Running

Hi I have had my pacemaker for two weeks and am amazed at the difference in energy levels and how much easier it is to breathe.
Has anyone run marathons or half marathons after the implant and if so what was it like compared to prior to getting a pacemaker? Also how long before you can swim again? My dr said not too because of the overhead arm motion nut didn't say for how long.

4 Comments

did fine runiing with PM

by RexMom - 2013-07-14 10:07:14

Hi Bostonstrong

I was in the Army when I got my first pacemaker. I had no problems with running and all the physical activity required of me to remain in the Army. Prior to the pacemaker I was fainting and having a very hard time running. Your pacemaker should not limit you. As for swimming and the over the head motion. It's usually 4-6 weeks so as not to dislodge the pacer wires. Give your Dr's office a call though. They should be very willing to answer any questions you have. Mine even has e-mail where they answer within hours. Good luck!

RexMom

Not me, but . . .

by SaraTB - 2013-07-15 11:07:57

. . . I know one of my doctor's other PM patients is a marathon runner. They mentioned that he came in regularly, as he got his fitness back, for the settings to be reprogrammed. So, if you do this, be prepared for things to change as your fitness improves, and to keep going back to your doctor: the first settings probably won't be the ones you'll keep!

Good luck and welcome to the PM club.

Thanks

by Bostonstrong - 2013-07-16 08:07:33

Thanks for the info. I finished my 6th half marathon 4 days before surgery. Third from last, had a tough time with hills, heat, and humidity and was barely upright at the finish line. Seems like that was moving underwater with cement weights compared to after the pacemaker but I haven't done any distance running yet.

running with PM

by mikenall - 2013-07-31 07:07:51

I'm getting a Biotronik Evia dual chamber PM next week. I know many runners with pacemakers & ICD's. Check out heartorg@forumotion.com to connect and share with others with similar issues, or go to our Facebook page at H.E.A.R.T.

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I have had my pacer since 2005. At first it ruled my life. It took some time to calm down and make the mental adjustment. I had trouble sleeping and I worried a lot about pulling wires. Now I just live my life as I wish.