lifting

I was told no push ups and I shouldn't lift any thing above 20lbs. Does that sound right to everybody? metz

3 Comments

ask again

by Tracey_E - 2014-08-31 01:08:25

Very very few drs put limits on us after the first 6 weeks. Up to 20# is what I told for the first 6 weeks, after that whatever feels ok. I regularly do push ups and the bar is 35# before putting any plates on.

Unless your leads are right under the collarbone and could be pinched, or you've had previous problems, it should be fine. I would ask again WHY. Sometimes the reason is just that they don't have other young, active patients and they don't know any better.

Six Weeks

by PeteFindlay - 2014-08-31 08:08:32

I note from your profile you're the same age as me, with an active interest in keeping fit, so I'd guess, like I was, you'll be chomping at the bit to get back to normal.

No heavy pulling, pushing or overhead on the implant side for 6 weeks was the guidance I was given, to ensure the leads are completely set in position. Note, though, as AngrySparrow says above, it's not 'immobilise' for 6 weeks! Keep mobile - within the limits given.

My advice is be patient for a few weeks until given the all-clear to start getting back to anything heavy. Six weeks will pass quickly. I stuck to walking and running (after 4 weeks).

After that, just build back up gradually, as your body tells you. Push ups, dips and other shoulder / chest exercises generated a few aches for a few weeks for me, but I just went steady. There's been nothing physically special in my rehab that I wouldn't expect from the recovery from the trauma of having someone digging about in my chest! Of course, if your underlying cardiac condition imposes any additional limitations, I'd hope the medics would tell you.

I'm now coming up on 4 months post implant, haven't really found any limitations in terms of exercise. I'm just extra-aware of any movements that might result in a direct impact on the PM site.

Pete

I agree with above comments

by Theknotguy - 2014-09-02 08:09:01

I agree with above comments. If you were active before PM you'll want to be active after the PM. The only thing they haven't mentioned is to take it easy for the first few months. Depending upon how much swelling you have from the procedure/surgery, you'll want to take it easy until the swelling goes down.

I was in cardio rehab while I still had swelling. So if I'd push a little too hard I'd pay for it the next few days. After about 6 months, the swelling went down and I could do a lot more exercising without having the pain the next few days.

You'll see people on this forum who complain about their PM "sticking out" which is after the swelling goes down. So that gives you an idea of how to judge about the swelling.

In the meantime, keep moving. Life does get better!

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