Keep Fit fanatic

Hi all - I had my pacemaker fitted in April of this year. Prior to having it fitted I could do long distance running with only a small amount of breathlessness at the start of the run.
Since having the pacemaker fitted I really struggle to run.
I have to keep stopping because of exhaustion and an uncomfortable feeling in my chest (but no pain).
The hospital staff have adjusted the settings 3 times but it has made no difference.
Funnily enough I can do spinning classes without problems.
Has anyone out there had a pacemaker fitted then had problems doing exercise - particularly running - afterwards?

7 Comments

Hi Geordie Flan.......................

by Tattoo Man - 2013-09-05 04:09:04


..............................welcome to Pacemaker Club and welcome to the Global Gang of runners who are mystified as to why they struggle to match Pre-PM Performance.

Sorry about this,.. but I have absolutely no idea why this phenomenon occurs..

In fairness there have been many runners / sportspeople who have reported the contrary and are well pleased with their renewed vitality and performance.

I had my PM put in as an emergency case after a string of Bradycardic failiures in one day.

Is there any correlation between sports people with urgent PM needs and a sense of performance fall-off...as opposed to 'ex'-sports people who have come back to their sport of choice after a while not doing exercise...and,..ergo,..feeling much better ????

I see you are from Preston in the land of God..namely Lancashire. My Wifes mob are from Fleetwood, and a better crowd you could never find !

Lets all hope that we find out a bit more about this eternal conundrum.

Tattoo Man,..just back in from my club run,..doing laps round the lake in Newark Notts UK

exercise

by Tracey_E - 2013-09-05 05:09:27

I also struggle with running but not other activities, no idea why! My legs turn to lead, I walk a bit, then run some more. I don't let it stop me, but I won't be breaking any speed records.

When they adjusted your settings, did they have you on a treadmill or just guess at it? Three times sounds like a lot but it's really not because they like to do it in small increments, that way if it doesn't help they know what to undo and try something else. Mine has been adjusted many more times than three! I would go back, and if you haven't done a treadmill, ask for that.

Upper limit and rate response feature

by admin - 2013-09-05 09:09:24

I jog, bike and attend boot camps. With activities that involve lots of movement, I too get out of breathe and my legs feel like lead. I think body movement tricks the rate responsive feature of my device to increase my heart rate more than needed. This means I hit my upper limit (150 bpm) sooner and I become tired. You may also want your technician to check how your device blocks heart beats when you hit your upper limit. They made some adjustments, which has helped, but not eliminated the issue.

Like Tracey says don't give up. Just adjust your exercise.

Blake

Yes

by Bostonstrong - 2013-09-05 09:09:56

Have tried 3 different settings, two were unbearable. I go back next week to try again. In the meantime I'm gradually increasing mileage, 12 hilly miles Sunday. When I get winded I walk. My pace is pretty slow but it was before the pm too. Keep working with your Ep until she gets it right.

Hi Geordie

by IAN MC - 2013-09-06 04:09:59

I,too, have pretty much become an ex-runner since having a PM. I have tried having countless setting changes,and have had several sessions while wired up on a treadmill at the local hospital....all to no avail.

It may help the Drs arrive at a diagnosis if you do as much self- measurement as possible. What is happening to your heart rate and blood pressure at those times in the run when you have to stop ? Are there any trigger factors prior to your run which bring on the problem....caffeine, alcohol etc .?

In my case their latest theory is that sudden spells of exercise-induced hypotension are causing me to have to stop after a couple of miles so I am taking salty drinks before I set off which MAY be working.

As a involuntary ex- marathon runner myself I know how frustrated you must be feeling

Best of luck

Ian

Keep fit fanatic

by Geordie Flan - 2013-09-06 09:09:15

Many thanks to you all for responding so quickly.
It's sort of comforting to know that I'm not the only one who has this problem but it's frustrating nevertheless.
I did a treadmill test yesterday but haven't had the results yet but I get the impression that the PM technicians, whilst trying their best, are not used to dealing with people who are very active.
Pacerep: yes, I went into level 2 heartblock prior to having the PM fitted.
Thanks again to everyone who responded

Hmmm

by PacerRep - 2013-09-06 12:09:23

Your explanation would typically indicate to me that your accelerometer needs to be turned off and only use Minute Ventilation as your sensor and also to adjust your upper rate and break points...with one exception...

You said that you could run fine prior to the pacemaker but not now. A pacer doesn't work that way, if you had the cardiac output to complete the task on your own, you should still be able to, If your own heart wants to beat the pacer will allow it. I'm assuming you went into 2:1 HB after this and now you can't get back to where you were??

Would need more info

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Member Quotes

I've seen many posts about people being concerned about exercise after having a device so thought I would let you know that yesterday I raced my first marathon since having my pacemaker fitted in fall 2004.