Kayaking after icd

I had an ICD fitted at the back end of November 2015. Prior to this after a couple of collapses, for which there was no diagnosis, I was referred to the cardio rehab gym. I completed this course and my focus was to get back to kayaking, I kayak for pleasure both sea and fresh water, no competition.
After my implant I was referred back to the gym and now the physio tells me I can no longer kayak at all. Just wondering if anyone else kayaks and whether they have been told the same thing. I am feeling really low as kayaking is a bit of a passion as I live on the coast. Also can anyone explain why I can't kayak. Would be grateful for any feedback.

5 Comments

leads

by Tracey_E - 2016-02-11 02:02:13

The danger is too much rubbing may damage the lead. Depending on your build and where it's placed, it may not even be an issue. Can you feel it rub when you paddle? I'm no medical professional, but unless you're training for the Olympics or it's placed so that it rubs with the paddling motion, I can't see how the occasional paddle will hurt you. I've never been told not to, and I kayak every chance I get with no issues.

Bit more Time

by Jane S - 2016-02-11 07:02:58

I went back to paddling almost 12 weeks post op, just to be on the safe side. Started with easy stuff, and yes it did pull the scar tissue a little and I could feel my shoulder but nothing to awful.
When I had my better spell was back out roughly once a fortnight, a mix of river and lochs, lack of fitness was my main problem .
Give it a go and like Tracey say's it maybe no great deal.
Made me try and improve my technique.
I feel your frustration as I am not to good at the mo and the club are going to my favourite river and the sun is due to make an appearance too.
Go and enjoy
Jane

I kayak from time to time

by TJ319 - 2016-02-11 12:02:29

I've had a dual lead PM since November 2013. I do a small amount of kayaking with no problem. I wonder if your doc is simply being cautious since your procedure was in Nov 2015. My doc kept me restricted from arm movement, weigh lifting, etc. for about two months.

Love to kayak

by gleesue - 2016-02-16 08:02:53

I kayak in the summer at our summer home on Cayuga Lake in the Finger Lakes Region of NY. It's 3.6 miles across the lake and back. My favorite work out. I go as hard as I can for the whole trip. It takes about an hour, depending on the wind and the waves. I do a lot of pulling exercises on machines and with weights to keep me in kayaking shape. Have never had an issue.

I plan to do Canoe Cayuga the summer, 35 miles down the lake, to honor my seventieth birthday. It's called CC but most people use kayaks. Guess kayak Cayuga doesn't sound as good.

If you can get in shape come and join me.

Jerry

Thanks

by andronicus - 2016-02-21 11:02:34

Thanks for all your feedback. Its now 3 months since my implant I have returned to work and I have started back at the gym and am exercising at home too. So with this new found knowledge, and taking it easy at first, I hope to be back on the water in the summer months.

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