Pacemaker Physical Limitations

Hi, I recently had a biventricular pacemaker implant (3 weeks ago). 

I volunteer at a local food pantry driving a box truck to pick up food donations from the local Walmarts and Sams Club. This requires loading and unloading pallets of food with a manual pallet jack. Some of these pallets weigh over 500 pounds loaded.

I obviously haven't done this during my recovery from the surgery and am wondering if anyone else has had this experience of pushing and pulling heavy loads with a pallet jack and if there have been any complications. 

My cardiologist is reluctant to give me the go ahead to go back to doing this.

Thank You

6 Comments

pulling and lifting

by new to pace.... - 2024-01-14 12:41:52

Of course you should listen to your cardiologist.  

new to pace

Be patient, your doc is right

by R2D2 - 2024-01-14 12:41:56

Considering all of the things that could go wrong, you should definitely listen to your doctor and avoid pushing and pulling heavy objects for awhile longer. The added stress on your leads could cause damage that requires another surgery. Three weeks is not nearly enough healing time. It takes about 3 months for the scar tissue to form a solid protective structure around your device and leads, after that, it's still an individual process but by then you'll have a better idea of what you're capable of physically. Give it time. 

Patience grasshopper

by Pacer2019 - 2024-01-14 15:39:21

All in due time ... you will get there just not as soon as you would like but good news is you WILL get there 

Volunteering

by Lavender - 2024-01-14 15:42:36

I'm thinking the food bank will have to use your volunteer service in another capacity. You can still be a great help, but you have to take care of yourself first. The food bank has lots of safe opportunities 😉

I have had my CRT-P almost three years. No longer notice it much. I'm aware that I am dependent on it. Listen to your wise cardiologist!

limits

by godrew - 2024-01-15 08:17:14

I had my implant put in 2 years ago.  I work in food service at a major university feeding 1000s daily.  I technically have a crew that does all the heavy lifting but they do need days off.  I have no issue lifting 50lb+ cartons of pruduce or pushing 100s of pounds of product on a pallet jack if i need to.  I waited 6 months before I tested the shoulder area with any heavy movement.  I did ask my doctor before I even attempted anything though, and was given the OK.  Everyone is different with different restrictions, im 51 years old. 

 

confused

by dwelch - 2024-01-25 06:25:19

There is recovery period and there is the long haul between devices.  Nothing about what you are saying is affected by having a pacemaker, of course you can move heavy pallets around on a pallet jack.  Once your leads and such are secured (which happens faster than we are told).  

So IMO it is a when not if.  Your choice though.

Now if you were lifting boxes, then the only issue in my experience (36 years with pacers), is the corners of the box hitting the device, hurts big time, no fears or worries just hurts a lot.  I assume this is your first device?  

 

You know you're wired when...

Bad hair days can be blamed on your device shorting out.

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