PM position

Hi everybody.

OK, I am new to the game - struck down last month and had a PM fitted last week. I am sporting and impatient. The operation has gone well and the scar has healed well. Now I am starting to think when can I start playing golf again? 

I know this will be a while, but I have practiced a sort of half swing and noticed the PM box sticks out near my arm/shoulder joint. I am thinking this is going to restrict my swing when I get back to playing. Although I can’t raise my arm yet, I was wondering if the golfers amongst you have had any problems with this themselves.


Thanks
Ant

3 Comments

I had mine moved under the muscle

by kathykat11 - 2011-04-08 10:04:20

My pacemaker was pinching a nerve between the box and the point of my shoulder causing pain bad enough to make me vomit. That really put a damper on my work production, racing to the head to barf then racing back to pack more pictures. Just the movement of combing my hair let alone the activities at work was excruciating then I had it moved under the muscle and I felt better as soon as I woke up from anesthesia. Having that level of pain from Sept until February really made me appreciate not having any pain but from the incision. If it bothers you too much, have it moved. I had never had a pacer before so I didn't know how much pain I should have. The good people here got my rear in gear, telling me I sholdn't be in any pain at all. Once I tlaked to my surgeon I was fixed within 2 weeks.
You got the surgery to improve the quality of your life dont't let it hamper your swing.
Best,
Kathykat11

Watch out for those leads

by Edouard - 2011-04-08 11:04:28

Hi Ant
Welcome to the club. Like yourself, I had a relatively easy time of it as far as the procedure and recovery was concerned. I was also quite impatient at getting back to my activities - in my case, swimming. I was "beached" for 6 weeks even though I felt fine. In fact my surgeon wanted me to give up my competitive swimming and I had to make a scene in pre-op for her to check with her supervisor and adapt her procedure.
What you want to do is take it easy for a while. The leads from your pacemaker have to settle in to your heart. It would be unfortunate for you to make a wrong move and displace the leads, thereby requiring a new procedure. I can't deny that I "de-trained" during my recovery and it's possible that the PM has affected my stroke somewhat, but the human body is a marvelous instrument and I have adapted quite nicely. I'm sure you will as well.
Good luck
Edouard

Response

by Ant - 2011-04-10 01:04:33

Thanks for the replies, its always reassuring to find out how everyone else is getting on with similar problems. I like your positive attitudes, but Kathykat11 i really have no pain just discomfort. I know i have got to be patient but it seems you are also quite competitive Edouard, and you have managed to cope. My next assessment is at the end of the month so i hope i will be feeling stronger by then.
Cheers
Ant

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