Walking

I am getting my PM on May 15th for bradycardia that causes fatigue and swimmy head. (That is what I like to call it) I am a healthy, active 42 year old that loves to speed walk and do races. Every summer I participate in a walking program that gets us prepared for a 10 mile walk that takes place the end of August. During the summer we meet every Tuesday and walk several miles until we get up to the 10 mile mark. It starts today. Today is just a small walk and next week we walk 3 miles, then add around a mile every week. My question is, I am getting my PM on May 15th and just curious how long before I am going to feel up to walking with the group again. Will I be able to go at the speed I am use to or am I going to need to slow down. Will I be able to do the miles? I know each person is different, but any thoughts on how soon others got back to doing activities and feeling good enough to get back out exercising. Thanks

6 Comments

Hopeful

by melbee - 2014-05-06 02:05:20

Thanks for the replies. I am hoping that I am able to get back out there soon after. At least I am getting it at the start of the race season instead of at the end. This is one thing I do not want to give up, I love my walks. Also my dog would be upset. He enjoys his walks also.

walking

by Tracey_E - 2014-05-06 02:05:33

I was out walking the day I got out of the hospital. We need to be careful of the left arm (assuming they put it on the left) and not lift too much for 4-6 weeks. Other than that, do what you feel up to. I am a big advocate of getting back to normal as quickly as possible. Everyone is different, we all come from different places of course, but a positive attitude and a strong desire to get back on your feet will help you heal faster.

If your dog doesn't heel well, be careful to hold the leash with your other hand. A sudden jerk on the leash would not feel good. My German shepherd is 90 pounds and strong. He heels like a champ until he sees something more interesting (aka bunnies and other small creatures dumb enough to cross our path), then he's been known to try to pull my arm out of the socket. He was not invited on my first walks.

Yes

by Jonny - 2014-05-06 11:05:01

I could do everything I did before the PM after a short recovery period, without the fear of passing out. Best of luck. John

Go For It

by NiceNiecey - 2014-05-06 11:05:25

I think you should be able to do it without any problems. Just be sure to give yourself a few weeks to adjust to the changes. The good thing is that you're already use to doing this sort of thing.

In the meantime, get a lot of rest and give in to the urge! I felt like a loser wanting to take a nap all the time but it was the best thing for me.

Go for the full 10!!!
Niecey

Better with PM than without

by Selwyn - 2014-05-06 12:05:37

Welcome to the club.
The pacemaker will sort out your bradycardia, as such your exercise performance will improve! In the first week of having a pacemaker I was out riding my bicycle at top speed, I was banned from driving after the op. for 2 weeks. Was riding 20 miles daily without problems.
Best idea is not to set goals, just take it as it comes. If you walk a mile a couple of days after insertion, you can then either increase the distance or increase the speed.,or whatever you feel like. I would let your body dictate the pace. There is no point in loosing personal fitness after a pacemaker insertion- hence my bike riding,as normally I would swim though couldn't because of the wound and arm stretching. Luckily for you, walking is not like that.

Look forward to getting yourself really fitter that you have been for some time.

You'll Be Back Walking

by valley01 - 2014-05-06 12:05:37

Everyone is different but I was walking 3 miles/day slowly 2 days after implant, more moderate 1 week after and with speed 2 weeks after. The only problem I had was the feeling my PM was bouncing around in my chest but I got used to that as time went on. I ran a 5k exactly 1 month post-implant. I am 44, PM for bradycardia only, and was very active prior to implant.

You know you're wired when...

You are always wired and full of energy.

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