Can you ski after Pacemaker implant?

I'm one week new to pacemaker, and very concerned about skiing and if my IPG can be adjust so I can ski, which is my passion. I could not even rollerblade 1/2 mile compared to 6 miles two weeks ago. I am concerned the motion (and skiing) may be too smooth to activate the pacemaker. My pulse didn't increase skating on blacktop, left me dizzy and fatigued in no time. ;(

2 Comments

Yes, you can. But ....

by Theknotguy - 2015-11-14 05:11:49

Yes, you can ski. We have several on the forum who do. Question is how soon after the implant and what your physical shape needs to be before attempting to ski. I'm guessing if you go back too soon you're in danger of tearing the incision area - and you don't want that.

I don't ski myself but, based upon what I went through, I wouldn't attempt to ski until the incision wound and underlying tissue had fully healed. For me that was the seven month period. Even then I still had problems because I'd be really sore as I stretched out the scar tissue. I'd do the activity, then would be sore for up to four days afterwards because of all the stretching. Sometimes it felt like I had a very jagged edged fifty cent piece stuck under my skin. Cold compresses and tylenol were my friends.

I hope others who do ski chime in shortly. Overall the pacemaker isn't a limiting factor. I also had a separated shoulder and that gives me more trouble than the pacemaker.

At the two year mark, I'm at better than 100% with my pacemaker than I was before I had it. It's much more of a help than a hindrance.

Hope everything else goes well for you.

Programming Rate Response helped but not there yet.

by vincep - 2015-11-22 03:11:15

Thank you KnotGuy and Glensifan. I had 2nd degree block that Dr. says is going full 3rd degree block. I went in for my first tune up and they turned on Rate Response and Optimization, which I thought was on but it wasn't. So I went back to Rollerblade today, and it was somewhat better. I skated 2 miles, usually I do 12, 12 miles skating is the equivalent of roughly a 5 mile run. Anyway, I understand the piezo in the PM is activated by heel striking pavement, it does it well for running, not as much for the smoother skate strokes, and I'm sure I'll be trying to carve as smooth as possible on snow. I may take the year off with your advice KnotGuy, but I'd like to try it out at least once this year, I'll be happy skiing blues, the double diamonds can wait till next year. Thanks again, it's an anxious time for me right now, really appreciate the feedback.

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I have had my pacer since 2005. At first it ruled my life. It took some time to calm down and make the mental adjustment. I had trouble sleeping and I worried a lot about pulling wires. Now I just live my life as I wish.