Leads question

Hi there, 

i know there is a lot of posts on this topic already on here, with very reassuring answers. I was fitted with my device 7 years ago at the age of 40, in sunny Spain. I have weight trained and exercised for the last 25 years so I was devestated when the doctor told me I could no longer do weights. His reason was the constant repetitions would damage the cables. At first he was non negotiable however after a year he said I could do some curls. Fortunately I found this site and realized that doctors options vary greatly, obviously in Spain they border on the excessive side. I resumed training, and haven’t had a problem. My question is,If the cables were to be damaged would we get some sort of indication or symptoms? Is it possible that the device would abruptly stop working due to a lead fracture? Sorry for the long ramble!

cheers guys.

5 Comments

Leads

by Zobot - 2019-06-03 16:48:55

Thanks for answering Swangirl, much appreciated!

Lead Vulnerability

by CatDad - 2019-06-03 19:01:36


Hi, Zobot. Your question is spookly timely for me as as I was just warned off from doing pushups  for the indefinite future. I had a PM implanted three weeks ago and revision surgery for a shifted atrial lead two weeks ago.

Now, with a better-positioned lead, I had hoped I could begin moderate calisthenics and some biking. But the nurse doing the routine interrogation of my PM today reacted to the mention of pushups as if I'd said I wanted to go out shooting clays this afternoon.

Google-image "subclavian crush syndrome" or "first rib break" along with the word pacemaker and you'll see why. Our leads are inserted into an artery that runs through a pair of bony pliars made from the clavicle and first rib.

Having already endured the freaky consequences of a lead dislodgement (diaphragm pacing), I'm not taking any chances.

Leads

by Zobot - 2019-06-04 02:59:04

Thanks for answering CatDad,

Hope your recovery goes well!

 

Pushups

by doublehorn48 - 2019-06-05 13:28:56

I googled subclavian crush syndrome and found that it is a rare occurrance.  It happens about 3-4% of the time.  As with any procedure, you cut the risks when you go to a great hospital.  I go to great hospitals.  The best for heart procedures is the Cleveland Clinic.

I've had a pm for 32 years.  Had leads extracted.  I'm now 70 yrs old.  Two days ago I did 55 pushups on my first set.  There are many people on this forum that are quite active.  Be one of them.

Best wishes,

m. scott

Thanks

by Zobot - 2019-06-06 02:39:47

Thanks for your awesome answer! I appreciate it.

You know you're wired when...

Your pacemaker interferes with your electronic scale.

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