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Pacemaker issues with raising left arm overhead
Heart & Blood Health | Last Active: Aug 24 11:31am | Replies (8)Comment receiving replies
Hello, JC. Thank you so much for your helpful response. I don't think I was aware of "exercise mode" on the pacemaker. I'll look into it and speak to my EP about it. If turning it on was something they had to do, I'd think they'd have done it since they know that I swim. I also feel some pinching and discomfort sometimes when raising my arm overhead and when doing backstroke. I wonder if there's a solution for it.
Many thanks and good luck with your pacemaker!
Replies to "Hello, JC. Thank you so much for your helpful response. I don't think I was aware..."
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@ajinewyork,
I too had no idea my pacemaker had an exercise mode. They turned it several years ago as I was doing Sprint Triathlons. However when they did I had all kinds of issues including shocks. So I had them turn it off and the issues and shocks stopped.
I assume your pacemaker is just under your skin (mine is under my chest muscle). When you exercising you move the skin and muscles around your pacemaker. This movement can actually make the pacemaker move and that movement can irritate skin and muscles.
I can't do the backstroke as moves the pacemaker and I feel discomfort. I also cannot do some stretches during water aerobics which require my left arm above my head and extreme positions as it causes discomfort. So over time I have found what bothers the pacemaker area and just work around it to prevent it. I have had a pacemaker since 2006.
What I found in swimming (I swim a mile twice a week) is I limit how far I reach out with my left arm and do not put as much effort in the left side stroke. I try to do a relax stroke. This provides stopping the discomfort. I can tell sometimes I overdo it and pacemaker area will let me know. I also ensure I move the left arm straight out reach and not up and down splashing water like I see a lot of swimmers do.
Good luck and do not give up your exercising. It is good for you both physically and mentally.