question regarding cycling/running

I will have a defibrillator and pacemaker implanted in the next couple of weeks and have some questions regarding my active lifestyle. I am a very active 55 yr old female.
1) I have been a competitive cyclist and runner for the past 25 years, how will this affect my ability to run/cycle again?
2) what is the typical recovery time?
3) anything I should be aware of/prepare for?
thanks for input! jackie

10 Comments

Why are you getting it?

by PacerRep - 2013-08-26 01:08:14

Do you need the pacemaker? Or are you getting it for primary indication?

1. If you don't need the pacemaker it won't effect it at all. If you do need the pacemaker, it probably won't effect it at all.
2. 3 weeks discomfort. 2-3 months of limited arm movement, depending on which doc you see.
3. Just have a buddy to be at your beckon'd call for a few days.

FYI all defibrillators come with a pacemaker, its not an option to get it without one...thats why I'm asking if you need the pacer or if your getting it for the defib portion. Some people need both.

You can also search

by KAG - 2013-08-26 01:08:43

If you go to the upper right corner of the site and use the search function. You'll find lots of posts for new PM or new pacemaker.

Make sure you get info on what device your getting and some of the basic settings When they do an interrogation you should get a copy of the printout. That way you'll have the info in hand for any questions you might have. They typically will go with standard settings which are fine to start with, but they aren't always exactly what you need to support your activities. They can easily tweak the settings for you if needed. I was getting SOB and fatigue when exercising and they increased my UTR and that took care of it.

If you have any questions or concerns this is a great site to get help.

Kathy

cyclist

by smokinjack - 2013-08-26 06:08:18

I'm a cyclist also.I've been thinking the same thing.But before I can get on my bike I have to have rotator surgery.5 weeks in an arm sling 3 months rehab.Probably not back on the bike until the snow clears. As mentioned above you can do searches on cycling/running.I reme ber one reported seeing a shirtless guy running a marathon with a pacer.
I'd like to hear your progress getting back in the saddle again.
Please keep us informed of your progress.
Jon

things to keep in mind

by Marie12 - 2013-08-26 07:08:32

I am 52 and just had defib implanted July 3rd. This is what I wish someone had told me before hand:

1 - for a while, the defib may move up and down when you are walking or if your are driving down a bumpy road. I use to hold mine in place with my right hand. Mine is now quite snug and I don't have that problem anymore but it scared me at first.

2 - If you have any chest size, it is important to wear a bra or "gravity" will pull on your incision.

3. Depending on your body fat, your defib will be quite noticeable and it may be tender. I can feel the sides of my defib as well as the top. Not a big deal now but it did scare me at first.

4. Sometimes, the defib is very close to your underarm (mine is). Sometimes that is the only place they can really place it. This makes it difficult to move my left arm towards the left but that is also getting better.

5. Make sure you know what your defib is set to for shocking. I just found out today that there is a setting and if your heart beat goes beyond that, it may shock you. If you are a cyclist, you want to know that number and keep track of your heart rate as you exercise.


I cannot begin to tell you how much anxiety I had at first but I now find that are significant amounts of time throughout the day that I forget it is even there.

If you have any other specific questions, anyone on this site would be happy to answer. You have come to the right place.

thank you all so much!

by jackiem44 - 2013-08-26 08:08:37

I am so thankful for all the input I have received...It is so much appreciated and so very helpful. I must admit I was under the impression my active lifestyle (running/cycling) might be over. I was invited to Nationals (Duathlon) in October, so I can resign myself to not being able to compete and may never be able to again. But just knowing the things I love, such as running/cycling are still possible, just probably not at the competitive level they have been before, has really lifted my spirits.

So thanks again, everyone...you guys are awesome!

jackie

thanks for response...

by jackiem44 - 2013-08-26 09:08:11

yes and yes (to question above)...thanks for the feedback!

Running

by Bostonstrong - 2013-08-26 09:08:26

I don't have the defibrillator just a pm but started running very soon after the surgery, the first night while still in the hospital for very short distances. Did 11 miles yesterday, 8 weeks out from surgery. I would ask your dr how soon you can get started again. It's actually easier for me to run now, I can breathe so much easier. Best of luck with surgery and recovery. Keep us posted.

Me again

by Marie12 - 2013-08-27 06:08:18

Can a defib be sutured in? I know mine isn't. There is a quite a difference between the size of a defib and pacemaker. I agree with everyone above. You should discuss this with your surgeon to ensure they understand your level of activity.

Hi Jackie...............

by Tattoo Man - 2013-08-27 07:08:19


.........................all good advice here. I suggest that you tell your surgeon that you are a runner. Here in the UK not all PMs are sutured in, relying on the 'pocket' only to locate the device..my PM tried to escape so I had a new one put in with sutures...this one doesn't bounce about as the first one did !!

Best wishes Tattoo Man

Running

by mikenall - 2013-08-27 10:08:35

Had a dual chamber pacemaker implanted 19 days ago and ran 4.3 miles this morning just to test it out. I would have been back to running sooner but had to have settings adjusted three days in a row for them to get it to the point where I could run without my heart doing crazy things. You have to keep after the medical people on this. They probably don't commonly treat active people.

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