi Gordy. I can identify so closely with you going from a 7.30 pace to 9.30. That is exactly my situation.I used to run with the faster runners in my club now I've come to terms with starting off with the the beginners/ unfits and overweights. Once I've got the oxygen transfer working I'm not too bad but by then the faster runners have disappeared into the distance.

A drop off in performance can be caused by the obvious things like not enough training or getting older but it sounds to me as though either i) your heart condition has not been resolved completely by the ablations and PM or ii) the PM settings need further fine tuning.

Were the ablations successful ? Did they restore sinus rhythm or not ? I have a Medtronic and am not familiar with the setting options on your Boston model but it is possible that they can fine tune the Rate Responsiveness to help you get going more quickly in that first mile.

Not ideal, but one solution may be for you to have a one mile warm-up before the race starts.

Best of luck ... I look forward to hearing solutions to your problem with interest.

Cheers

Ian

Settings

by PEteacher - 2012-08-13 09:08:43

Gordy,

Settings seem to be a real issue with many active people, especially runners, with PMs.

I too can jog with no problem, but more strenuous exercise: running, going up stairs, etc. causes me extreme shortness of breath.

I have had my PM adjusted unsuccessfully a number of times.

The most recent adjustment has lead to chest pain when running. I'm seeing my Dr in two weeks when he returns from vacation.

One member suggested "pacemaker syndrome."

Good luck....I would be interested in hearing of a solution to your problem.

Regards,

Syd

similar

by arthur - 2012-08-15 03:08:08

Gordy and Ian:
I too am a runner. In December 09' I experienced the same symptoms you are describing and was diagnosed with 1st to 2nd degree heart block and had a dual chamber implanted. The heart block moved into 3rd degree and I'm on full time pacing.
My running was still a struggle which got worse when my Ejection Fraction began to drop off at high speeds.
Have you had a stress test? Echo? Gallium/Thallium and/or PET Scan?
Why are you having conduction problems?
You need to an answer to this question.
Good Luck,
Arthur

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