Swimming with a pacemaker

I received my pacemaker on July 28, 2011. I am an avid competetive swimmer, but when my resting pulse rate got down to 37 bpm, a cardiologist and an ekg test indicated a 3rd degree heart block. I have been back swimming for about 4 weeks now (I had to take some additional time off for another minor surgical procedure which prevented me from getting back in the water), but walked about 1 hour 5-6 days per week while waiting to return to the pool.

Since starting swimming again I’ve noticed some swelling in my upper right arm area when I work out, but it subsides pretty quickly after stopping. I am swimming about 2-3 seconds slower per 100 yards when compared to before my surgery. My question is is the swelling in my arm normal? Also should I expect to improve as my fitness level gets better or should I anticipate being a bit slower since receiving the pacemaker. So far I haven’t really pushed anything real hard as I don’t feel my fitness is back to being close to normal.

2 Comments

See The Dr.

by SMITTY - 2011-11-21 10:11:30

Hello Bfish,

My opinion is the swelling is not normal. In fact I think we should never be aware that we have a pacemaker from the standpoint of the surgery or the way it helps our heart. I know the only evidence there was for my first PM was a very thin 2 to 3 inch scar. My second is more visible and is uncomfortable. As I write this the implant site feels like I have a pissant gnawing away, but he usually leaves after a few minutes only to return when he decides to do so. But I have leaned after 11 years that we are all at the mercy our Dr, their surgical skills and knowledge of pacemakers and believe me they are not all equal.

Do I sound like I'm a little peeved at what I have now, well that is no mistake. But trying to get relief is about as hopeless as anything I'll ever see.

As for you I suggest that you see your Dr as sometimes these things are correctable and the Dr will care and have the skills to do so.

Good luck to you,

Smitty

Swimming

by ElectricFrank - 2011-11-22 01:11:51

I take it that your pacemaker is implanted on the right side. It is just under your skin or deeper under a muscle?

Any of those areas get a pretty good workout during swimming. Just moving the pacer around under the skin can irritate things a bit. It's only been about 4 months since you had the implant. As I remember it on my original implant it took 6 mo to a year before nothing seemed bother it. Mine was a bit sore after running an electric jack hammer in my yard one weekend.

I would expect your swimming times to be affected a bit just from going easy on the arm for a while.

frank

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I, too, am feeling tons better since my implant.