Running with a Pacemaker

check with your doctor

by Tracey_E - 2019-11-18 17:07:47

It's great that you are feeling good enough to run, but if you are due for a cardioversion they might not want you running just yet.

My doctor told me not to get sweaty for 4 weeks. He was concerned about infection, not my heart. 

My doctor...

by runpacer - 2019-11-18 17:15:48

Thank you Tracey. That is what my doctor said last week. I think he is going to have a fit when he learns that the outter patch I placed over the bandage today came apart while taking a shower. 

My milage is minimal.. 2. My pace is ultra slow.. today 4.5 mph. I did two miles in 26:40... barely a jog. 

infection

by Tracey_E - 2019-11-18 17:27:17

Infection is no joke. If it gets infected, the whole thing has to come out because they won't risk infection going down the lead into the heart. Sometimes this means weeks in the hospital but at the very least it means one surgery to take it out then another later after it heals to put it back on the other side.

I understand wanting to get back at it, you sound a lot like me! I kept saying, well how about if I only do such n such? That's when he finally said don't do anything to get sweaty until that incision is good and healed. Minimal mileage at an easy pace is still getting sweaty, just sayin. 

Your cardiologist is right (it's what he gets paid for - listen)

by AgentX86 - 2019-11-18 19:17:35

Seriously, infections are deadly serious business.  Don't fool around and listen to your cardiologist's instructions and heed them precisely. Tracey_E is absolutely right on this.

My EP said no gym for four weeks.  Walking was fine as soon as I felt like it but he was very clear, no gym (he knows that I do a couple of hours a day on the treadmill).  No sweating for a week, no shower for 48hrs (IIRC), and no bathing or swimming for a month.

A cardioersion is a big nothing unless they forget that you're still conscious (half of "conscious sedation"). A couple of hours after the procedure, you're on your way.  Other than what amounts to a sunburn on your chest in the shape of the electrode, there is no evidence you've had one except that, one hopes, you're in NSR.

I've had so many of them that I've lost count. They're not often a permanent solution but can put off the inevitable.  My first lasted seven years and one didn't last long enough to get wheeled back to my room (I'd just had a CABG w/Maze a few days before).

Heal

by doublehorn48 - 2019-11-20 10:06:01

I don't understand why you would start running 3 days after the pm implant.  You need to heal and that takes time.  It seems silly to me to get the bandages wet and risk infection. 

I hurt my shoulder a few days ago so I'm not going to lift weights for a few days.  I could lift,  but I need to let my shoulder rest.  Give it a few weeks.  Your running shoes will still be there. 

PM and running

by runpacer - 2019-11-20 12:21:24

I was convinced and concerned about infection management. I did not run yesterday or today. Tomorrow morning I meet with my cardiologist. I will hold off from jogging/running until I get cleared by my doc. Thanks for setting me straight. 

Running

by runpacer - 2019-11-21 19:55:08

After a two day break from running and 13 days post-op my cardiologist removed bandages and told me I can return to running. I have to be careful about arm movement more than anything. I can also take showers. I can't lift much. I'm still in constant atrial flutter and remain on blood thinner until my cardioversion on December 6. I did a very slow treadmill 2 miler. I will repeat the same tomorrow. For the weekend I will up the speed just a notch but still slow. Monday I will start a week of slow daily 5k treadmill run. 
I don't know what to expect from the cardioversion but I'm excited to see what will happen. I'm feeling less down about the whole thing and look at it as a new challenge. Soon my feet will be more painful than the after surgery ache in my chest/shoulder. 

All Are Different

by Pacer2019 - 2019-11-21 20:48:20

I know many who love to run - you sound like you do! That is awesome.  I guess for me running is strictly something I do for the benefits - and I absolutley hate walking so I get it over with by running.   In fact ...I refer to runnig as bad medicine...it tastes bad but is really good for you.

Today was an example .... I walked almost three miles to nowhere other than in a big loop - started at home and when I finished I was at home.

Looking at my data I see my heart rate maxed out at 118 and was only there for like 5 minutes --- it was better than sitting on my butt Im sure ...listened to some good music (The Cars came up on my playlist - I listened and remebered Rick Ocasek who just died and thought about my youth) - active and theraputic.

BUT....given my distaste for running I look at a few weeks of recovery as an excuse to not do it hahahahah.

Keep after it and dont be afraid to take a litttle semi active recovery break.