Kayaking

is kayaking okay with a pacemaker? I was never told it wasn't but i have since read it can wear down the leads due to repetitive movement. 


4 Comments

kayaking

by AgentX86 - 2021-03-20 13:41:56

Not everything on the Internet is true (hard to believe as that is). It wouldn't be a good idea for at least the first set weeks and perhaps several months (it does involve a lot of extreme shoulder movements).  It's quite similar to golf in that respect. There is often restrictions on full golf swings for three or even six months. Your EP is the one to best answer this one.

Leads

by doublehorn48 - 2021-03-20 15:39:57

AgentX86 is correct.  Take the time to let it heal.  Leads are going to eventually wear out.  When they do you have them replaced.  Mine usually last around 12 years.  And I have always been very active.  I had leads extracted and replaced in 2017.  My wife had read where lifting weights would wear out the leads.  I asked the Doctor, that was doing the extraction,  if lifting weights would wear out my leads.  He smiled and said anything I do will wear out my leads.  I'm still lifting weights and I don't worry about the leads.

Happy kayaking,

m. scott

Paddling

by Persephone - 2021-03-20 15:58:46

I can't help but notice that the ad for an Abbott pacemaker that I'm shown on this site features a kayak - that kind of sums it all up!  Get out and paddle, after your medical team releases you from any restrictions.  I had my implant in the winter so didn't get out onto the water for several months, but never have had any problems carrying or paddling my small, lightweight kayak in a lake.  If you're talking about blue water kayaking against strong currents or white water kayaking you should discuss it with your medical team.

White water kayaking

by AgentX86 - 2021-03-20 22:14:43

I didn't even consider white water.  If you dumped over and drown, your PM settings would probably no longer be optimized for you.  Rocks might be bad for the leads, too.

You know you're wired when...

You fondly named your implanted buddy.

Member Quotes

As for my pacemaker (almost 7 years old) I like to think of it in the terms of the old Timex commercial - takes a licking and keeps on ticking.