What should I do?

Yesterday I went to the PM Clinic for the first check at seven weeks. It was a great relief to learn that all was OK and that I had not pulled the leads out and my worries about feeling faint and breathless at times were normal with my particular problems I have a dual PM for AF and a 2:1 heart block. This was fitted in an emergency. Most of the time I feel great.

I am nearly 80 and normally have gone to the gym twice each week. Recently I asked my Dr. if I could start going again and just do exercises for the lower half of the body. His response was a definite NO! Yesterday the Physiologists said that I could start again right away and there was absolutely no restriction, even for pushing up iron. I am inclined to take their advice and give it a go - What do you suggest I should do?

7 Comments

agreed

by ford truck guy - 2013-05-31 05:05:01

I agree that you ned to do what your body tells you. I am also not a doc but am sure you know your body enough to say when... Just do not jump right in.. go slow if you do.. My restrictions stopped at 6 weeks except for the breast stroke or golf,, they were both 8 weeks due to my leads...

Everyone's different

by Chels - 2013-05-31 05:05:53

I know I'm not a doctor but if I were you, I'd just do what I feel comfortable with. All of our doctors have different guidelines they follow, my doctor has never given me any restrictions after six weeks post op. I don't want to completely disagree with your doctor since I have no medical training, but I think if you slowly ease back into it, I would think it could only benefit you and your heart.

You say you asked your doctor recently and he said no. Was that before you six weeks post op? If so, I would maybe ask him again now that you are past the standard healing period.

ask again

by Tracey_E - 2013-05-31 06:05:22

I would ask your dr WHY he doesn't think you should exercise, then decide for yourself what is best for you. Advice is just that, advice, not the law. Just my opinion, but I plan to do as much as I can for as long as I can so my heart stays strong. Unless someone gives me a compelling reason why I shouldn't get my heart rate up, I'm going to do it!

electrophysiologist

by Tracey_E - 2013-06-01 12:06:01

if she's talking about an ep, electrophysiologist, they are cardiologists with advanced specialty in electrical problems of the heart, so they're actually more qualified than a regular cardiologist who is more or less a plumber.

Expertise

by Yakkwak - 2013-06-01 12:06:06

Agree about asking, definately. Keep in mind that physiologists are not required to have even a fourth of the education/training that your cardiologist is required to have.... just saying.

Of Course...

by Yakkwak - 2013-06-02 12:06:27

Was taking the OP's words at face value. I also considered the use of the plural.

What Should I Do? - Follow Up

by jodafo - 2013-06-19 03:06:07

Thank you for your helpful advice and opinions following my question “What should I do”. Just to recap, following my first pacemaker, a Biotronik dual chamber, my usual GP (General Practitioner) the Doctor I usually see at my local Surgery – this is how it works here in the UK; he was opposed to my starting at the Gym again. The two Physiologist at my first PM check after seven weeks had assured me that there was no problem and no restriction on what I could do at the Gym.

I decided – with your responses and encouragement, to just go to the Gym and give it a try. However, my attempt was rejected and I was told to get a letter from my GP to support my return. I explained to my GP what I had done and eventually got a letter stating that I could perform “regular controlled gentle to moderate exercise”. This was acceptable to the Gym and I am now enjoying my twice weekly exercising doing what I feel is OK which is pretty much what I was doing before.

I use a Sportline heart rate monitor with chest strap which produces loads of information. No doubt because I now have a PM and being on beta blockers, the resting heart rate is now normally slow, around 60 to 64 and during a workout is in the range 70 to 113 where previously, on days when there was no AF, it was typically 85 to 132. Bear in mind my age is 80. Previously, when AF was present, the Sportline, and I understand all other similar monitors, could not measure heart rate correctly and would record random results like:119 to 198.

Hope my experience may be of help to others.

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