ready to push the limits

Hi Gang, I just found this site and immediately registered. I'm only 2 weeks post-op but the swelling is gone and I've resumed biking (and was walking from day one). I was a competitive distance runner for 45 years so I'm chomping at the bit to race again. I have a PM currently set at 60-105 but my cardiologist is aware of my excessive addiction to aerobic activity and said it will just stop feed-back when I exceed the device's programmed upper limit (which I'm sure I've already achieved several times).

I was diagnosed with Sinus Bradycardia and the Holter revealed afib at night when my HR dipped below 30bpm. For the past few years I noticed that my legs would feel heavier when I tried picking up the pace, or I was more fatigued when I upped the distance, so I just assumed it was part of the aging process (now over 60). Now I'm sleeping so much better and I seem to have more energy and vigor. I hope its not just a placebo effect and that I will be able to "regain" my speed and stamina of a decade before.

Are there any suggestions aside from the "don't rush it" that I get from my doctors (and family members)? I know I won't be able to lift or swim for a while, but the device seems "seated" in my chest much better than at first and I'm between race walking and almost jogging (don't tell my cardiologist) and am sure he will let me beging running (easily, I know) on my appointment next week. But I sure would like to hear from some actual "over-achievers" out there about pitfalls in their training. I don't especially want to use "trial and error" when the latter may have serious repercussions.

Thanks for your time,
Gary in Ohio

9 Comments

Hi!

by tcrabtree85 - 2007-10-12 01:10:57

Hi Gary, Welcome to this amazing club. Only being two weeks post op I would have to agree with your doctors telling you to becareful. I wouldn't even be thinking about jogging you really need your leads to heal. You do not want to have to go back in to have your leads re done. Which would mean more time of not being able to do everything you would like.
Please take it easy for the first 4-6 weeks depending on what your dr. has told you. Let your body heal that is highly important. Having more energy is amazing but you also have gone through a procedure that you need to let your body rest.
I am happy that your recovery is going well. I wish you luck on your knew journey with having a pacemaker. If you have any questions so many people will be able to respond and more athletic people i'm sure will have more wise words for you than I do.
Take care of yourself drink plenty of water, and get plenty of rest.

Blessings,
Tammy

skin erosion?

by gevans - 2007-10-15 11:10:58

Cathryn, thanks again for all great the advice. After a few days on this website I'm more wary now about activities that may affect my leads (and have backed off a bit). I'm still sore around the implant site however, and wonder if it is from the bouncing I gave it the first week or just the normal healing process. What exactly is "skin erosion" and how is it manifest?

Maybe you could post that answer to all us "newbies" on the site.

I appreciate all your help (and sorry I typed "Cathy" last time),

Gary

Cathryn- a question

by axg9504 - 2007-10-23 03:10:49

I have brady after exercise. (I have problems during also but the real problems are after). Did this happen to you or did you get your brady. attacks when you were resting and long after any running or other exercise?

Cathryn-that's strange

by axg9504 - 2007-10-24 01:10:52

Your sinus node can rev up and give you the beats you need when you exercise but when sedentary it fails! My problem is described as chronotropic incompetence. I have problems with exercise, although now it's getting to be just effort (like going up a steep slope or running up stairs). Maybe one day it'll happen when sitting still. I've put off a pm for nearly 3 years now. Afraid I might need meds with the pm to tackle a possible arrhythm. and don't want to take them. I'd like to run again someday. Thanks for the info.

Enjoy life

by ridera - 2007-11-05 08:11:13

My PM was implanted Sept 1 2007 for SSS/exercise intolerance.

Since the implant, I've run 20 races, 5Ks, 8Ks,10ks, 10 milers, the Twin Cities Marathon and on 17 Nov, I'm running the JFK 50miler.

Get a recording HR monitor, [e.g., Timexs work fine and are cheap] and keep an eye on how your HR behaves.

After you gain some experience, you can work with your EP to tune it for your life style. Beware of the Rate Response function. We had to turn mine off.

Update from poster

by gevans - 2007-11-27 01:11:57

It's been a rather difficult month. I began running again (okay, slogging) by week three and was able to hold a 9 min pace on a hilly eight miler at the end of the fifth week. Then I had a prostate biopsy followed by a heart attack the next day (maybe threw a clot from the procedure). I was stented and am resting well (too much so, for my tastes) and the results of the biopsy were positive - so now I have to deal with that issue.

On the upside, I now have plenty of "recovery" time to spend with all you wonderful people.

Hoping to be active again by January,

Gary

Second update

by gevans - 2008-01-04 10:01:24

I passed my treadmill stress test and am once again cleared to start running again. Now to lose the 15 lbs I've gained during my hiatus.

Hooray

by gevans - 2008-01-23 11:01:57

It's official, I am now training several hours a day and have lost 10 of those 15 lbs mentioned above. I thought I felt great after the implantation of the PM, but it is nothing compared to the euphoria I'm feeling being able to swim, run, bike and lift at my club. I can hardly wait until the spring weather affords more outdoor time (for us living in the fridgid northern latitudes).

Thanks to all of you that have sent me personal messages encouraging me over the last few months. This is one great organization.

Gary

encouragement

by jimbogeowiz - 2008-04-30 10:04:53

Thank all of you for your commentsin response to gevans. I have been a very active runner for the last 26 years (56 years old) and I have been going through some depression since my PM was implanted 5 days ago. I have never been out of breath or more fatigued in my life. Up until 2 years ago I was still a 5:50 /mile runner for 10Ks. I have read a lot on this website, have gotten an early appt with the electro center and plan to grill them on the settings on this PM. I think that like all things I have experienced with the medical profession, this PM technology and its initial settings are basically desiged for more sedentary people. I now realize that we can't take no for an answer and refuse to be treated by some doc like he or she knows how our body feels better than we do. Good luck to you all in your exercise regimen and I hope to be able to join you soon.

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