Golfing and Pacemakers

I had a pacemaker inserted in early August, 2009. The pacemaker is below and against my left clavicle.
1. I golfed for the first time today and found that the pacemaker rubs into the left clavicle on the backswing limiting my ability to make a full turn. Does anyone else have this problem? Was their pacemaker placed in a different location away from the clavicle to prevent this problem?

6 Comments

Golfing and Pacemakers

by danfss03 - 2009-10-12 08:10:55

I had my PM implanted about three months age, and played some serious golf last week and felt fine. I did go to the practice range on two previous times before I played to test thing out. I have a very slender build and I felt nothing.

Pacemaker positions

by johng - 2009-10-13 06:10:43

It can be largely a matter of chance where the first PM. is placed.
For most of us, being told that we need a PM. is a shock.
If we are lucky, the surgeon will discuss the advantages of fitting it in a certain position. (usually to suit his convenience).
I, for one, was not thinking too clearly at this time, and hindsight is a wonderful teacher.
In my own case the surgeon asked me if it would be acceptable to put it lower on the left side. The reason he gave, was that his 'Junior' needed the experience.
Today it is 'normal' to position it here.
Speak to your doctor, if it has to be moved lower, then get his support.
Good luck,

Hi Ed!

by GMan - 2009-10-13 08:10:23

I'm a golfer. By clavicle I guess you mean collorbone? I'm below the collorbone and inward. I have been at the range (I'm now at 12/wks) I haven't noticed any problem...the Doc never asked what I did but assumed I was active because of my build. He did say I had a big chest whiler operating and was startled when I responded with It's big cause I do a 300lb. benchpress! In any event you need to get this corrected or maybe it will adjust itself..............KEEP ON SWINGING!!!

Gary

What will you do, Ed?

by GMan - 2009-10-14 08:10:12

You can't quit golf??!!!

Gary

Is yours actually touching the clavicle?

by gevans - 2009-10-22 11:10:13

Mine is an inch below the collarbone and it has not affected my game whatsoever. Neither has it inhibited my swimming, running or weightlifting. To be quite honest, I'm not even aware I have such a thing implanted under my skin unless I look in the mirror. My surgeon asked about all my activities beforehand and perhaps that had some bearing on his placement.

Roger

by casexx2000 - 2009-11-04 10:11:09

Have any of you golfers had any problems after the implant and playing golf as far as the leads, I have had mine since march of this year.

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Member Quotes

In fact after the final "tweaks" of my pacemaker programming at the one year check up it is working so well that I forget I have it.