I'm a Newbie

I'm having a defib/pacemaker combo installed this coming Tuesday and have two questions.
My Doctor who is also a golfer like me, told me he could put the device on my left side (I'm right swinging) up a little higher than normal so as not to interfere with my swing. Is that the best location, golfers?
Secondly, I lift weights in the gym. What is the safe healing time for working chest, shoulders, arms, even legs.
Also, and over my limit, any inside info of any kind I need to know before the procedure?
Thanks!
Ed

5 Comments

Hello Newbie

by lahbigbro6 - 2009-03-05 04:03:20

I got a pacemaker implanted in 2002. Your doctor is someone who cares on the placement, great ! My doctor was also careful where mine was place because I am female. Perfect location. Mine is on the left side just below the collarbone. I am not a golfer, but lift light weights. Most of the time I am careful because my muscles get tender in the area and also my range of motion is different than before. I sat for 8 weeks and watched the Yankees, so relax after the pacemaker surgery. Maybe some practice on putting. GOOD LUCK AND WELCOME.

Location

by turboz24 - 2009-03-05 05:03:12

Has your doctor discussed sub-pectoral implant also? If you are rather thin or fit, the PM/Defib will stick up a good deal if just located under the skin.

I was told to not lift anything over 5 lbs or raise my arm higher than my shoulder for 2 weeks, after that I went straight back to full weight lifting. I did take it easier for the first week or so, but went right back to it.

My ICD does cause pain on occassion, it's been hurting more this week, and I'm sure it's due to heavy exercise, but that's just life I guess.

My ICD does restrict my movement some, but not in a really important way. I just can't scratch the top of my right back anymore, the ICD get's jambed between my shoulder and chest.

Perfect

by chip - 2009-03-05 05:03:13

That's the perfect spot for an avid golfer! Go with it.

Plan on waiting 4 to 6 weeks before lifting again but check with your doctor. Some want you to go a little longer.

Welcome to the club!

:)

Golf Addict

by Bionic Man - 2009-03-05 08:03:51

After my pacemaker surgery my Dr said "No golf for six weeks". I ended up playing after only four weeks. It was a big mistake. I felt fine while I played but the next day and for several days after, I felt like I had pulled the wires out. The pain was miserable. It turned out to be nothing serious. I must have stretched the scar tissue. I was scared to death for a while. I waited a couple more weeks before playing again and I was fine. Next time I'll listen. I'm also an avid weightlifter. I was told I could start lifting after 8 weeks. I started with very light weight and didn't push myself. Now I'm back to my regular workouts. My pacer is on my left side almost in line with my shoulder. I have a torn labrum in that shoulder that always gave me trouble when I worked out. Since the pacemaker was implanted it seems to alleviate my shoulder pain. It must be due to where it's positioned. It's like I got two surgeries for the price of one.
Good Luck

Suggestions for the surgery

by ElectricFrank - 2009-03-06 01:03:52

You might consider what kind of anesthesia you want during the procedure. The are roughly 3 choices:
1. Be put completely out.
2. Be given one of the amnesia drugs that leaves you awake, but supposedly no memory of the event.
3. Have a local pain killer (like the dentist uses) injected around the implant site, but remain fully awake.

You may not be given a choice unless you ask for it, but it is best not to be caught by surprise. I chose to remain awake and alert. It had the advantage of being alert and raring to go right after the surgery. The big unexpected thing though was being able to take care of myself. Part way through the surgery someone decided to use my chest for an elbow rest and if I hadn't been awake to complain I would have been sore and bruised. I suspect some of the reports of "frozen shoulders or stiff necks is from the same thing. A person who doesn't know what is happening is just a piece of meat to the O.R. crew.

Of course only you know what you can handle. For me the whole thing was easy.

One suggestion for the first few nights after the surgery is to sleep on the side opposite the pacer and put a pillow in front of you to support the upper arm. This keeps you from squeezing the surgery site which can be painful and make it hard to sleep.

best of luck and let us know how it goes.

frank


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