Soccer

I'm 51 and just got my PM last Friday, completely unexpectedly. I passed out a few times and my heart stopped for too long, so I was told it was a no-brainer. I'm sure it was the right call. Other than these episodes, my heart is in great shape and the doctor told me there shouldn't be any restriction on exercising, so I'd like to continue playing soccer on over-40 and over-50 teams. However, I've read that if you have a PM you should avoid contact sports, though, and sometimes it can get pretty rough out there. Is there any kind of protector that people wear, or do I have to design my own? Or should I just bag it, and play tennis and run road races (I'd rather not)?

5 Comments

SOCCER

by peter - 2008-05-16 03:05:04

You will be taking a risk if you play soccer. I expect some pacemaker patients do play soccer but I think it is not adviseable. So just bag it and look after yourself.
Cheers Peter

I went for it!

by The Bunny - 2008-05-16 05:05:37

I'm just shy of celebrating my 9th year with my PM. I've had to replace my battery once and have had 2 revisions for better placement/complications. 6 months after my initial PM I skiied and had a nasty fall, hitting the ground face and chest first and proceeded to flip over--speed was the culprit :).. I survived and didn't have any complications or problems with my PM (I did have to get some serious physical therapy on my neck!) I was padded with a jacket so maybe that helped protect the area??? Since then, I've jogged, biked, rode ATV's, horsebacked, bodyboarded, rode roller coasters and even had a beautiful baby girl. I have not played soccer though. My doctor told me to do whatever I want What did your doctor tell you about contact sports? Personally, I would feel comfortable playing, however, I would probably create some type of padding for the PM site just in case.

Best to you and live your life to the fullest!

p.s.

by The Bunny - 2008-05-16 06:05:36

Isn't the 50's the new 30's??? Enjoy and Congratulations on feeling fantastic!

Take it easy...

by Swedeheart - 2008-05-16 12:05:12

Hello Kell,

First of all it sounds as though you are doing well already with your new PM! If that is the case, GREAT!

About exercising. If they implanted your PM under your collarbone (or whereever) you should have some important restrictions on exercising for now. Most people here agree 6 to 8 weeks where you don't lift your arm above your shoulder height and don't lift much weight with that arm either. You want your leads to settle into your heart and your pocket to heal so you don't have movement or migration of the leads or pacemaker.

I am a cautious person, so I would avoid contact sports, but it might well depend on where your PM was placed. Many active people seem to have it placed under muscle so it will be more protected and "out of the way". Hopefully someone who has been down that road will chime in and respond.

I think if you get through your recovery period well, certainly enjoy the sports you want, but be aware of the risks. Many people enjoy skiing, swimming, and other active sports so I am sure you will be able to do most of what you want to do.

I do not know about any type of protector for sports, but I do know that many doctors have recommended that if you are in a accident and your air bag goes off and hits you ~ it is time to go to the hospital and make sure your pacemaker hasn't been damaged or the leads haven't broken or separated.

The final decisions will need to be between you and your doctor, but many of us want to avoid having to have our PM's replaced any sooner than necessary.

Good luck!

Swedeheart

protective gear

by ZoieS - 2008-06-03 10:06:30

Hi Kell,
My name is Sharon Spinnler and my daughter Zoie has had a pm since she was 3. I am in the process of marketing a protective gear jus t for PM's. We are in the final stages of manufacturing and should be out with in 4-6 weeks. You can check out our website paceguard.com. It is almost completed so please bear with us. I am SOOO excited about our product as it has truley helped my daughter! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me any time! sspinnler@optonline.net or our website address.
"Play for LIFE!"
Sharon

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