New pacemaker

New pacemaker

by AgentX86 - 2022-10-02 01:42:22

Welcome to the club.

Your doctor should tell you who long you should wait to run.  I'm a walker, not runner, but I was back at it the day after I was released from the hospital (overnight after surgery), so two days after.  I needed to wear a sling (ONLY FOR WALKING) to take the weight off my shoulder but otherwise I was good.

Running puts a lot more stress on the shoulder so I'd expect it to be at least a couple of weeks until the wound heals completely.  You don't want to get sweat into the wound. You probably could start out walking so you don't lose too much muscle tone. Your doctor should be the one to ask, though.

If your PM tech is telling you something other than what your doctor is saying, ask your doctor to explain the reason for the difference. Don't be confrontational, rather curious.  There is probably good reason the doctor  has different ideas.

Uncomfortable at first

by Mad Hatter - 2022-10-02 10:02:57

I was told two weeks and ran at exactly two weeks.  The pm was very uncomfortable at first, bouncing up and down as I ran, especially downhill. It made me afraid I would shake something loose so I took it very easy.  However now I'm six weeks in and barely notice it, back up to running several miles.  I think it takes time for the pm to settle into the pocket. 
 

My pm only kicks in at the lower limit but notifies the dr office above 140.  I told them I'm a runner and to expect notifications. I've regularly gone up to 160 with no issues.  Be sure to discuss your normal running heart rate with your doctor.  Good luck out there. 

When to Run

by doublehorn48 - 2022-10-02 15:35:59

I agree that you want to let the wound heal. I walked for several weeks before I started running again. My opinion is if it feels like it's moving around I wouldn't run. I was walking one day and felt like I could run again. I started running since I felt like I was completely healed. Be happy to walk for awhile. It's good for you and it uses muscles you haven't used in a while.

Running

by Julros - 2022-10-02 19:42:56

I had a device replaced and a wire traded out 4 weeks ago. I started running as soon as I could tolerate an athletic bra, with some padding over the device. This was at two weeks and after a wound check in the office. The only activity restrictions I was given was don't lift more than 10 pounds with affected arm, elbow below shoulder and no reaching across the front or back of my chest. With my first pacer 3 years ago it took a year to get my settings optimized; the staff scoffed about me running. I go to a different office now that is willing to work with me. 

Steve

by stevebne - 2022-10-02 20:35:44

I am a triathlete but stil took it very gently after my PM was installed 8 weeks ago. Nothing for the first week, then slow walking on the treadmill for another 2 weeks and then very gradually increased intensity. I didnt go for a run outside till week 4. By 7 weeks, pretty much back to my usual training runs. My settings for the first 6 weeks were very gentle leaving my HR too low for anything but easy. However, the adjustments at the 6 week check allows me to train properly as i now get a more natural HR response to exercie (but not quite like a natural heart). 

As always, best to check with your cardiologist first as everyone is different.

New pacemaker

by Kidfitz - 2022-10-02 21:03:27

Thank you all. I plan to start walking tomorrow and was thinking it would be about 3 weeks before I could run. It's funny that being a runner my biggest concern was how is this going to affect my running. 

Me too

by Mad Hatter - 2022-10-02 21:59:11

That was my thought too. Be sure to let the Dr know how important it is to you.