Location of PM

I had a Medtronic REVO MRI SureScan pacemaker installed 3-weeks ago. I'm concerned as to whether it was positioned too close to the left shoulder to allow me to play golf. I'm an avid golfer and don't want to quit. When I raise my left arm straight up, the PM juts out under my arm pit. When I take easy swings with a golf club, my left shoulder (& upper part of bicep) pushes hard against the side of the PM on the backswing. I am concerned that this repetitive pushing of the PM will flex & stress the wires. Any comments as to whether I should be concerned about this? The Dr. says I can do anything I want, but I sure don't want to screw things up.

7 Comments

Hoofbeat

by Ride to win - 2012-02-06 06:02:58

I have exactly the same issue only I am an equestrian. I thought it was because of the size of the pacemaker, or my size. It has been 8 weeks since surgery and I cannot ride yet - but what do I do with a "soup can"
Under my arm? Answers?

Does your Dr. know ...

by donr - 2012-02-06 08:02:38

...you are raising your arm straight up? Generally it is accepted that you keep elbow below shoulder for 6 weeks. What requirements did you get?

Don

Listen to the Man

by Tattoo Man - 2012-02-07 01:02:54

Roger, after three weeksI I'd still be taking it easy..theres a bit of healing/sticking -in to be done. Sure you want to get back to your game and probably feel a bit of a victim of your treatment....fit/active people really dont want to be penned in with (forgive me) sick people,
Worse would be getting back too soon, getting busted and looking like an over-eager idiot.
Give yourself a little more time,..gain big points with your spare time by looking after other people...Roger, just think,.. you could become a Saint during your rest period !!

Be cool, and be patient.

Tattoo Man

Concerned you are using arm

by jane32 - 2012-02-07 05:02:26

so soon, its okay to use it as long as you keep it below shoulder, also not sure you should be trying golf swings yet even if it is gentle, you don't want to have your leads move. I'm sure your Dr has told you this, hope all goes well for you.
Jane

My 1st thought....

by Pookie - 2012-02-07 05:02:32

3 weeks and you have your arm straight up over your head???.......hmmmm.....I was told to keep my arm down below my chin for at least 6 weeks giving the leads ample time to get embedded properly.

Gosh, I'd hate to see you pull a lead outta place and have to go for surgery again.

Pookie

not much room to move

by kennvee - 2012-02-07 12:02:26

My PM is located close up to my collar bone and left shoulder. There is not much room for it there sitting on top of my pectoral muscle. It has to move when my arm moves. I have tried to go back to karate training. I am concerned that punching and strikig are going to pull om the wires and also I am not sure whether my paceguard protection device would prevent damage if I was struck on my PM site.

I should have joined the forum when I first received the implant. I have never really got used to having it. There is some comfort in knowing I am not the only one. After 12 months, mine is working without any complications. It was impanted to pace the atrium because of sinus node dysfunction.



Ken


Location of PM and Golf, etc

by Lucky2b - 2012-02-14 01:02:10

I just got my PM in November, 2011. I have the same issue. My PM doesn't really sit on my chest when I raise my arm....it is almost completely sticking out under my armpit. I have lost range of motion, too. I cannot raise my arm all the way overhead. I just saw my cardiologist today and we talked about moving it away from my shoulder/armpit. I used to golf often (awfully, but often...I provide my family comic relief), but location of PM has made this unpleasant/impossible. I am in my 40's so I am not ready to give up the game or full range of motion of my arm. I am nervous about a surgery to move it. I always worry about infection, etc... Has anyone had their PM moved with good results?

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