New to Pacemaker

Hello everyone. I am 44 and have just been fitted with a pacemaker. The specialists were scratching their heads wondering about why my heart rate would drop on exercise from 120bpm to 60bpm. I am an ex-professional international rugby union player, a black belt at Judo and very fit. I have monitored my heart when training for a long time but recently noticed this drop in HR when training. I had my pacemaker fitted 2 weeks ago and feel (whilst worried) better. Whilst I do not anticipate playing rugby or judo again, I just wonder whether or not my PM will allow me to continue to referee rugby union at a national league level. How ling does it take to get to full fitness? I am also having tests for sarcoidosis of lungs which may be an issue. Never felt as worried and frightened as what I do now and am hoping for some positive feedback from you guys.

3 Comments

I haven't had mine placed yet , but

by Loriann - 2012-02-20 10:02:55

I have been working and when it all stopped due to other issues than the what you mentioned, it is a life style change that gets us all. From 100 miles and hour to a wall...spat. Being productive to not doing due to health can just blow your mind. It's an adjustment. But from what I have read, been told here is yes...you can do most anything you want . And the prize you should feel better soon. I think they said a month to heal, with maybe two weeks of no driving due to the surgery itself/healing time.
I was very active too and in sports on and off. Women's softball team, jogged etc with walking /exercising. This was on and off stuff I could do when work allowed it. All I can say is never give up and do your best. Talk with you doctors, others here also. But live life. I found that not doing made me worse . When the stove is hot it will burn you, you don't want to touch it again. But found that you have to get up and get going and move....in time the pain etc will ease up and you feel better . Mentally and physically. I think you are very blessed . I want to say that I bet whatever you do , you do it well. It takes practice with sports, training and hard work. It also takes Will. I wish you the best. Don't ever give up...even if we detour on our path or it leads to something other....as long as it is done well and good ...you know you gave it your all. Take care...Lori

Settings for athletic persons

by ElectricFrank - 2012-02-21 01:02:01

One of the most common problems is that they will set the upper pacing limit too low for your condition. This will cause erratic HR when you reach the limit.

I'm 82 yrs old, but have my upper limit set to 150. I don't push it that high, but I'm the one taking responsibility for it, not the device.

By the way Medtronics has a software program that helps them adjust the pacemaker while you are on a treadmill. It is intended for the more unusual athletic person.

frank

Good advice

by Tattoo Man - 2012-02-21 07:02:33

All the above ,Ii can endorse completely. It seems to me that there are sometimes crossed wires..(Pun Intended !) between Patient and Medic..tell them what outcome you are looking for, they cannot read your mind so may put you on an average setting not knowing your level of fitness and aspirations. Referee work is mostly running, this should be no prob. I am 61 and was back running in about 4 weeks. I had my PM at Glenfield Leicester, Nov '10, next weekend am doing a hilly 17 miler.
You'll be fine, being a bit scared demonstrates that you are alive, and thats where we all want you to stay. Keep in touch, post PM people may still have concerns, but also will have stuff to contribute.
No one should be out there worrying without need.
You dont say where your PM will be done but dont forget you will most likely have a direct line to your PM Technicians..they will answer all of your queries...apart from making a judgement on that Rubbish Linesmans eyesight !!..try SpecSavers !

As Spencer Davies sang..."Keep on Running"

Tattoo Man, just down the road in Newark

You know you're wired when...

You fondly named your implanted buddy.

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