Limitations post-PM implantation

I had a question concerning lifting weights and arm during post PM surgery. I was told not to lift over 25lbs and not to lift my arm above shoulder height for 4 weeks.Does these restrictions on the weight and raising the arm apply just to the PM side? Most people told me this is the case.

3 Comments

A gallon of milk

by Theknotguy - 2014-02-11 06:02:31

About the most you should lift in the first four to six weeks is lift a gallon of milk (about 8 pounds) with the arm on the PM side. You can lift more on the non-PM side but you don't want to strain. You'll want to move the arm on the side with the PM so it doesn't get stiff but you don't want to lift the elbow above the shoulder for that four to six week period.

I've heard everything from four weeks to never - as far as using the arm on the PM side. Depending upon your previous activity level depends upon how much you push it. If you strain too hard you'll pull the leads and they'll let you know in a hurry you've done something you shouldn't. You'll probably pull the leads at least once during that period - everybody does. Just don't make a regular habit of it. You'll also forget and lift the elbow above your shoulder. Just don't make it a regular habit. Don't get paranoid either.

Normal day-to-day around the house stuff should be OK at four weeks. It just depends upon how fast the body grows around the leads. Up to about 30 pounds can be lifted at about six weeks. My cardio told me not to lift 90 pound 4x8 melamine sheets ever. Too much of a danger of going over 100 pounds per shoulder. Lesser weights are OK for me after 90 days. However when I talked to the table saw crew one of them said, "You aren't going to lift s**t !" Guess I got told.

In the meantime, start getting accustomed to the amazing piece of machinery that is now watching over you. It never goes to sleep, never takes a day off, never complains. It just sits there and watches until it's needed.

Oh, and another thing, some people get all sorts of thumps, bumps, tingly feelings, itches, pokes, etc. It's all part of the normal process of the body adjusting to the new equipment. If you aren't running a fever or hurting badly, no need to get concerned. If in doubt, you can ask cardio guy or put a post here.

You've got a lot of living to do. Go out and enjoy life!

Theknotguy

just the pm side

by Tracey_E - 2014-02-11 06:02:52

You can do whatever you want with the other side, as theknotguy said, just don't strain. I was told 20#, seems like our drs allow more heavy than average.

Thanks for the support

by bmccasland - 2014-02-11 07:02:19

I appreciate the comments. I've just been a little paranoid. I had the PM put in over a month ago and went in for my one month interrogation and found that my upper lead was dislodged. Doc said it was nothing I did but the Pm had dropped significantly putting strain on the leads. He re-positioned both into stronger muscle, giving a little slack and sewed the PM into place with a mesh pouch. So I'm back to day 5 with the revision. I have been overly cautious even still have my arm in a sling. Like the Doc said the 1st issue was not of anything I did, but I want to be a little restrictive as to what I do. I really appreciate the words of encouragement, and hope my "rare" ordeal doesn't put any worries on any new PM recipients. Thanks !! Oh, my Doc told me 25#..

You know you're wired when...

Lifetime warranty no longer gives peace of mind.

Member Quotes

I have a well tuned pacer. I hardly know I have it. I am 76 year old, hike and camp alone in the desert. I have more energy than I have had in a long time. The only problem is my wife wants to have a knob installed so she can turn the pacer down.