Weight limits

Three weeks ago got Pacemaker implant. Some questions... 10 lb limit for lifting- is that either arm, both, or site only arm? I've been lifting grandbaby with opposite arm, gardening, etc, but wondering if I shouldn't be lifting anything with either arm for this first 6-8 weeks.
Can I lift my forearm above shoulder, but keep upper arm level with shoulder?
Can I do 5-8lb weight curls?
Anyone else get bronchitis or pneumonia 2 weeks after surgery? Doc says it was from shallow breathing and common post surgery.
Thanks!

5 Comments

arm movement

by Tracey_E - 2013-05-11 02:05:05

The restrictions are only for the side with the pm. It's important to move the arm normally, just don't go too heavy or too high. I was told don't let my elbow get above shoulder level. If you feel up to curls, do curls. Carrying a baby on the other side is fine. You can tell when it starts to pull, that's what you want to avoid for now.

KG....................

by Tattoo Man - 2013-05-11 02:05:32


..................................I find this a very interesting question..

When I had open heart surgery in '07..I had similar advice about 'reaching'..I found that ,if reaching for, lets say, a can in a cupboard,..it was so much more comfortable / felt safe..to use both arms...slowly.. to get the can with both hands at the same time...it had he effect of balancing the ribcage and arm movements.

I have used this after PM surgery..twice..and find that ..S L O W ..movements will keep mobility ok without risking lead displacement

Tattoo Man

Exactly what I needed!

by kgdalg - 2013-05-12 07:05:42

Tracey, I can't thank you enough for your reply. It is exactly what I needed to hear. I am in a much better place mentally now that I'm believing that I will get back to normal and maybe even better. Walked a couple of miles this afternoon, enjoying the beautiful weather and giving myself permission to give my body a little time to recover, get over the bronchitis, and let the healing begin. Thanks everyone. I'll stay in touch! Happy Mother's Day.

It will be ok!!!!!!

by Tracey_E - 2013-05-12 09:05:21

If the leads were going to come out of position, it most likely would have happened in the first two days. Every warning after that is just precaution. All of us here have raised our arm too high, picked up something too heavy, had days we felt better so we overdid it and felt like crud the next day. Normal!!!

I am 46 and the strongest, most fit of my life. I started doing Crossfit 2 years ago and have become addicted to barbells, who knew?! I hike or ski every vacation. I took a dozen teenagers (girl scouts) on a tree top zipline/obstacle course last month and I'm taking them camping/hiking in 2 weeks. I love to rollerblade and kayak. My 16 yr old wants me to paddleboard with her but my balance isn't that good and I'm not fond of landing in the water so we're still discussing that one.There is nothing that I want to do that I cannot.

Just because you *can* do things now doesn't necessarily mean your body is ready, esp if you are fighting bronchitis and your shoulder isn't 100%. And it is frustrating!!!!! That doesn't mean it will always be this way, it just means your body is still working on it. I always say sitting still is not my forte. I walked miles and miles when I was healing. When that wasn't enough, I added wrist and ankle weights and discovered the stationary bike at our clubhouse fitness room. I have an alternative placement (pm is put in from the side and buried under the breast) so I was sore a lot longer than most people. It was almost 3 months until I could use the rower or do a push up, but now I can do whatever I want.

They don't usually do PT after this because we're still supposed to be using the arm normally, there isn't much to build up again. If you think ROM movements will help since you've had previous shoulder problems, ask for a referral but I think if you do the gentler exercises you got after your last surgery, that should be enough. People who have other problems than just a slow heart sometimes do cardiac rehab but it sounds like you would benefit most from turning the clock forward ;o) This too shall pass, I promise!

Strong and healthy ever again?

by kgdalg - 2013-05-12 12:05:25

That's what worries me. I keep forgetting! My toddler granddaughter fell and I instantly scooped her up- all 30+ lbs of her. I had rotator cuff surgery a few years ago and at least with that I had a sling to remind me (and others) even though I had to take my arm out several times a day for structured exercises. But with this you don't get that kind of controlled and detailed directions. I wish I had a few sessions with Physical Therapist to go through the range of motion exercises. I'm very physical. Do all the yard work, cutting down trees, digging, wheelbarrow full of dirt and mulch, and my job involves very heavy camera equipment (that tore my rotator cuff in the first place!), and all the cleaning and housework around here. Now even though I use it carefully and gently rotate it, I still have a stiff neck and achy feeling in my shoulder. Now I'm fighting bronchitis to boot! I just want to scream!!! They say I can do most things already, but it sure doesn't feel like it. The darn seat belt in the stupid car hurts even with a pad. Really, truly, you new friends, do you really feel strong and powerful again? I may be 59, but I need to believe that I'll be digging out a tree stump again. Please convince me that it will be ok.

You know you're wired when...

You run like the bionic man.

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I'm 43 and have had my pacemaker four weeks today. I'm looking forward to living another 50 years and this marvelous device inside me will help me do that.