Pacemaker and rowing machines

[Sewnknit]

I had a pacemaker fitted the day before yesterday, so I realise I won't be doing much yet!

I had been gradually building up my stamina and fitness and was very pleased with myself.

This has all been a bit of a surprise as I was sent to hospital by my GP at the beginning of last week and on the wednesday the doctor had me lined up for the PM. If I had gone home I would have gone on a waiting list and not be done for many months, so we decided to sit it out. Anyway the Dearly Beloved and I have his'n'hers concept 2s and this is the one exercise I can do fairly well (age 64, 6km in a smidge over half an hour after 6 weeks of build up).

In the hospital the doctors were pleased and impressed, but one of our GPs has been rather negative. They are generally very positive.

Anyone else use one, I think I need some reasurance.

To cover me until I'm healed the DB has ordered a much nicer stationary bike than the one he has been beasting (3 months post stent).

Thanks All

[beardy_chris]

I'm not a medic but I do have a pacemaker and I have used a rowing machine at the gym prior to lockdown. I was advised it wouldn't be a problem. The cardiologist suggested that problems could mostly be caused by repetitive and stretching motions such as might be experienced when swimming backstroke or front crawl (or, I guess, butterfly), especially competitively.

I guess a stationary bike might be even safer but I don't think a rowing machine should cause you any problems once you are fully healed.

[Bingo88]

Hello Sewnknit. I had a pacemaker fitted almost a year ago now and I did a cardio rehab course at the gym And they advised to not use the Rowing machine because of the risk of pulling out the wires from the pacemaker So I should just be careful Brian

[Alison_L]

Hi Sewnknit. I have an ICD (similar to a pacemaker), and was told to avoid the rowing machine until after I'd completed Rehab, because I'd be pulling on the muscles where the device is. Obviously Rehab is a bit limited at the moment, so it might be worth having a word with your HF nurse or Rehab team (who should be in touch soon if they haven't been already). They will probably say don't go near it for 6-8 weeks. Gentle cycling should be fine, but when I say gentle I mean gentle!

Good luck xxx

[Sewnknit in reply to Alison_L]

I wasn't going to go too mad - the dearly beloved is watching like a hawk!

He has ordered this new bike and I will start - very slowly with that. The one we have is rather hard on the under carriage to say the least. I want to keep up the good work on strengthening my knees, but obviously the ole ticker comes first.

It's all been a bit of a wizz since I was told last wednesday.

I don't intend to do any rowing until the 6 weeks are up, which is what the cardiologist said, and then I'll go slow. The DB actually had a phone appt with his rehab nurse while he was on the bike and she was pleased he could still talk. All classes obviously are on hold.

Now we're both home together in our early leisurement we intend to stay well, or at least better than we have in the last 4 1/2 months.

Thank you for the kind words.

[Alison_L in reply to Sewnknit]

You're welcome! Get DB to hire a treadmill for you for the next 6 weeks - walking is the best exercise you can get at the moment. As well as sewing and knitting, of course

[Sewnknit in reply to Alison_L]

I would if the knees weren't so cr@p!

[seasider18]

When I went to rehab after my aortic valve replacement they had a rowing machine to use about six weeks into it.

[Sewnknit in reply to seasider18]

That really inspires me!

Thank you!