Get Going

• by gleesue
• 2013-07-11 03:07:16
• Exercise & Sports
• 1203 views
• 3 comments

I got my pacemaker August 2, 2012. I read so much about taking it easy for up to three months and worrying about future activity levels. My Doctor is at the Cleveland Clinic so I think his recommendations should be pretty good. I got back on my exercycle within a week after implantation, of course slow to start with. I started back with light weights in about 3 weeks. Played my first round of golf in just a few days shy of 6 weeks, 9 holes the first day 18 two days later.

My Doc suggested for weight training, using less weight and doing more reps to begin with. His best advice was, IF IT HURTS DON’T DO IT. I exercise 5-6 days a week, 3 days of cardio and 3 days of weights. I also play golf, tennis, bike, hike, and swim, coach 2 soccer teams and really like to jet ski. I also like the calmer side of life, fishing and a glass of wine and a cigar.

I hardly know I have a PM anymore. I got it primarily because of Bradycardia. Had to get cardioverted because of an arrhythmia and my heart started going 6 – 10 seconds between heart beats. I had to get cardioverted again about a month ago. The PM is great for going to slow but won’t prevent an arrhythmia. My Doc said, at least we got 9 months out of you. I’ve probably been cardioverted around 35 times.

It did take a few adjustments at first to get it working right for my activity level. I did have the racing when I went up a flight of stairs, but was told it takes a few seconds before my PM realizes I’m doing something physical and may start up when I’m actually done, thus a little racing.

I don’t want to keep going because I’m getting a little long. But this is to let you know that basically you can do anything you did before the PM after PM implantation. Heavy contact sports can be a little questionable though.

I really didn’t want to get a PM because I thought my life would change and I guess it did, for the better. The best advice I can give to you that are concerned or apprehensive is, not to worry you will be better than ever. By the way I’m no spring chicken. I’m 66 and the way I feel I should be around at 96.
So let the machine do its job, enjoy life and live long.

Jerry