Playing Golf

What a great website. I looked before I joined and am greatly impressed - it appears to be a very supportive group. I had my pacemaker inserted on 3/22/11 so about 3 1/2 weeks ago. Hospital instructions said I could resume golf and weight lifting after 3 weeks, but my Cardiologist said to wait 4 weeks. Like everyone, I have not raised my arm above my shouldler since the implant and am anxious to start doing hedge clipping and getting back on the links.

I can’t seem to get a definite answer as to when I can do a complete golf swing. I am told to gradually work back and am always cautioned that if the wires come loose I have to do it again which, of course, I want to avoid. The Manufacturer Rep said about a month but can’t get a firm date from my Cardiologist. Can any golfers out there share their experience in returning to the links; specifically the time frame. Thanks!

9 Comments

Wait period

by Parrothead57 - 2011-04-15 06:04:19

Hi md,
I just played my 1st round of disc golf (aka frisbee golf) today after waiting 4 weeks. I know disc golf is nothing like ball golf but there is some exersion so I chose to wait the entire 4 weeks.

Like you, I got mixed directions from doctors, nurses, discharge papers etc. Some said 3 weeks, some said 4. Considering the possible consequences I would advise giving it the full 4 weeks. Is your golf game worth another surgery?

Don't worry, the time will pass! Take care.

I guess the answers to this can be

by walkerd - 2011-04-16 08:04:42

all over the place. My cardio doc gave me a firm date of 6 weeks, but 30 days before I had the zipper operation to. But if it were me 4 to 6 weeks wait isnt that long of a wait, better than going thru the operation again because rushing it to play golf. I play well play at playing lol, the courses are going to be there in 6 weeks, I think.

dave

Waiting

by The Fish - 2011-04-17 10:04:59

Hi
I was told by my cardiologist to wait 8 weeks before hitting the ball again. Like Dave said, better to wait than go through the surgery again.
Howard

thx for all the advice

by mb113944 - 2011-04-18 08:04:02

My cardiologist told me today 6 weeks so even though I feel I can play (its been 1 month since placement) I will follow his advice. Nothing worse than pulling a wire out and hearing "I told you to wait 6 weeks" and then having it done again) You're right Dave, the courses will still be there 2 weeks from now.

Better wait 6 weeks

by KishalayaDeb - 2011-04-19 09:04:47

It is always better to wait longer, to be on safe side, as golf involves significant movement of left hand in particular. I received my second PM on 6th March, 2011 and not planning to play golf, only game that I play, before next July, which is about 11 weeks. I followed this gap after I received my first PM on 27th. January, 2004, which lasted 7+ years; could have lasted more as per interrogation, but I stayed safe and replaced the PM with a rate-sensitive one - do not know how this one is going to perform! Happy waiting!! You will that way play a very good round when you start. Do post your comment after you play your first round. Best wishes.

FORE......

by Skyking - 2011-04-19 12:04:48

In 6 weeks you'll be fine. I was. I never looked back. The incision area is a little sore after a round in the evening sometimes but nothing severe or concerning, its what you would expect it to be. It was no big deal, the next day pain was gone and back to normal.
Now if I could only find a putting game.....

ease into it

by charcurran - 2011-04-25 07:04:12

I had my p.m. put in in November 2010 and was told 8 weeks. At week 3 and 4 I spent time on the putting green. Week 5-6 I was putting and practice chipping. I cheated and played 9 holes at 7 weeks and my short game was never better because of all the practice. Here I am 7 months later and my game stinks as bad as ever. Call me the master of the 3 putt. Anyway, the point is, be on the safe side and work on that short game which should be okay until you get the go ahead.

First time out since placement

by mb113944 - 2011-05-04 12:05:57

Well, I followed my Cardiologists advice and waited 6 weeks as he directed. So yesterday (6 weeks to the day) since my placement I played 18 holes. I was so apprehensive I hardly slept the night before. I went out in the back yard and took about 5 practice full swings before I went to the course and everything felt right. During my round my friends were concerned but I had absolutely no problems. Actually played well in the beginning before all my faults started building up. In my case, 6 weeks was exactly right and I guess the lesson here is to follow your Drs advice. Thx for all the comments; they were extremely helpful

Been golfing one-armed

by Muskie - 2015-09-30 09:09:44

My doctor told me I could golf after 4 weeks but only with my right arm, pacemaker is on my left side. I have been playing one-armed for 2 weeks and am doing very well. Next week I can go back to normal, however, I am very apprehensive about doing so. I live in Canada and our season is almost over so I may finish the season with one arm. As indicated by others, the course will be there in the spring.

Good luck to all.

Gary

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