Going to the gym with a pacemaker

[Buddy00]

I had a pacemaker fitted in October 2020 Because of covid my first post op consultation was over the phone and I was in the supermarket when the cardiologist called, so inevitably forget everything I wanted to ask him. Is it safe for me to go back to the gym ? Mainly cross trainer and circuits on weight machines to try and get my weight down. Thanks for your help.

[Prada47]

Hi Buddy

All I can say is the easy way to lose weight is by Diet.

In the Gym you build Muscle which weighs more than fat !!! You are correct to seek advice on what you can do, no one on here knows your situation. Could you not email your Cardiologist or his/her secretary for advice. Or maybe your monitoring contact.

Vaccinated Hands Face Space to Stay Safe

[bantam12]

You might find it to uncomfortable putting any strain on the muscles around the pm site, if I've done anything strenuous that pulled on my shoulder I certainly know about it afterwards ! I've had mine over a year but still have to be careful.

[Buddy00 in reply to bantam12]

Hi bantam12 yes your certainly right about over doing it and knowing about it afterwards. Guess it hasn’t really sunk in yet about actually having a pacemaker . Thanks for the reply.

[bantam12 in reply to Buddy00]

Still early days for you, take it easy !

[beardy_chris]

My cardiologist was supportive of exercise. He said to monitor how I felt and respond appropriately - don't assume that having done something once, you can do it again. He advised me to be careful to warm up and warm down comprehensively and to restrict exercises where my arms are above my shoulders (e.g. lat pulldowns etc.). I found I sometimes felt a bit strange with large body movements (e.g. ski machines, rowing machines). Mostly a case of not pushing things too hard.

[Buddy00 in reply to beardy_chris]

Thanks Chris

[possum in reply to beardy_chris]

You were by lucky with your cardiologist and actually having some advice! I asked mine last week after the battery replacement procedure re yogalates, stretches, tai chi,qigong. All he said was take it easy until after the 5 or 6 weeks check- don't stretch to the side & back too much. I asked about on the mat type of stretches & his reply? "I've only just told you what not to do"!! I didn't think was very helpful. The scar is flat at one end & very raised & puffy at the other so I 'm even more unsure about exercising??

[werd]

Bhf do 5 cardiac rehab vids on u tube you can download them and put them on to a USB stick. Plug into tv and do them at your own pace

[Buddy00 in reply to werd]

Thanks werd

[Kelling]

I am due a pacemaker within the next three months. My only concern is about being a wimp and personally does not want to be awake during the process. Is that an option - is there no sedation available?

[Buddy00 in reply to Kelling]

I don’t believe that’s an option. But honestly it doesn’t hurt , it is uncomfortable but not painful. Just try and think of the benefits of having the pacemaker, best of luck.

[Hidden in reply to Kelling]

Hi Kelling, I had an ICD implant, which is pretty much the same as a pacemaker, about a month ago, and I was very nervous about the procedure, but I needn't have worried. I was given a sedative, which in our local hospital is routine, and although I had a sensation of movement as the surgeon was working, there was absolutely no pain. I was in a very relaxed, sleepy state. Aware, but not wide awake. If they don't offer sedation, you should tell them you're nervous and ask if you can be given something. It really isn't anything to worry about, but don't be afraid to tell the staff you're nervous, preferably when you have you're pre op. I was in theatre for just under an hour, slept for 2 hours afterwards, felt fine, and went home the same day. All the best.

[Arrowe in reply to Kelling]

I’m sorry Kelling, but I found the whole implantation process very painful and traumatic, as the doctor had to re-site it twice. I didn’t receive any sedation, just local anaesthetic. I’m sorry to be so negative, but in future, I will ask for some sedation. Thing is......we are all different! I’m not normally a wimp.....I recently had 2 cataract operations with no problem at all, but the pm implantation I will never forget.

[possum in reply to Arrowe]

I was the same. I was nervous because it was a different hospital to the original where it had been implanted ( Papworth - brilliant experience). This hospital has poor CQC ratings, I hadn't even talked to the cardiologist never mind met him. No sedation, lots of pain, very brutal/traumatic experience, poor patient care by the staff in the lab apart from the cardiac physiologist & his student. I shall never forget last Friday and am going to ask to go to the neighbouring county next time. I already have to go there for spinal care as none where I live.

[RufusScamp in reply to Kelling]

I opted for the sedative which kept me calm. I had a little mild discomfort once or twice, but otherwise didn't feel a thing. The friendly banter going on round me helped keep my mind off it.

[Arrowe]

I got my pacemaker in November 2020, a month after you. I too have lots of questions, not least of which....”What caused my 3rd degree heart block?” I was so ill during my time in hospital that I had no time or inclination to ask questions. I have had one pacemaker checkup in January, by a pm technician , who was unable to answer my questions. I don’t have any appointments for a follow up, and don’t have a cardiologist. I didn’t even have a card. I phoned last week and they sent one in the post. It would appear that once you’ve had a pm fitted the hospital are uninterested.

[Buddy00 in reply to Arrowe]

The aftercare from the pacemaker team has been very good I’m pleased to say . Before I was discharged I downloaded the app so that it can communicate with them at the hospital. They rang to check everything was okay and booked me in for a yearly checkup.

[Remos in reply to Arrowe]

Arrowe - I had a pm fitted last week. I wasn’t offered any sedation and I found the experience very stressful and unpleasant. Not an experience I would want to repeat and will insist on having a level of sedation when it needs to be replaced.

Not really sure why some hospitals offer sedation and others don’t.

Anyone know?

[Kelling]

Thank you for the varied replies. I have found that anything over a routine injection is uncomfortable. I fully realise that anything that makes you better has the potential to be uncomfortable - in a hospital that specialises in cardiac problems. I am nervous - I even have white coat syndrome - which can cause problems at the local chemist and the grocers shop! Just so long as I will be able to ask for it - and receive it! is all I ask. Thanks for the replies, they do mean so much

[Hidden in reply to Kelling]

Hi Keeling, everyone's experience is going to be different, and doctors have different ways of doing things A nervous patient is not helpful to a surgeon. Make sure you make your request for sedation well before the operation, and don't be fobbed off by someone telling you you'll be fine. Hope all goes well.