Recovery time and exercise

Hey gang, just signed up. Thanks to you all as I'm feeling better now after reading through the comments. I'm 53, exercise daily, running, bike and weights. Typical story I guess, shortness of breath, light headedness (no fainting) . Thought I'd better get it checked out and now here I sit in the heart institute set up for a pm implant Monday. AV block 2nd degree. With my activity level, should I ask them to place the pack under the muscle versus skin (I understand it bounces around less and is less sensitive to the touch)? Is it worthwhile asking the Doc to throw an extra stitch into the lead? And.... is it really 4 weeks before you can start really actively using your left arm again? Rookie questions but appreciate your thoughts. Thanks again!

6 Comments

Fairly new PM Person

by Unexpected Changes - 2013-03-16 11:03:00

Hi there, I had my PM implanted on Jan 22. I waited 6 weeks before driving or lifting my arm above shoulder height or carrying weights with my left arm. My PM is just under the skin and had I been given the choice I would have had it under the muscle. I am going well and before diagnosis thought I was very fit and healthy. Passed the stress test and an echocardiogram but the 24 hour heart monitor showed my heart had stopped (paused) ten times in the 24hrs so in the PM went. Maybe I was over cautious but I did what I was told and I feel great. Good luck. Patricia

Definitely

by Matabar - 2013-03-17 01:03:49

Have the PM installed under the muscle! It takes a bit longer to heal and there is supposedly a little more pain but DO IT! I wanted mine under the muscle because I had several doctors and a nurse practitioner tell me to do that. I'm also an athletic person. Well, I met my EP when I was lying on the OR table. I was new in town and he hadn't come to visit me in the hospital beforehand. He came highly recommended however. Anyway, he came into the OR after I was sedated and said he wasn't prepared for an under the muscle implant. Apparently it takes longer to do the surgery. What could I say at that point?! I guess I could have said no way and insisted, but I didn't. I just caved. I was scared and groggy. I'm telling you because you have time to let your surgeon know how you want it......UNDER THE MUSCLE! Good luck to you!
Carol

No bouncing here

by ma_ku - 2013-03-17 03:03:36

Hi,

I had my first PM implanted on 19th Feb for similar symptoms as you (less the shortness of breath). I am also very active. Mine is not implanted under the muscle (didn't even know it was an option). I am back up to running 5 miles every other day plus cycling in between days and I don't notice any bouncing. I am using my left arm for light duties. You shouldn't immobilise it completely due to a risk of frozen shoulder. Feel ready for some push ups as I get into 4th week post op but will wait another couple of weeks for the green light on that.

You should bounce back quickly if there are no complications. I walked loads the first week, brought cycling back in second week and running at start of third week to give you an idea of returning to exercise.

Good luck

Mark

6 weeks

by ohiolaura - 2013-03-17 08:03:17

I was told and followed to the letter,not to :
1. Raise arm on pacer side above shoulder
2. Not lift more than 5 lbs with affected side
3. Not get area wet until they told me I could

I did start to walk after 5 days or so I think,it was slow,as I wasnt "set right: at the time,which I didnt know then.It took alot out of me to do much of anything.
I went back to work after 10 days,but ended up in the ER,needing the pacer adjusted,which solved the issues for the most part.
I am 8 1/2 months post implant,off all meds,49,work out 7 days a week,one of those days being an hour spin class.At this point,I am feeling amazing.It wasnt easy early on,as mine too came as a surprise,needing the pacer that it.
All I can say is follow the Dr's instructions,ask questions,keep on here if you need advice and a shoulder to lean on.
I also have my pacer in the muscle,cause of my age I guess,I will say this,the surgeon who did it beat the heck out of my chest,as I was told being "young" (thanks alot!) and fit,my muscle was really tight with no sagginess,so it felt to me like she was kneading bread on my chest when she was making the pocket for the unit.
I wasnt too sore or bruised at all,and now its not sore to the touch,I know its there,the scar isnt too bad,and there is the area I can feel the pacer,but its not too noticeable,and if it was,I'd deal with it,beats the alternative!
Good luck,listen,and behave,you'll be fine!
Laura

Triathlons after PM

by hjfarr - 2013-03-18 03:03:17

Follow your doc's instructions to the letter. I was told to wait 6 weeks before swimming and wait 2 months before lifting weights. I had my PM implanted in 1/11, started swimming again 6 weeks later, competing in Olympic distance triathlons again by 7/11 and full Ironman races (Ironman Tx and Kona) in 2012.

recovery aft surgery

by LeeT - 2013-03-19 02:03:17

I am 22 yrs in the gym, 70 yrs old. Implanted Jan 18 2013 do exactly as the Dr. says Careful not to open stitches with vigorous exercise can disconnect your PM connectors. Your fit and need to stay alive. You will regain your exercise program. Reality is weight lifting can do damage aft you're incisions are healed heavy training can separate PM connectors via pulls. Let yourself heal completely don't raise your etc. You will find what you can do but not before you are completely healed. ask lots of questions.

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