I have recently had a pacemaker fitted and am 37 years old. I am due to go on a skiing trip in Jan 2007 could anyone who has been skiing or knows of anyone who has been with a pacemaker give me any advice. Thanks Gary Simson. My email address is garysimson@talktalk.net

 

 

Hi,
I'm 17 and have a pacemaker - I'm also a skiier. My cardiologist told me that when I go skiing to make sure I stay hydrated by drinking gatorade or the likes. That's the only thing really. If you're not feeling good, just sit down. I've done it many times. You should be fine though. Have a lot of fun!
Laura

 

I am 30 and went skiing 2 months after having the pacemaker fitted. It was fine for me. Get some advice from your doctor.

 

Hi Gary,

I've had a Pacemaker since 1999 and have been skiing 3 weeks a year since then without any problems. The only thing I found to be an issue was the holiday insurance. It's essential to get you Doctor's clearance to go skiing and to choose your insurance company in carefully. I live in the UK and found Snow card to be the best because the underwriting questions basically ask if you are awaiting any hospital treatment (the annual pacemaker check-up doesn't count) and are fit to travel etc. Some of the other companies use a tick list system where having a pacemaker counts against you even though you have had it fitted to avoid a problem and they will not cover any cardiac conditions as a result.

Hope this helps

jtr

 

i have had a pacemaker for 2 years. have done 2 trips to the western mountians for downhill skiing. have not had any problems, i think its the same as before. i also cross country ski at least 2 times a week in season. try to get out for 2 to 3 hours and have no had problems. to sum it up i'd say there has been no difference between before and after. good luck and have fun