Whats the physical limitations of getting a pacemaker?/I am on the fence about getting one

Virtually none

by AgentX86 - 2021-03-18 12:44:58

Your doctor  (what specifically?) is talking through his butt. The limitations on lifting and full motion, short of a full golf swing) is more like four to six weeks. After that, my EP advised me not to do free-weight presses without a spotter. The fear was that the bar could hit my shoulder, fracturing the leads. The only other general limitations that I can think of are high magnetic fields ("high" varying from person to person) and scuba diving, limited to the specified maximum depth of the pacemaker), usually something like 100 ft (someone will correct me).

The only restriction my EP put on me that matters is that I can't operate a lawn tractor. Oh darn! I have to hire someone to mow my lawn. This restriction is rare and because of my situation.

As far as not going ahead, do you play Russian roulette? Think of Russian roulette with all chambers full. Pauses end by random (chaotic, really) electrical signals lining up to create enough energy to cause the first beat. Longer pauses mean that these signals are getting smaller or further apart. Remember, these are random. Thus, the longer the pauses, the less likely that it'll restart at all. Not good.

Way short of that, even relatively short pauses will cause syncope. Think about passing out at the top of a stairway or while driving. Not only can you kill yourself but take someone else with you.

DO NOT DRIVE until you have this corrected and suck it up and save a life. YOURS.

Thanks for the input

by rodw - 2021-03-18 21:46:48

Just want to say thanks for the input to put my mind more at ease about the physical limitations of getting a pacemaker.. Since I was adament about not getting one at this time it was agreed to implant a loop recorder which I had done today The ILR will collect more data to see just how serious this really is. I just got off a 2 week holter monitor which showed my heartbeat went down into the 20's a few times while I was asleep but during the day never went below 50 but did show some pauses. My regular cardiologist called my cell frantically and said to get to the ER right away and get a pacemaker for which I said no because I wasnt mentally ready. I then had a consult with a electrophysiologist cardiologist who said that the low heart beat while I sleep could have been a sleep apnea problem for which I will also be tested for. He did recommend getting the pacemaker though due to only 1 left electrical path being intact ( the other 2 are not intact which is the right & 1 of the lefts)  He also said that a 2 week monitor does not give the whole story which is why we agreed on implanting the ILR to get more data before making the decision. I know some of you will think I am crazy rolling the dice like this but now that I hear getting a pacemaker is not as physically limiting as it was 1st presented to me I may be swayed. Thanks again for the input

Restrictions

by Tictictic - 2021-03-18 21:47:24

I just got my PM 30 days ago at age 59. I was having long pauses, like you.  The risk is the cognitive impairment assoiciated with not feeding the brain with enough oxygen. EP doc gave me no choice, really. I would have been risking too much permanent impairment. 

I don't think there are limitations. I live alone and manage 10 acres so am often working outside. I told doc this and he didn't bat an eye. Don't raise arm over head for 6 weeks or lift more than a gallon of milk weight for6 weeka. One nurse mentioned avoiding vibrations of chainsaw but I have not confirmed that. I know I will be protective of that arm for a while until I am very clear because I don't want to go through this again. My incision site did hurt for 5 days and then slowly subsided. I don't like pain so will do whatever I can to keep it in good shape. 

When I see EP doc at 6 weeks post PM, I will verify any limitations. But for me, and most likely you, having a PM means quality of life and full brain function. Best of luck.

Pauses

by AgentX86 - 2021-03-18 23:24:13

Correcting pauses isn't a matter of quality of life, rather life itself. 20bpm is a string of 3-second pauses.  You're right, your brain isn't getting the oxygen it needs, nor is any other organ in your body.  In fact, the body will try to shut down other organs to keep the brain fed.  Dead kidneys aren't fun either.

Back to the pauses.  The line where pacemakers are considered a must is usually four or five seconds.  Above that, a pacemaker is needed.  Below that, it's a Holter every few months (BTDT).  The link recorder is a good idea if your pauses are under five seconds.  At the upper end of that, you'd better not be driving.  A link recorder will warn you of a problem long after you're wrapped around a tree (or a kid on a bicycle).  This is serious stuff.  It doesn't get any more serious.

alternatives

by dwelch - 2021-03-23 20:43:51

Sounds like the alternative is death possibly taking someone else out with you.  I say go with the pacemaker.  Very easy to live with.

I had not heard the skuba diving thing that is new to me.  doesnt make sense to me as the device is not going to feel the pressure, but whatever that is one to go look up.

And as mentioned your doc is full of it, they keep saying longer and longer times.  Folks who have been here for a while, on their Nth device (five for me) are driving two or three days after implant, going to work.  I can sorta use my arm to wash my hair maybe week two.  

Absolutely no reason why you cant do all the things you were doing before, so long as they dont involve banging that shoulder, If you used that shoulder to carry fence posts or lumber, maybe think about the other side or get some good padding.  If the weight lifting equipment would physically need you to push with the the implant site think about using a different machine.  Push comes to shove they can put it elsewhere but the shoulder if you really must, talk to the doc.  football players get pacers too.

I see nothing that you have said though to not get one.  I can see big reasons why it would be bad to wait.  If you need one you need one there is no question, no waiting.  They are easier than you think to live with.  the first recovery is always the longest, it gets easier on each new one.  (if you break a lead and they have to go in, you get another recovery period).

I lifted (heavy) post PM!

by asully - 2021-03-25 13:44:39

I modified some of my upper body exercises, but this was due to post-sternotomy pain not my PM. The ones you may need to be careful on are overhead and bench presses, but I know many, including myself have continued to do them with no problems.  You may hear an occasional story of a lead fracture etc. but they are rare, and if you are really concerned just modify your lifts.  I also mountain bike and ride quads (when my heart function is better, which is a different problem altogether).  You would be restricted in upper body during the short healing process but once that's over I see no reason why you couldn't resume your exercise routine.