Martial Arts and a PM

I am a 34 year old male who has been in martial arts for the last 20+ years. I have recently been having some pretty bad problems and have been hospitalized three times in last two months due to my heart. First two times were with A-Fib and last time was with wide complex tachy. I have been wearing a halter monitor for two weeks and it has recorded my heart dropping to around 12 bpm (5 second pause) so the doc's say I need a pacemaker. I am VERY concerned about what this means for what has been a cornerstone in my life, martial arts. Does anyone know of anyone participating in martial arts with a pacemaker? Also, a more general question, I haven't been hospitalized for brady, only for fib and tachy (sick sinus syndrome), will the pacer help keep me from fibrillating? It feels like this is going to end my life as I have known it. I am trying to stay strong for my family, but I feel I would rather die then have a pacemaker. Can anyone or anything ease these concerns for me?

11 Comments

PM

by kcruz - 2009-03-29 07:03:13

Hello, first welcome to the group. Sick sinus syndrome is a combination of tachy and brady, a pacemaker wont prevent AF but it will pace you at a set ratewhen your having AF which should help you., Many people are able to continue there activities but that will be something to talk to the doctor about, I would think that as long as you don't take a blow to your chest after you heal and all you should be able to continue you martial arts, you just might have to wait a few months

Wait a second...

by dward - 2009-03-29 08:03:22

You would rather die than have a pacemaker??
You need to do some more research before letting it affect your thought process to that extreme.
I realize that writing on this forum IS doing more research, so let me tell you - getting a pacemaker was easier for me than getting my right index finger broken and dislocated in a sparring match (that took over 9 months to heal!)

Does martial arts define you - or do you have the discipline and imagination to be creative with your life?
MANY people have to change their goals, hobbies, etc. in life for many reasons. You didn't say that you were a professional, but if you were - sooner or later you're going to have to "change paths" and at 34, that would be soon.

Not saying you WON'T be able to participate in sparring (Kata shouldn't be a problem) but if you are good and you are wise, you may want to consider yourself part of the ancient chain of teachers (sensei) and keep the art alive.

As far as the fib / tachy questions - these vary from patient to patient as far as effect and treatment. Discuss with your doctor.

Please consider this another sparring match and take the same attitude. I'm sure you wouldn't "throw in the towel" just because your opponent landed a decent roundhouse kick to your lower rib-cage (yep, that ALSO took way longer to heal than my Pacemaker!)
You would keep fighting... ESPECIALLY for your family.

I wish you luck, balance, courage, and strength.

Fellow Martial Artist

by lwiggin1 - 2009-03-29 09:03:37

Hi,

I had my pacemaker put in 6/08 and went for my black belt 11/08. It was a 13 hours test and yes it did involve sparring (which I love). I made it through the day and have continued to practice and teach martial arts every day. The sparring is the tricky part. Obviously you cannot take a blow to the chest - but what I have manage to do is only spar with fellow black belts who know of my situation and that I trust. I am only allowed to work with 2 senseis and they are not allowed to hit or kick me in the chest (only the head....haha). It has worked really well for me. But you will want to check with your cardiologist to see what they recommend. The important part is to realize that even with a pacemaker you can still practice your art. Just because you have a pacemaker does not mean that life is over. You just have to be careful and listen to the advice of your docs. I did have to give up my training in mixed martial arts - that was way to risky and there was no way my cardiologist would let me do that. But I continue to practice my weapons and forms and regular training with no problem. Plus I can teach and that is really important to me. Good luck and let me know how you make out!!!

Pacemaker Support

by donb - 2009-03-29 11:03:25

Hi, and welcome to this site. I'm a newer member and could have used the great support years ago . Pacemakers are the lifeline for young and old. It has been a very comfortable journey for me for almost 17 years. I was also a SSS patient and was told I needed a PM.

As a private pilot I was told forget flying!! Well, naturally that was a downer (really). Reality is I'm still flying as long as I have another licensed pilot along as pilot in command. Yes I am real comfortable flying right seat in my Cessna.

About 7 weeks ago today I had my 4th PM replacement installed in my right chest. As I have been very faithfull doing Cardiac Rehab, I had to quit my arm chest exercise as I developed severe irritation in my PM pouch left chest and had my PM removed. I had worries about not having my PM as I was without for 2 months. I did have a little AF and my Cardiologist left it my decision as to when I wanted another PM.

Knowing that without a PM I could not be put on medication for AF. I decided now is good and I'm taking Betapace. To sum up I want to tell you at age 60 my life turned around to age (34). It's been a great ride as it has been for lots of us pacers. Read the many postings of past and present. Remember though, there are members here that have very serious heart problems that need support also so don't forget to post and keep us updated!! Good Luck and it's a piece of cake!!! Don

Forgot to mention, I was77 Jan 13th

Life after PM

by Smart Redd - 2009-03-29 12:03:03

Your health and safety is always to be your greatest concern.
That said, there are protective devices available to shield your pm site.
Also, have a long talk with your surgeon. It is possible to install your pm deeper into muscle tissue rather than right under the skin.
Options!
Check them all out!
I do believe that you will have a better chance of enjoying future martial arts events (as participant, trainer, judge, or spectator) with a pace maker than without.

Red

i was the same as you

by petethetreat - 2009-03-29 12:03:59

I had a pacemaker implanted last June (when i too was 34) and was scheduled to sit my 1st dan in Karate later that month - complete shock for me when i collapsed at home!!!
needless to say my Doc told me to forget sparring - so i've had to adjust my training to suit - by concentrating more on kata. It was a big change but at the end of the day, your life is more important.
Good luck with your decision and training for the future...
(ps i'm still 1st Kyu and hoping to sit my dan grade in either June or November but wont be doing the fighting part of it if i can get away with it lol)

just a quick note

by ShadowWeaver - 2009-03-31 04:03:38

I was writing a reply here when i recieved a call from the company monitoring my heart saying to go to the ER because I was in v-tach again. Was only out 1 week this time. Anyhow, the pacer is installed and now i will have to see. They say it has already kicked in a few times so... I really appreciate everyones support. I have never held to any limitations in my life and am just having some difficulty handling having one now.

Follow-up

by ShadowWeaver - 2009-04-02 02:04:17

Well, It has been a few days now and I am feeling okay. Is it normal to be able to feel when the pacemaker is pacing my heart? I don't feel a shock or anything, I just feel my heart starting to go into arrhythmia and then suddenly it corrects. I am still very scared about what this means for my future. I have heard a lot of people say that it really won't effect that much, but in my time I have never even heard of anyone with my activity level having a pacemaker. Even searching online I haven't found any examples of those with pacemakers keeping my activity level after implantation. I am trying to stay positive, but it is difficult. I have always pushed the limits of what the human body can do, it is my nature. My sister is trying hard telling me to keep pushing the limits because it is what has always made me who I am. I just don't know if my pacemaker can keep pace with "who" I am. I am sorry if I sound like the whinny person who can't take loss well. Normally I would feel I could overcome anything as long as my heart and mind were intact. But now what? I am also bi-polar btw, so maybe the depression of this is just hitting me extra hard.

Do it !

by axg9504 - 2009-04-07 09:04:41

Hey ShadowWeaver, I'm no way close to being at the fitness level you have. I did run a lot 30 years ago but at 59, several pounds heavier, I decided to get back into running and then the bradycardia started to hit me. At first it took about 10 minutes of slow jogging but as the years passed I started getting brady on doing almost anything other than sitting. I would have spells that lasted hours before it would correct. You have a few more problems than I do, but I want to tell you that for at least 3 years I resisted the doc's advice and did not want a pacemaker. Now that I have it and can rake leaves in my yard and not worry about crossing the street and nearly passing out at random times, I can tell you I am glad I did. As for pacemaker wearers with high activity levels, there are some here who run marathons. You are going to have some restrictions on taking a blow to the chest as you already know and if you do have afib that could require some meds that might slow you down a bit. You do not feel the pacemaker's beat. You'll know it's working because your rate is not at 12 (my case it was 30-40, I am not as trained) and you are not out of breath. So don't delay, get more than one opinion if you think you should (I did), but if they all point to getting a PM, do it..

ninjitsu

by jamie669 - 2009-04-26 04:04:03

hello im new to the group and i have been going martial arts fir about three years and i have a pacemaker. now i do take precautions, like no striking to the left shoulder. i have been fine ever since.
good luck to you.

new pm patient

by surfboss - 2009-05-07 10:05:02

I have had a pm for 6 weeks and before surgery I was training in the martial arts [tkd & muay thai] 4 days per week. My doctor just gave me the green light to train, including sparring but to wear a chest protector. I was very depressed early on but have encouraged by everything I have read on this site! I am 45 and was literally in the best shape of my life before accidentally discovering that I needed a pm. Keep your head up and stay strong!

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