Injuries

I have a 7 year old daughter who just got a pacemaker in February of this year. They told me no contact sports but they didn't say what would happen if she was hit in the stomach (her pacemaker is under her left rib) or what to look out for? Does anyone out there know?

Thanks,

3 Comments

Pacemaker And Contact Sports

by SMITTY - 2011-10-03 06:10:13

Hello Motherbee,

I cannot speak to your daughter's situation directly because I don't have a feel for how much protection her pacemaker may have where it is located. I can tell you why those of us with a pacemaker implanted just below our collar bone avoid activity that may result in a direct hit on the PM.

The PM is in a very tough case and getting hit directly on it not likely to hurt it, but it will hurt the person. However, the main interest is some very small wires, or leads, that run from the PM to the heart and these may be broken or damaged by a direct lick. For that reason directs licks on our PM are to be avoided.

If possible I suggest that you have the Dr explain the risks of damage to her PM from her playing various types contact sports.

Good luck to your daughter.

Smitty

Smitty

by Motherbee - 2011-10-04 07:10:11

Thank you so much. I was made aware of no contact sports but was never explained what would happen if she was hit directly to the PM.

Motherbee

More details

by notsodopey - 2011-12-29 10:12:04

I have a teenaged athlete with a pacemaker. Their pacemaker is under their collar bone and sits under their chest muscle. It is my understanding that the PM is pretty durable. They wear a special protective pad when they play sports. I recommend making your doctor give you more details - as far as what sports your child can and cannot play - and what would happen if directly hit.

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