Swimming

New member, joined today 41 yr old:). I had my PM placed 3 months ago after a dual ablation. I have placed a call to my EP but would like to join a Master's swim program. Can anyone share their knowledge and experience with me who are competitive swimmers?
Thanks!
Heidi

7 Comments

Welcome!

by Loopy Lou - 2010-06-06 06:06:10

Not a swimmer but just wanted to say WELCOME to our lovely club!

I am a 45 year old mum of Amelia 10, and Matthew 13 and live in Poole, UK

Hope you get some advice on your swimming! Good luck! xxxxxxxxxx

Depends...

by Genie - 2010-06-06 06:06:14

I had my pacemaker 2 months ago. Went for my check-up last week and my cardiologist said it was fine to swim.

But I am not a competitive swimmer. And I also have heard that swimming is risky with new leads. Despite what my cardiologist said I have been swimming with a kickboard under my left arm so as to avoid repetitive movements.

Genie

Welcome To Your New Club ~ ~

by Carolyn65 - 2010-06-06 10:06:50

The PM Club is a great place to ask your questions, get good, educated advice and advise us on your knowledge. Welcome ~ you will find this website invaluable when it comes to advice. There is always one or several or hundreds of members who share your thoughts, feelings and can help you.

Sorry, I can't help you on your swimming questions. When I was a lil' girl, my Mother sent me to take swimming lessons on two seperate time periods. The pool was Spring fed and was about 30 degrees below each time. Needless to say, I spent all my time at 6 and 7 years old just trying to survive in the frigid waters. Can't swim a 'lick'! I did go buy me a 25' party pontoon boat with all the bells, whistles, etc., but can't swim, nor pull/take it to the lakes. Thank goodness my Son has a dually Dodge ~

I am sure your Dr, will advise you to take it slow, condition your body again and go for it ~ ~ YOU only live once.

Bear Hugs to All,
Carolyn G. in Texas ~ 105 degrees ~ Let's go Swimming!

Thank you!

by Heidiglassmeyer - 2010-06-07 08:06:00

Wow, thank you all for sharing! Still waiting to hear back from my EP which could be a month from now :). Carolyn, you made me LOL! Never too late to learn! I am also in TX (South Houston) and YES it is time to go swimming!

Thanks again!
Heidi

Competitive swimming

by Edouard - 2010-06-13 09:06:23

Hello Heidi
I'm not a great swimmer, but I AM a member of the 2010 Quebec Provincial Masters Swimming Champions: the Westmount YMCA. I'm 58 years old and normally swim anywhere from 15 to 18 kms per week. I've gotten my PM just under 3 weeks ago.
When I got to the hospital, I made sure that all the doctors and all the nurses were made aware that I wanted to continue swimming after my surgery. 4 days after admission (I came into the ER on Friday of a long weekend), just as I'm being wheeled into the operating room, I met my surgeon for the first time. She was surprised by my request, although a look in my file showed that there was a record of what I had told all the others. Initially, she suggested I would have to give up competitive swimming. After I insisted - strongly, she checked with her supervisor and came back telling me she would proceed with a cephalic entry rather than the usual sub-clavian insertion. Apparently this will put less strain on the leads.
My post operative instructions have been sketchy, but one thing has been made clear. I am not to go into the water until six (6) weeks after the operation date. They are apparently concerned that the repetitive arm over arm movement will disturb the leads.
I'm itching to get back into action. Between now and then, however, I believe I'm stuck with the old style boring cardio (stairmaster, treadmill, stationnary bike, etc.) - yuk!
Good luck with your swimming. I hope we get to meet at a competition.
Best regards
Ed

Triathlete here

by chuck m - 2010-07-02 12:07:42

I had been a triathlete for 14 years before I got my pacer. Had it 11 years now. Dr. said to do whatever I wanted, just let pain be my guide. So 10 days after insertion I did an easy 2 hour bike ride. Started swimming after a month, and placed 2nd in my age group 7 weeks later in a local sprint triathlon that had a 1000 yard swim ( i was 1st the year before).

No swimming yet..

by Heidiglassmeyer - 2010-07-04 01:07:50

Thank you all for your feedback! After a week long stay at the hospital (which ended up being a prior diagnosed arrythmia) my EP said no swimming for now. He really wouldn't commit to answering not now, or not ever. He said after the arrythmia is corrected we could discuss it then. Not thrilled with his response nor my current treatment options; increased dose of Flecainide and it's side effects or another ablation. Anxious to get back to my normal lifestyle! Ed, hope to see you also at a competition one day :).

Heidi

You know you're wired when...

Your electric tooth brush interferes with your device.

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.