Want to try out jiu jitsu but have some questions

So,

I've been wanting to give Brazilian Jiu Jitsu a try but have been a bit hesitant because I have a pacemaker. I had my pacemaker implanted March of 2013 because of bradycardia and have had no issues since my surgery in regards to my device itself. My main concern is having my pacemaker become damaged due to the rolling around, which could put weight on the pacemaker itself. The pacemaker is subcutaneous and lies on my upper/mid left pec.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, I've seen a few other threads on this site that were related to this post but I'd like to see if I can get any further input.

Thanks guys,

Justin

6 Comments

damage

by Tracey_E - 2015-11-06 01:11:01

You won't hurt the pm, it's titanium. We aren't quite so tough. Martial arts are ok but sparring isn't recommended. As glen said, the injury risk is us, not the pm. If your device is close to the surface, it's that much more likely to take a hit. The weight from rolling shouldn't be a big deal. Barbells directly on it aren't a good idea, your body weight should be fine.

TraceyE

by jd1990 - 2015-11-06 01:11:21

So, are you saying its ok to practice BJJ as long as I don't go to crazy with it and tell my partner to be mindful of that area?

probably

by Tracey_E - 2015-11-06 02:11:49

Depends who you ask ;o) My dr said it's fine, just don't spar and be sure anyone I'm with knows where it is. When I joined Crossfit, he said stop if it hurts and don't do anything stupid, beyond that do what I want. He's athletic himself and pretty liberal. On the other end of the spectrum are the docs who say no weights overhead, no pull ups or push ups, etc, and they'd have a heart attack at the word Crossfit. Reality is, there aren't enough of us who have been paced long enough to really know exactly what the odds are, so choose your risk. Me, I would rather take what I consider to be a very small risk and forget it's there. So far, that attitude hasn't gotten me in trouble, 20 years and counting. Are there some people who have damaged leads? Yep. Those of us who've never had a problem far outnumber them, but you never know and there are no guarantees.

There used to be a video on Heartbeat International's website of a boy who was shot in the chest. The pacer stopped the bullet and saved his life, and kept on pacing. You will not hurt it. OTOH, we bruise and yes, it hurts. One time my dog tripped me and I was headed face first into a steel door. I put my hand out to grab the door and landed full force, fist to pacer. I had a fist-shaped bruise right over it for weeks. Hurt like heck, but the pacer and leads were fine.

Sorry, that's not really an answer! We each have to decide what risk we're willing to take and there aren't any solid answers out there. Me, yeah, I'd warn the partner, then go for it. Is that right for you? Only you can decide.

TraceyE

by jd1990 - 2015-11-06 03:11:21

When I first had my pacemaker put in my electro physiologist, who was not my surgeon, said I wouldn't be able to lift at all. My surgeon on the other hand, who is the doctor that I regularly saw after I had my implantation, suggested otherwise and had a similar mindset to what your doctor was like.

I'm not super set on giving BJJ a real solid go, but I've been doing a lot of research and have been watching a lot of videos of live rolling. It seems like the practice in and of itself could cause some pain or discomfort but I was considering wearing some type of vest to protect that area. However, I'm not super set on it and may just try out a class to see how it goes, I think that would be the only way I could truly get an idea of the risk associated with it.

Worth Trying

by JenSF - 2015-11-06 04:11:34

I'm in the camp that it's worth trying things and see how you feel. I personally tried capoeira a few years back. Loved the workout and community aspect, but always felt a bit nervous about getting hit or kicked and finally realized I just wasn't ever going to be able to give it my all, so decided to give it up. However, I did trapeze for 3 years and never gave a thought to possible injuries, so you just have to see what works for you!

JenSF

by jd1990 - 2015-11-06 05:11:21

I've been into fitness for years and wanted to try out something a bit new. As of now I am leaning a bit more towards the safer side and just opting to partake in something else that may be more suitable for me, given the fact that I have a pacemaker lol. I recently joined an MMA gym and have been training in kickboxing so I see these BJJ guys and want to jump in but I think I intuitively know that its not worth it, though the desire is still there haha.

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