Does it restrict golf swing?

I am getting a defibrillator Jan 21st 2011. One of my concerns is that the thing will be below my collarbone on the left side. It seems like it would restrict taking a full swing, say, with a driver. I am not a barrel-chested guy, but is/was very competitive. I have a goal of shooting my age in 2011 (I will be 70). Any comments or advice would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

jpl

3 Comments

Golf With A PM

by SMITTY - 2010-12-31 07:12:08

Hi JP,

I'm got my first PM in 2000 at age 71 and it is located about a half-inch below the collar bone on my left side. I was playing a fair amount of golf at the time however I waited about 2 1/5 months before playing. The first month was out of consideration for the pacemaker leads and the other time was the hot weather didn't agree with my heart disease. I got my second PM in '09 and while I seldom try to play anymore, I have never noticed my PM.

Of course I was never as good a golfer as you. In my 50s I had a handicap of 10. When I got my PM it was 22. I don't play enough to have a handicap anymore, but if I did try to establish one it would most likely be about 35 on my good days.

Talk to your doctor and see what he has to say about a waiting period so as to protect the leads, and then get after it. The PM should not affect your swing one bit. I'm of the opinion that difficulty playing golf after a PM implant is the fault of the doctor about 95% of the time. Like every thing else some are good and some need to improve.

Good luck and let us know when you reach your goal.

Smitty

golf

by Tracey_E - 2011-01-01 01:01:46

My dr has a 6 week restriction on most activities, but 3 months to swing a golf club just to be on the safe side. Make sure your dr is aware that golf is important to you. Most of the time it won't make a difference anyway, but it's best to make it clear up front that you don't want it in your way when you swing. They can place it a little lower and/or a little deeper than usual to make sure it doesn't get in the way.

Hmmm

by ElectricFrank - 2011-01-01 02:01:28

Just watch out for Low Tee. LOL

frank

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