25 yo runner, Not as fit as before PM!?

Hi, my running post PM operation doesn't seem to be going as well as I would like. I was expecting to be exactly the same if not better. I used to enjoy effortless runs for up to two hours a go. but now I feel slower and heavier. I have been easing myself in slowly and it maybe because ive not done enough since recovering from the operation.

I had a pacemaker because my heart rate dropped below 30, frequently after my runs. it was ok until I started to feel dizzy quite unwell for a few days after.

It would be nice to hear other runners or fitness freaks and how it effected them.

thanks

6 Comments

Also some problems while running

by Giora - 2013-01-30 10:01:51

I am also not so young (58) but I used to run a lot (as a matter opf fact i did Triathlon including ironman when I was more than 50 YO) so i can refer to my self as one who used to run more than the aberage. it is 3 months since I had the implantation and it is more than 2 years since I was diagnosed as SSS. My problem (missing hert beats) always happend after i did sport and if I did not train at all i always felt great so... now after the implantation I started again to run. Since i did not train for a long time I decided to take it slowley and I set tartget to be at 10Km @ 55min 3 months from implantation. the first 1.5 month went very well and after 2 months I reached 10 K ... but fromthat point I started go backward and I fill as If either the PM pace all the time or it does not pace. I wonder if this might related to RR setting (mine is Off) or the upper limit 9which I dont know the setting). I took few days rest and will run again tomorrow. since I have my check in 3 days any idea what to ask the doctor to check / can they see something while retreiving the data ? i suspect doc will say everything is good ???

Hi there Nick

by Brain-watsit Dave - 2013-01-31 02:01:52

Just joined the website, I had my PM implanted on 21st January so I am some some weeks behind you. I hope to start running again in about 2-3 weeks. Did a marathon and several halfs and sprint triathlons etc. in 2012. I am now 56 and have been running for nearly 24 years. No problems till September last year when the dizzy spells started, the first one I nearly passed out whilst driving around the M25 (scary). Look forward to hearing how it goes for you. Dave

Not the same now !

by IAN MC - 2013-01-31 02:01:59

Sorry to add to the negative feedback but I have become an ex-marathon runner since having a PM. Like Giora I had a PM fitted for SSS.

Interestingly I can run 2 or 3 miles without any problems but feel crap 10 minutes later . I've started using a Polar heart rate monitor and it seems that I miss heart beats when I stop. ( Don't stop; you may well think ! )

Coming back to Giora's post if, like me, you have RR switched off, then the upper setting is fairly meaningless.
It just means that once your HR exceeds the upper setting your PM no longer monitors your HR and your sinus node merrily carries on.

On a few occasions I have asked " Are there any runners out there who are running as well, or better, since having a PM " and have had a disappointing lack of response.

C'est la vie

Ian

IAN.............................

by Tattoo Man - 2013-01-31 04:01:40


..................Twin Bro'..........oooh dont I just love it when you Talk French !!!.

Seriously, this such a bu**er for sportspeople to deal with...I went out for my second run this evening, just a couple of miles around my village lanes..still way too soon to have a view..my RR is OFF.

Talking of views. Its pitch black here at 6pm, so what greater joy than to strap a 1000 lumen HOPE R4 head torch on..the only headtorch that has motorists flashing you. Hope, up there in Lancashire build head / bike torches of Global quality..I can melt a Nissan at 50 yards !!

Nick, lets keep 'joined up ' on this Topic...it affects so many who want to keep on with sport that requires a reasonable Cardio capacity.

Tattoo Man

Runner with Ejection Fraction Issue

by chazzf - 2013-02-20 08:02:04

Guys,

Another marathoner here. 58 yrs old and have done @ 7marathons/ultras since first implant at 47 yrs of age (incl. a Boston). Up until recently I ran just as well...so was extremely happy (must note that I've had minor adjustments along the way). But now.....ejection fraction issue.

I was recently diagnosed with reduced heart muscle function (measured reduced ejection fraction), and am going in for test to determine if they can adjust device or if I need a 3 lead device. Currently have 2 lead that is 2 years old. Also have blood pressure issues...fainted recently and had concussion with 30 min blackout despite pacer. Medication issue...and subsequent tests showed no arterial blockage (hence the upcoming pacer re-evaluation with echo cardiogram when they turn it off).

So my advice...have an echo cardiogram.

Back with Update

by NickMartin - 2014-05-31 10:05:05

Thank for all your comments.

Running is still a huge effort, so ive taken up weights which keeps me somewhat fit while not leaving me feeling knackered all the time. What is with this? the consultant promised me that my running would not be affected. I just don't enjoy it any more. Plus I get these odd tingling in my heart, which often feel like tiny cramps.. disconcerting

Its nice hearing your stories but I do struggle to relate, mostly because of the age gap. Though I get impression everyone else seems to know a lot more about how the pacemaker works. I have no clue. I wasn't aware that I needed to know the technical bits.. Its been a year and I'm going to get it checked out.. What kind of tweaking can they do? what can I /do I need to ask them specifically?

also sometimes my heart beats kind of fast at night, or when i'm trying to get to sleep. It seems to pick up anxiety and roll with that.. if that makes sense

Not sure how you guys will be notified I posted again. Anyway, more replied would be appreciated.

Thanks again Nick

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At age 20, I will be getting a pacemaker in few weeks along with an SA node ablation. This opportunity may change a five year prognosis into a normal life span! I look forward to being a little old lady with a wicked cane!