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Pacemaker Don'ts

Posted by jer22 @jer22, Dec 21, 2024

Into my 3rd week after pacemaker insertion for Bradcardia.
How long after were limitations, like lifting, arm above and behind you, when did swelling stop.
I am being very caustious like getting dressed, showering, reaching, putting on compression socks etc. - just wondering when I can go back to somewhat normal.
any other ideas that would be helpful?
Back sometime there was a post about having a discussion heading just for pacemakers-wonder if any more thoughts on that.
Thanks all & have a "Merry Christmas"
jer

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jc76 | @jc76 | Dec 26, 2024
In reply to @deniseheart "All true and thank you jc76. There are arm stretches and many yoga poses that I..." + (show)
@deniseheart

All true and thank you jc76. There are arm stretches and many yoga poses that I just can't do with the ICD installed. The machine was installed to hopefully save my life if my ventricular rhythm goes hay wire. Remembering this simple fact, has motivated me to adapt and modify the motions that would otherwise cause me discomfort.

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@deniseheart
Yes same for me on arm movements especially on left side where ICD/Pacemaker is. Mine is under my chest muscle. I restrict my left arm movements above my head and far back to the side.

I have gone into VTAC several times over my 20 years with my device. Medications, new leads, new programming have resulted in none for several years now.

What I like to pass on to others is what my EP doctors and Pace Clinic at Mayo told me. It is just like having your own EMS in your chest versus having to wait for EMS to arrive and bring you back to rymthm. Time is a real factor with ventricular rhythm of the heart when it can't pump the blood you need. Having your device implanted is your own EMS always on the job montioring and ready to help if needed.

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hankcat | @hankcat | 3 days ago

I am 94, and a little over a month now, I had my Boston Scientific pacemaker implanted at Greenwich Hospital in CT. I basically was warned about overhead exercise and beyond my back exercise. I do 15 mins. daily of slow walking on the thread mill until i reach 1.1 MPH, Later in the day, i do 25 to 30 mins. lifting 3lb. weights, with some overhead and behind my back, however those are done in moderation. Though I have had some sense of rehab, however, I still huff and puff with any exertion. I feel clumsy. I need a cane, though in the house I resist using it. In, some old B&W movie, Beth Davis said it best, "Getting old is not for sissies!"

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jer22 | @jer22 | 3 days ago

Glad you are doing well, and agree getting old is not for sissies, They call it golden years, don't know about that.
Take care

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Mentor
Dana, Volunteer Mentor | @danab | 3 days ago

Back when I got my first one with the wires installed it was 6 weeks no raising my arms over my head. That was back in 2007 so I don't know if the rules have changed but that's what I remember

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