Most Recent Messages in Exercise & Sports

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Comment for sandy529

This is in response to Sandy 529 "having a hard time running now". I am 68 years young, very athletic, mostly a cyclist. 2 years ago I had an AV block necessitating implant of a medtronic dual chamber pacemaker. Immediately I was unable to achieve my former exertion levels, very frustrating. My cardiologist told me the pacemaker was limited to 150 bpm, and that I would have to live with that. I knew that I had prior been able to achieve much higher rates I was able to train my body to impr...

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having a harder time running now...

I've had my pacemaker for 2 years now and I started running again about 2 months after having it installed. Things were ok as far as running was concerned and I actually was able to run further than I had ever been able to do. Recently though, after my last adjustment, I notice that I get really winded after only about a minute of running and I have to stop and walk for awhile. I don't seem to be able to get any significant progress with this.
Any ideas? I was diagnosed with complete heart...

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biking

i just had my 2 week checkup post implant and everything seems to be going ok, I want to get back to exercising specifically biking, was wondering what precautions i should take. With my upright bike i'm not too concerned but with my mtn bike i'm a little hesitant because of posture ie more strain on shoulders, arms, and wrists. I'm pacing 100% in my ventricles. any information on getting back into an exercising program would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

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sport for Life

Hi everyone

It has been a while since I posted! I just wanted to share my good news with you.

I received my electronic mate in November and have been enjoying walking from day one, I started swimming in early March. My other passion is tennis and I went back on court in early March, it was too early, I was so apprehensive and possibly a little scared, my wires pulled and I felt really uncomfortable mentally. I went back to tennis far too early because I told myself I should...

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atv

i have a friend, he is 68 yr,s old. just had a pm installed 3 weeks ago. his question is can he ride his atv?

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Playsation and Rock Band

Not really a sport but only category it fit. I love my rock band on my playstation 3 but it does use radio freqency. The booklet does not mention pacers and I figure its low but I don't want to take a chance. Anyone into this game with a pacer? It is my de-stressor at the end of my day I hate to give up.

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bike ride

Hi, My name is Marion I have had my pacemaker for the last 5 years, I am 58 years old. In fit of madness I have applied and been excepted to ride the London to Brigton bike race on 15th June, the distance is 54 miles. Am I heading for disaster, any tips and comments would be greatly appreciated. Llok forward to hearing from someone x

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Pectoral placement

Hi all,

I am 44 and was diagnosed with AV block at end of Feb. Had my pacemaker placed the day after consultation with my primary cardiologist. He referred me to the electrophysiologist in his practice. She recommended (while I was on the table being prepped for the implantation) a "pectoral placement" since I am "so young". I consented and now my PM is over my right pectoral muscle, near my armpit. I am starting to wonder how great an idea that was. Do any of you have similar p...

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Power Plate

Sorry me again, forgot to ask if it is safe to use a Power Plate. An exercise machine which vibrates. Any knowledge on this one please.

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Running

Well took on board what was said to me on one of my postings. I actually went for my first run, albeit on the flat and approximately 1 mile, but I did it. I don't know what I was expecting, but nothing happened. Obviously, my legs were like jelly as I have not ran since September last year, but no funnies.

So thank you for the push I needed.

I am seeing the cardiologist on Thursday for my last Test of Effort as it is called in France (bike stress test) so hopefully w...

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HR Limits

My ICD upper limit is set at 190 bpm. If I accidentally go over by 20 or 30, will it automatically pace or fire? Or does it intervene only if it senses an abnormal rhythm, (i.e RV tach)?

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Tennis

Hi everyone
I am now 4 months post implant and pretty much back to "normal". I walk a lot and have been swimming (breast stroke) for the past few weeks. My question is does anybody out there play tennis with a double backhand. My pm is in my left shoulder area and my only concern is the fact that I use a double handed backhand. I am a little concerned about the wires and whether there is a risk as I can feel where they disapear under the collar bone. Originally my cardioligist said it would...

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Weight training post PM

There are some observed contradictions from my doc and his pacemaker staff about weight training post PM. My doc has always said that I could do 'pretty much anything I wanted to after 2 months. I am now at 12 weeks. The pacemaker nurses tell me not to do anything overhead like presses or pull downs. When I asked the doc he said it was OK but don't do anything real 'heavy'. He also told me that he had placed the PM taking into consideration my 'active' routine. He said the leads are under the co...

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Irregular pulse after walking....

Hello Everyone,

I had my PM put in last June of '07. Just recently I began walking a little a the school behind my home. Only on level land on the sidewalk.

Well, yesterday evening, I decided to walk further. I strolled about twice as far as usual and a little bit of it was uphill.

Since completing the walk I have had irregular heart beats. Feels like flutters and skips off and on. Today is a little better, but, I still have them off and on.

I had the...

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How about it all you runners?

Hey folks,
For a couple weeks I've been hearing sponsored messages from Medtronic on my local NPR station (National Public Radio, for you folks from England, Australia, India, Indonesia, etc) rearding the upcoming Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon in Minneapolis this October. They're encouraging people with implanted medical devices (that's all of us!) to participate. They have a full-length marathon (26.2 miles), a 10-mile run, a kids mini-marathon, and a 1-mile walk. Unfortunately I'll be re...

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what Can I do

I am a 50 year old fire fighter that will be having a PM next week, The doctor said I am missing a beat' My heart rate drops to 35 beats a minute and to over 90. I all so have atrilfibilation. Have have been active my whole life. I love my job, I sail,Snow ski, Backpack, Rv camping,.
I need to know If I will ever be on a fire engine again, or do any of the things that I love doing? Will workers comp take this case? what is my recovery time?

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Polar monitor or PM malfunction?

I recently rejoined the gym and have been experiencing odd readings on my Polar monitor. It will jump to above my high rate then show a reading of anywhere from 0 to 140 then level off. It primarily happens when doing isometric exercises for core strengthening as opposed to on cardio equipment. I wore it outside the gym to rule out interference from equipment and it happens when at rest also, although not as frequently. Since I'm not sensitive to fluctuations in my heart rate, I can't real...

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Protective chest gear

Has anyone tried to make their own chest protector. I've been experimenting with ace bandages but there must be something better and more comfortable. I had some suggestions of shirts to buy but they are too bulky and hot for the desert here in Tucson.
Thanks Mary

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How restricted should I stay?

3 months post PM. Im 28 and a former college athlete. Specifically, I played Softball for UNLV. According to to my St. Jude device brochure I cant play softball or ride horses. Does anyone do this regularly? These are two of my favorite past times. Also, I am getting back to exercise. Ive lost 20lbs from my pre PM weight 180, but I was told by my EP and Cardiologist not to do sit ups or push ups. Im not so worried about the no push ups but I really need to do something about my tummy. Im 3 month...

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biking

What type of protective vests do you recommend for a leisurely bicycle rider? I have been known to go over the handle bars on an off trail mountain bike ride in the past but don't plan to do this again. Where can the vests be purchased?

Does anyone else get short of breath when they first start hiking? It takes about 45 minutes before I feel as if I can keep up. I don't take any heart meds.

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