Sport and PM leads

Nearly 4 weeks since PM fitted and I am still wary about lifting with my left arm. What experience has everyone had with this, how careful do you really have to be and for how long. Hospital advice seems very vague and generic. Hoping to get back to cycling and cricket soon. Cycling no problem but the cricket not sure about. Any views?

All the rest is OK, I certainly seem to have better heart function with the left/right synchronisation, though still have some bruising on my chest and must admit I have an aversion to mirrors as the outline of the PM bothers me, anyone else feel the same way?

2 Comments

hi Glyn...

by lubro - 2013-10-12 02:10:32

I think it's pretty normal to have that "mirror aversion" at first. The scar area, or as some call it, the badge of courage, can be a bit frightening at first. Now, I hardly even notice that it's there. There are times when it seems to move around... times when it itches... times when it seems more protruding than other times, but as time goes by, things get better and you hardly even remember that it's there... Hopefully, you will feel the same.
I had my PM in Jan of this year, and it does take some getting used to. Now, I hardly even notice or remember that I have it. At first, I was terrified of lifting that arm over my head. One morning , I woke up and found myself stretching, with the left arm going up, and I suddenly panicked and lowered my arm and worried if I had dislodged something. Nothing happened... I think that, at first, you just need to be aware and not over do things. After the leads have had time to to settle in, and you form scar tissue around the area, you should be able to move about freely, and resume whatever physical activities you did before.
We have lots of members who lift weights, run marathons, swim, play golf, zip line, all sort of activities. Once you become more confident, you will be out there doing whatever you feel good doing. My best advice is to just take it slowly at first, allow yourself to heal, then just get on with your life. Try to stay as positive as you can, and realize that this should not stop you from just being you...
Stay in touch and let us know how you progress...
Hope this helps...

Lubro

I was told 6 weeks

by Cruzer - 2013-10-22 03:10:03

My EP told me avoid overhead motions and lifting heavy weights for 6 weeks. I could ride my bike-on the indoor trainer -after a week. I just passed 2 months and almost feel normal. Back to my regular workout routine That mirror aversion, however, takes some getting used to but it beats the alternative.
Ease back into it and I'm sure you'll be fine.

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