Hockey after pacemaker

I am 58 and just had a pacemaker installed this month. I have payed ice hockey since I was a kid and still do at least twice per week. I need to get back on the ice. Does anyone play and what differences, if any, did you find after pacemaker. How long after installation until you were back playing? Thank you in advance for your comments. 


9 Comments

after you heal, go for it

by Tracey_E - 2018-08-20 22:40:23

Doctors vary widely, anywhere from 4-12 weeks for sports/full activity. You may or may not feel up to it at that time. We're all built differently, doctors place it differently, we heal at different paces and have different tolerances for pain, so it's hard to say how long it'll be.  I don't play hockey but was back to Crossfit after 4 weeks, but it was more like 3 or 4 months before I was no longer cautious, was back to my old weights, didn't notice any pulling or discomfort. Not saying it hurt that long, that's just how long I was more aware of it. It will not feel good if someone slams into your shoulder before it's fully healed so dipping your toes is probably better than jumping back in head first. 

The biggest difference you're likely to notice is you feel better. Now that your heart is beating normally, you'll probably have better stamina. 

Don't forget the guard!

by BOBTHOM - 2018-08-24 20:39:23

Don't forget to buy one of those guards to put over the device.  Not that the device will be damaged but having it pushed in hard say by taking a shot from a shoulder or the puck could be quite painful!  If you do a search on here I know there are posts from others who purchased them.   Good luck!

Thank you!

by Charlied20 - 2018-08-25 10:20:39

i did not know there was guard for a pacemaker. I’ll look it up. 

guards

by Tracey_E - 2018-08-27 16:06:42

The shirts are from a compay called paceguard. But it'll be a little redundant under hockey gear! I wouldn't bother, jmho. 

Are you playing again

by Dh13 - 2019-10-13 09:40:40

I’m looking to play again if possible.  Did you get back to playing?  And if so how how was it.   It’s been a little over 4 weeks since I got my pm. 

Playing hockey again

by Charlied20 - 2019-10-14 12:46:56

Dh13,

I am back on the ice and doing fine. I do not wear a shield but I am 59 now and do not play in a physical league. I waited long enough to have my pocket heal well before getting on the ice. After that it is just getting to the point that you feel confident to get back in the game.

I have had no side effects to playing that are the result of my PM. Good luck!

Hope to be playing soon

by Dh13 - 2019-11-14 11:23:45

Charlied20,

I bought the vital beat protection.  It seems to fit nicely.  I have not gotten back on the ice yet.

I hope to do that in January.  I have been running but i may need some more tweeking of my PM.  My wife is not crazy about me playing again:-)  Thanks for the update.  I'll let you know how I make out once I start playing again.

Playing hockey again

by Charlied20 - 2019-11-14 14:08:32

Dh13,

Getting your wife's consent to get back on the ice will be the hard part. Playing hockey is easy! Good luck!

Ok to play

by Dh13 - 2021-05-04 23:28:55

Doctor gave me the ok to play again.   It's been two years.  Have you had any issues.  

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I have had my pacer since 2005. At first it ruled my life. It took some time to calm down and make the mental adjustment. I had trouble sleeping and I worried a lot about pulling wires. Now I just live my life as I wish.