Golf Swing

G'day, newcomer from Australia here. Had an ICD implanted a week ago.

Feeling pretty good and as a golfer, keen to get back into it.

Read a few posts on here which indicate there should be no problem after a few weeks, but the thing that bothers me at the moment is that it would appear that the device will actually get in the way of my swing.

I'm right handed and the implant is on the left pectoral, and when I take my left arm across my chest, my stretch is restricted by my upper arm pressing agianst the device.

Is this something that will change over time?

Started having some physio today and the physiotherapist is going to help me develop a bit more upper body rotation, but I really do foresee some limitations on my swing.

Anyone experienced this?? Any tips - other than to develop the short game!!!

Many thanks, Chas

5 Comments

Welcome

by Suze - 2007-08-02 08:08:40

Welcome to this club. You will find everyone pleasant and eager to help.

The first three months after my implant I thought I'd never swing a golf club again But eventually I didn't even notice my device. However, it did NOT help my game at all. LOL

It's still so soon after your surgery...give it time.

Hope this helps...
Suze

Many Thanks

by Chaskar - 2007-08-03 08:08:11

Thanks for all the positive feedback folks.

While I am normally very active, and a tad impatient, I will heed your advice and will not rush back into golf too soon.

In fact it suits me to have a few weeks off. It is midwinter here in Canberra and while we don't get snow, we do get frosts (a few minus 5C nights each year) and I normally play early in the morning, and it isn't a lot of fun when the greens are frozen solid, so a break will be welcome.

By the time I get back into it in September, it will be starting to warm up a bit, so the timing will be good.

Got some good gentle exercises from my physio to keep me busy - mainly aimed at improving neck, trunk and hip flexibility, so hopefully that will help me adapt fairly quickly once I start again.

Still wonder if the ICD will actually get in the way of a full swing, but I guess time will tell.

Thanks again.

No significant swelling

by Chaskar - 2007-08-04 02:08:56

Hi Surferman, thanks for your comments.

No I don't have any significant swelling. I am fairly skinny in the upper body (not so skinny on the waist line though!!) and while I have a small amount of bruising, there is nothing much else to see around the scar site. Its very clean with no swelling and no redness or inflammation. I have completely pain free movement of my arm.

The device does protrude a fair bit - as the surgeon said it would - because I am skinny.

Nonetheless, I think I can feel a bit more freedom of motion each day, but still very aware of the device sticking in to me if I move my left arm across my body.

Not sure what should feel "normal".

Another Aussie

by busby - 2007-08-05 12:08:36

Hi Chas,
Just thought I would say hi. You should be able to get back to your golf after a couple of months. I just felt a bit awkward at first with my PM but you get used to it. I have known someone around here with an ICD who plays golf. I live in northern NSW, but my daughter lives in Canberra. You may even know my son-in-law or his father. I think they play regularly at royal Canberra golf course. Will be going to Canberra in about 6 weeks as my daughter is about to have my first grandchild. I hope the weather is much warmer then.
Hope all goes well with your golf
Robin

Origina Poster Update

by Chaskar - 2007-09-08 02:09:32

Thought I should provide this update for the benefit of anyone else who may be interested.

Got back into golf about 6 weeks after the implant procedure. Started with hitting a bucket of balls on the driving range and was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was.

Only vaguely aware of the implant when I took my left arm across my body, but it didn't interfere with my swing.

Now back into full competition golf and feeling absolutely fine. Hasn't affected my game at all (hasn't improved it either!!).

Chas

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Member Quotes

To tell you the truth I never even give it a second thought. While growing up it never stopped me from doing anything and to this day my girlfriend or my kids need to remind me that I have one!