weight lifting

Hello everyone, I just had a two month checkup after pacemaker implant. They finally got my meds right and my settings are good but when I asked if I could lift weights I was told not over 35lbs. My husband asked how long this weight restriction would be in effect she said forever. I can never lift over 35 lbs. Does this sound right? She said that I might pull out leads with heavier lifting.

8 Comments

leads

by Tracey_E - 2015-01-07 08:01:20

There are some drs who restrict weights but 35 seems low even for a conservative dr unless there are extenuating circumstances. Any movement in particular or did they just say don't ever lift anything over 35? Who did you ask? If it was a nurse or technician, I'd ask the dr.

I was told no restrictions and I regularly lift considerably more than 35. There are a few members who have had problems with leads from heavy lifting but there are many more of us who lift with no restrictions and haven't had problems. Exception, if your leads are very close to the surface or your device is very close to the collarbone, you need to be careful about putting pressure on the collarbone because it can pinch the leads.

I'm not going to tell you to ignore your drs instructions, but they are much more restrictive than most of us have been told, so I'd ask again or get another opinion. Some drs don't have many active paced patients so they tell us no out of ignorance and fear rather than because we truly shouldn't be doing something. First thing to do is find out why they gave you such a light limit.

Lifting restrictions

by brushmore - 2015-01-08 07:01:26

Before my pacemaker I enjoyed powerlifting and was deadlifting just under 500 lbs. Afterwards, I was told I could not do that anymore. I've been limited in my weight lifting where I can't go for max single lifts but I am still ok with high reps which naturally reduces the weight I am lifting. I complained to my doctor but he told me that some his colleagues don't allow any weight lifting. So I am not surprised to hear of your restrictions. There may be good reasons why you have that restriction.

But don't let that limit you. You can still get a great workout even if you are limited to 35lbs.

Conversion

by Hayleyjane20 - 2015-01-09 03:01:32

115kg =253lbs

Weights

by Hayleyjane20 - 2015-01-09 03:01:47

Hi I am glad I found this thread,
So I was fitted with my pacemaker in December '12
After a year I lost 4 stone in weight and started weight lifting ! Power lifting dead lifts etc ! I am now up to my 1 max rep of 115kg dead lift and I have no problems I also squat 65kg on my back and I can clean and press 55kg!
And I want to hit higher weights this year! I train almost 3 hours a day in weights and cardio! I teach dance classes and I work 2 jobs! And in case you haven't figured it out I'm a girl! Lol
Although I do all this I have never asked a doctor about it and I seem to be ok ! Any advice?

go hayleyjane!

by Tracey_E - 2015-01-09 09:01:34

Way to go! My dr said that as long as nothing hurts, I can do whatever I want. So far, I have never had a problem. I have had a pm since 1994 and have been lifting weights for 4 years. You can lift much more than me. I deadlift 165lb, back squat 135lb, and yesterday I cleaned 95lb for the first time (previous PR was 90). I am annoyed I didn't think to press it after I cleaned it, we were just working on cleans. Anyway, you are not alone, I have my dr's blessing and have not had any issues.

Trouble logging in

by Hayleyjane20 - 2015-01-19 04:01:29

Hi sorry didn't reply sooner
Thank you!
So it seems it's ok to weight train! I'm hoping to get to 200kg deadlift by end of year! 440lbs ! My brother has hit it lol
Although I have a check up end of April so may ask some more then x

Weight lifting

by Shahin - 2015-01-21 03:01:05

I asked my doctors and nurses about weight lifting and training in general. They told me that there are no restrictions.
only to be at bit careful the first few months after an replacement or first operation.

I do deadlifts the heaviest I have done is 220lb but I now stay on 154 lb, just to do it right. even benchpress I do. the heaviest 110 lb.

I just replaced my PM 2 weeks ago to one that is for more active people and hopefully will last longer.

But I wont tell you to go against your doctors advice, but maybe get a second opinion.

I have always been told that I should live life as I would have without a PM. So I do.:) Good luck with the training :-)

Other comments - same issue

by KSolberg - 2015-02-13 10:02:09

Hi

Take a look at this discussion - same issue and a lot of very good answers! :)
http://www.pacemakerclub.com/public/jpage/1/p/story/a/storypage/sid/33982/content.do

You know you're wired when...

Like the Energizer Bunny, you keep going.

Member Quotes

I’m healthy as a horse because of the pacemaker.