Scuba/Hockey

2 1/2 weeks since implant and I have already began working out again. I coach and play hockey, but I am taking a couple of more weeks off before returning to playing. I am a little concerned of returning back to scuba diving especially for the anxiety of other divers that something may go wrong with me. Does anyone have any experience in either diving or hockey that I might benefit from knowing.
Thanks Dave

3 Comments

healing

by Tracey_E - 2009-05-20 01:05:12

It's ok to start light workouts now as long as your doctor approves it, but don't lift any weight with your left arm or raise your left arm higher than shoulder level for 6 weeks. It takes time for the leads to grow into place, before that you can knock them out, which would land you right back in surgery and starting over. Leave those golf clubs alone for the full six weeks also. Putting is ok but a full swing could damage your leads at this point. After six weeks, go for it!

Do not dive without your doctor's approval!!! Diving is ok but only up to certain depths, I want to say 50m. Check with your doctor and pm mfr for the specifics of your device. There's no reason for the other divers to worry as long as you don't go too deep, you're no more unsafe now than you were before! Probably more safe, with less chance of something going wrong now that you have a pm keeping your heart going.

Hockey will also need a few precautions. Coaching should be fine now but do not play for 6 weeks! And after that time, you might want to look into a guard. If you search the past posts here a link has been posted several times for a company that makes vests/guards for pm. You do not want to take a direct hit to your pm.

It sounds like holding back for six weeks is going to make you crazy. It's great that you're so active, it will speed your recovery. But keep in mind that overdoing it before you're fully recovered could be dangerous.

It's always different..

by turboz24 - 2009-05-20 02:05:01

I was told to lay off working out and keep my arm down for just 2 weeks, then I was told I could resume all activities I did before my implant.

After 2 weeks were up, first day working out again was chest workout. Now, I went a little less weight (225 lbs) and a little less aggressive, not because of the implant, but because my 3 week stent in the hospital and off working out had resulted in a 20 lbs of weight loss + a loss of physical strength.

I also know there is a limit to the depth the pacemakers/ICD's are rated to, so you don't want to go below that. As for playing Hockey. Usually most players wear some sort of padding and that might be sufficient to keep from getting injured over the implant site.

Diving Depths

by dspiller - 2009-05-25 02:05:31

St. Jude Medical pacemaker is good to 230 feet as confirmed by there tests. They have tested there pacemakers to a maximum depth of 8 atmospheres(approximately 118 psi) with no effect on device function. St. Jude Medical has not received any reports of or ICD being adversely affected by scuba diving or HBOT.

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