Does fencing interfere with pacemaker?

Hello,

I am 28 years old and have a pacemaker since 1992. Since I've always been interested in picking up and trying the sport of fencing, I was wondering if that would interfere with my pacemaker?
I thought I heard something a long time ago about that, that it would. I am trying to find out for sure now so that I know.

Does anybody know for sure?

Thanks for any info.
Daniela

4 Comments

fencing

by patriciapeter - 2007-04-15 06:04:36

Hi Daniela, wow, fencing that sounds interesting. I really don't know much about fencing but I would think the thing that might be of concern would be if the sword hit your pacer. I know they wear protective gear but how thick it is I don't know. Physically, I wouldn't think there would be a restriction, but as always check with your MD first. Have fun and good luck! Let us know what happens.
Pat

cool

by randrews - 2007-04-15 09:04:32

I don't much about fencing either, although my brother-in-law was west Texas fencing champion. Yee ha. Seems like protecting the pm is the issue. In the olympics isn't there some type of electrical hook-up to detect a hit? Will that be an issue?
I think there are different types of foils. I wouldn't want to be hit with the heavier one. It might be the sabre.
There it is, just enough knowledge to say nothing.
Have fun, it's a great sport.
Rusty

fencing

by Silversmith - 2007-04-15 09:04:45

I ain’t never done no fencing but I have done a bunch of coon on a log fighting since I go my pacemaker 5 years ago and we use long sticks for that and the sticks is about like broom handles only longer and the only kind of protection we use is goggles to cover our eyes as we is likely to git hit anywhere. My pacemaker is right under my collar bone and it has been hit a bunch of times and while it didn’t hurt right then it sometimes did hurt later. One time I had a big old bruise for about a month and was that thing evermore sore. I have saw pictures of them swords with the little ball on the end that y’all use and I think all you need is be sure your pacemaker is covered real good and your face is covered to.

Good luck

Electrical interference

by horselady - 2007-04-16 08:04:55

Yes, my concern is more that the electrical hook-up would be an interference for the pacemaker. As far as protection of my pm - mine is actually placed underneath the muscle, so I would think it's protected pretty good.

If anybody would know more about that electrical stuff and interference, that would be great if you could let me know.

Thanks for all the comments
Daniela

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