Avid golfer

I'm 91 yrs young. Just had my PM installed a week ago 8/17/15.
So far no problems.
I was glad to see the article by Artist on 8-25-2015 about sleep apnea.
My apnea test some three weeks ago indicated 40 missed breaths an hour,
I just received my apnea machine. Its uncomfortable to use. Am wondering about taking the test again. Will be asking my doctor this next week or so,

One remaining question. Any other golfers had a recent PM and how long before they were back to golfing???

I'm anxious to get playing again. Bob A

3 Comments

We've had golfers

by Theknotguy - 2015-08-26 03:08:46

We've had golfers on the forum and they should chime in shortly. You do have to wait until the PM scar heals. Before it heals you can practice putting. I'm not a golfer so won't make any more comments in that area.

Re your sleep apnea and the CPAP.

You'll want to see if you can find a good CPAP tech. The two problems I had with the CPAP were the fitting of the mask and the machine's breathing support.

First problem was the mask wasn't fitted tightly enough so the air would leak out, blow in my face and wake me up. The tech was worried about the mask making marks on my face. I was worried about breathing. I got rid of her and tightened the mask so it wouldn't leak. Started sleeping better after that. The importance of a properly fitting mask is overlooked usually because the person doing the fitting doesn't understand how to do it properly.

Second problem was a setting on the CPAP. It wouldn't recycle fast enough after I exhaled so it always felt like I was suffocating. I worked with another tech. She changed the setting so I'd get a good breath after I exhaled. Started sleeping real good after that. With the new CPAP's there are all sorts of settings that can be tweaked until it works best for you.

If you can work with a tech and see if they are willing to do a test breathing session in the office first, then be willing to change the settings after a night's sleep that might solve your problem with the CPAP.

When the CPAP works, it's really great. After years of not getting a good night's sleep you won't believe how better it feels when you do.

I hope you can find help in the near future.

CPAP

by Artist - 2015-08-26 05:08:55

Bob, I don't want to be negative, or a wet blanket, but stopping breathing 40 times a minute is a lot! After my PM was installed and a new sleep study was done, my breathing improved from 15 incidents per hour of not breathing to only 4.6. Hopefully your PM will help to reduce the frequency of the times your breathing is interrupted but it is doubtful that your rate will fall low enough to stop using your CPAP machine. My doctor told me the cut off is around 5. Both your CPAP machine and PM will help you get more oxygen into your system. I was very naive when I first started using my CPAP machine. There are so many different kinds of masks and I eventually graduated to one that just had little ports that fit right into my nostrils and was very comfortable. Using a CPAP machine does take a lot of adjustment, but you can do it. Please let us know if you get a new sleep study and show improvement. I would wait until you have had your PM for a three or more months and they have made any needed adjustments to the settings before you consider having a new sleep study.

Hi Bob

by IAN MC - 2015-08-26 09:08:15

I am an avid , regular,( useless ) golfer .

Swinging a golf club is just about the most challenging thing you can do to your pacemaker leads. I practised putting and chipping for the first 6 weeks or so and then moved on to pitching with a half swing

I had my first real game , driving with a full swing at 8 weeks . Some Drs say leave it till 10 -12 weeks but I think that is being ultra-conservative.

I am interested, at 91, do your total strokes for a round exceed your age ? I know an 88 yr old who was really proud at doing a round of 87 last week. ( but young guys like him get proud fairly easily ! )

Best of luck

Ian




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At age 20, I will be getting a pacemaker in few weeks along with an SA node ablation. This opportunity may change a five year prognosis into a normal life span! I look forward to being a little old lady with a wicked cane!