I had a pacemaker installed on 12/23, and will be able to resume playing on 2/2. I'm concerned about what will happen when I start doing all the left arm moves required to play. Any one out there dealt with this?
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Double Bass Pacemaker
- Thread starter SAlcott
- Start date
- Dec 13, 1999
- 11,736
- 8,941
- 70
- Disclosures
- Chuck Sher publishes my book, WALKING BASSICS:The Fundamentals of Jazz Bass Playing.
Not yet, thinking good thoughts!
I’m so glad your surgery went well. I haven’t had a pacemaker put in, but I did have quintuple (yes, 5!) bypass surgery a year ago this month. I’ve been able to get completely back to the range of motion, strength, and more that I had before my surgery. Not sure how the pacemaker could be a more serious surgery than the bypass, but I’m not a doctor. Do you have anything externally (outside of your body) as part of the pacemaker? What restrictions has the doctor given you? Hope you’re healing up well!!
The unit is 2 1/4"x 1 3/4"x 1/4" and is below my left collarbone. Nothing external. No lifting anything over 10 lb or reaching behind or above shoulder level until 1/25, and no bass playing til 2/2. Bass guitar may be a problem due to the strap.
Ok, cool. Well, I think you’re going to be in great shape to work on your double bass chops for a while (which is pretty awesome). Hopefully you can work out something with a strap the BG. Of course, there’s almost no limit to how much padding you can put on a strap, and there are probably straps designed to not follow the traditional lines of a strap (no idea, just guessing). I’m just glad you’re healthy and on your way to Wellville, young man!
You could play sitting with no strap. If you want to stand, K&M and Gracie make stands to hold the bass for you.
Here's a Gracie with a P.
I would be careful about raising your left arm above your shoulder or behind your body until the leads heal into place in your heart otherwise you could pull them out. Generally takes about 6 weeks but 7 or 8 weeks couldn't hurt . you don't want to have to go back for a lead reposition, especially don't want to dislodge one if you're currently pacemaker dependent which may or may not be the case. the concern is more for the leads inside the heart than it is for the actual incision on your left shoulder
Is lifting and carrying your kit a potential problem, obviously now but perhaps late?. Maybe ask your doctor or physio for advice. Best wishes, DP
Once everything's healed and the leads are secure, I'll be able to schlep again, assuming there are any gigs to go to.
and if you're worried about the electric bass strap, just fold up a towel and put it there. they tell you the same thing for the car seatbelt. once everything is healed you should be good. we even have people playing golf after and if you follow through that can be a pretty aggressive stretching of the left arm up and back.
I've had a pacemaker for 10 years. Absolutely no problem. Carrying the bass is ok too. I'm a righty and use my right hand mostly, but sometimes I have a bag over my left shoulder. Basically, you're over the scary part. The scary part is what led you to need the device. Now you can carry on with what's left of your life! I swim, work out with kettlebells, etc. Some yoga poses need to be modified, but you'll know when you feel a pull, and back off a bit. You might want to examine your lifestyle and eating habits a bit so you can avoid future cardiac adventures.
