Advice

Had PM implant one week ago , all seems to be going ok, wound healing nicely and off painkillers. Still some soreness/stiffness though conscious of avoiding too much movement and stretching to the affected side. Been for a few steady walks on flattish ground without any problem. As a very keen cyclist I was thinking I may get on my static bike soon for some really steady exercise. Has anyone any ideas or advice ??. All the general written advice I've seen suggest exercise after 3/4 weeks.I feel I am ready now. I have ridden competitively for 15 years or so and consider myself a fit 51 year old and want to get back to normal asap . Thanks

11 Comments

What Does the Doctor Say?

by Walter Z - 2012-03-07 01:03:43

Hello, TNR --

I so relate to your issues about exercise. Although not nearly as active as you, I had resumed a regular workout schedule when my own heart-related adventure began, and I'm still leery of going back to the gym, even though it's making my crazy staying away.

Because I want to do weight work, I have to be cautious about certain movements, particularly reaching over my head with my left arm. In your case, as cycling doesn't involved this type of movement, I can't see how a moderate amount of stationary biking could be dangerous, as long as the bike doesn't fall over. But of course, I'm not Mr. Doctor, and don't know what else may be involved.

Hoping you adapt nicely, and get back on the bike sooner rather than later.

WZ

Feedback

by TNR - 2012-03-07 02:03:40

Some positive & constructive feedback . Thx

Love the user name.

by TLR - 2012-03-07 03:03:05

Just give it a bit of time fella. Let your body recover first then crack on. See it as an investment now in your future performance.

I'm only just getting back into cycling after a break of many years, mountain biking, and I love it. Fully healed and accepting of my PM, my device is the least of my worries.

I did, however, go out on my motorbike, just a week or two after implant, and popped it out of its little pocket and it ended up further along my chest under the skin. Ok so I just shibbied it back a bit under the skin and its ok now, if a little proud standing.

So what am I trying to say? Just give it time, a few weeks now will save months of problems.

Advice

by TNR - 2012-03-07 12:03:09

Thanks !! Really don't want to rush things but feeling fine at the minute , just want to get back on the bike :)

again -

by bionicdee - 2012-03-07 12:03:25

It's about giving your body time to heal and the leads to be " tied in" by scar tissue.

Well... TNR

by bionicdee - 2012-03-07 12:03:54

I had an implant three weeks ago, and had to go back in for a lead revision last week. We don't know if it was the recumbent bike, the walk or the tumble down the stairs that caused the lead to move -just a tad. I felt electrical twinges because it was on a nerve. I felt fab the first time as well. It's more about your leads moving than anything. I am 59 and constantly busy.

You decide, but it was not worth the risk.

Bionic Deb

What Does Your Body Say??

by gator - 2012-03-08 01:03:19

I am now six weeks in and have travelled, played four hockey games, curled three times and walked miles, in addition to normal life things. Skated after about ten days (tentatively), and progressively more strenuously until first game at almost five weeks; curled at four. My main constraint was surgical discomfoirt, not heart issues (as far as I was aware, anyway). The caveat being, I am not on blood thinners or any other meds and had experienced no serious symptoms beyone a heart rate of 31 and 3 second stoppages; no pass-outs, etc. The advice I keep getting is that the implant was designed to prolong life, so live it and enjoy; like everything else --> in moderation of course. My mantra, after many years in athletics is "listen to your body".

Have fun & good luck.

For a bike rider, do something really novel !

by Tattoo Man - 2012-03-08 04:03:19

Hi TNR, as a long term Time Trialler I know how you feel...you want to get out and give it some wellie.
Dont !!
Try going for long walks (hands in pockets, now ),...discover the parts around your home that you never saw on a bike,...breath in tons of fresh air.

When, after 3 or 4 weeks if you get on a bike,make it a mountain bike...stay on the flat, low gears,..stay in the saddle.

Your Road Bike will feel an absolute dream after that !

Tattoo Man

Post what you do

by JoeCardFan - 2012-03-14 01:03:27

Did the stationary recumbent bike after two weeks
Ran at three weeks 4 days- a week ago
Easy
Then started to walk more
Why push it?
Feel good
But waiting for 12 weeks before really getting after it
I think Tattoo Man did that
Sounds like good advice
Want to anchor the leads really well
Good luck

A little skittish

by MaryAnn - 2012-03-24 10:03:04

Appreciate all the comments, I got my pacemaker a week ago, inserted under the muscle, ouch!!!!!!!!! I wish the pain would go away. I am an avid "Spinner" at my gym and lift weights. My nurses in ICU could not believe I was 65 - tonight I feel 85. I was told a month to recuperate but I feel so afaid to move, not to disturb the leads. LOL I used to be a clinical specialist for Medtronic (of course I ask for theirs). Sadly I am a skittish patient, not sleeping much at night, my body is missing my excercise!! I am wondering of lunges done daily would hurt if I did them easy, I do not want to lose mucle tone.

Any comments greatly appreciated !

cycling/running with a PM and HRM

by Mitch - 2012-03-26 12:03:20


My pacer was put in because i passed out while riding. After the surgery and other repairs, I started riding at between 1 & 2 weeks. Cant remember the actual date. had no problems except for the normal soreness. I did a 200KM race 18 days after the pacer was put in. With my doctors permission. The pacer was the least of my problems! I had been training for that race and really did not want to miss it. Still had some stiches in and a lot of swelling on my left leg, that later requires surgery.
I would say go ahead and ride, with caution.

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