Time between Ablation and Golf?

[OurCoach]

Anyone here a golfer? Do you remember how long you waited after your ablation before returning to the course? Is three weeks reasonable? Or more like four or five? Or is it one of those how long is a piece of string and different for everyone? Full recovery is more important but I am wondering. My first ablation was mid January so it wasn’t an issue at the time. Thanks in advance.

[Hidden]

As I’m not a golfer I guess I’m not best placed to offer helpful advice. Certainly gentle walking after a couple of weeks should be fine but I’m not to sure about tee shots as they appear to be quite aggressive and probably need a lot more recovery time! Also, the 19th hole should be negotiated with great caution. Hopefully, others with more practical experience will comment but the general view is listen to your body so watch out for those initial strokes......

[CDreamer]

It’s the How long is a piece of string? Answer along with - the size of the course and is it flat or hilly and what level you play at. Try a few practice holes when you are ready and see how you go. The swing itself will strain upper body and don’t forget that your heart will be trying to heal.

Listen to your body - start building up by walking a little further every day - after the 1st week of doing nothing - as soon as or slightly before you tire or get breathless - stop and then you will need to rest, probably for the remainder of the day. Ectopics were a sign for me that I was doing too much, too soon which ended in a 2nd ablation 12 weeks after the 1st.

I know several people who went back to golf after ablation too soon and ended up blue lighted from one course, in fact the club invested in a mobile defibulater!

The 19th should be avoided for at least 6 months for anything other than water, not even soft drinks to be safe as many contain high sugar and/or additives which could trigger Af again and the longer you stay in AF then the higher the chance of the long term success.

[Hidden]

Up to you but in my case it was about 3 weeks, and no problems. I just swung the bat a bit steady.

I can't see much difference between golf and a walk, except the very zig-zag shape 😁. And then the stress when you hit it in the river third time in a row!

[OurCoach in reply to Hidden]

I can related to that! Thanks for the reply, that’s helpful.

[Golfer60UK]

Hello, I am a golfer too and after my ablation I played golf probably too quickly, 2/3 weeks. Am due for a second ablation as first one worked for a few days then AF back. Mine is permanent but tablets do help other feeling shattered after 18 holes.

With hindsight your heart needs three months to recover, but ask your Cardiologist for the best advice

Best of luck, especially with the new handicap system !!!!

[Bawdy in reply to Golfer60UK]

Sounds like my husband, had a jump start to get back into sinus, felt fabulous, 6 days later back to AF after golf and been there ever since. His doctor knew what he was going to do and gave him the OK. I'm talking many years ago, I have had an ablation nearly 12 months ago and was never given any advice what or what not to do. Wished I knew about this sight pre the event, I realise now that I just "got on with it". Not golf though. I knew that was the cause of hubby's failure, in saying that , being in AF really gives him no grief. Not as good for me. Cheers.

[WhitstableWanderer]

I'm a golfer but not had an ablation. However after my 16 days in hospital following 'heart failure' and the subsequent diagnosis of AF (deemed permanent now), I took a few weeks to return to the course, initially just putting to start with and then walking 9 with friends. I do think this helped my recovery but I was quite weak for a while. However, I'm back to playing twice a week and feel stronger than before my event. Golf is both a good exercise and a good distraction for your mind. But, as others have said, take it easy to start with and listen to your body.

[djmnet]

The thought 2-3 weeks after ablation of swinging a golf club when you tee off makes my heart hurt. It can't possibly help the healing process. Please be patient.

[OurCoach]

Thanks. There’s always next year. 😀🏌️‍♀️

[Coeurdelion]

Suck it and see. If you feel up to it try just a few holes and take it from there. I think I was ok for 9 holes after a couple of weeks.

[OurCoach]

Thanks for the encouragement. I shall conduct an experiment and post my observations as things unfold.

[Jmc43]

The value of this board is the variety of answers one gets when asking a question. So here is my experience. I am a golfer also, and I normally play 2-3 times a week. I also did exercise walks 5 times a week, as well as Tai Chi. I have paroxysmal Afib, and after my last episode in March, the Cardiologist recommended an Ablation. I had it July 14. I started with slower, shorter walks after 5 days or so, as well as light Tai Chi. I waited 10 days or so, checked with my cardiologist about golf, then went to the practice area, putted and chipped. Played 9 holes after two weeks, then 18 holes after 3 weeks. I am now going into my 6th week after, and am back to playing 3 times a week at this point, and feel great. Also back to exercising, although I don’t press on the exercise walks. I play on a mountain course a lot, we use carts, but there is still a lot of walking up and down...get about 7500 steps per round (and more if I hit into the woods😅). This may be more detail than you need, hope it is helpful to share. I should add that I have had no noticeable impact from this approach, have been in SR, and there is no 19th hole event at this point because of the pandemic.

[OurCoach]

Dear Jmc43

This is very, very helpful to hear of your experience. And the note was not too long at all. I was with you every step of the way. While you were having your ablation on July 14th I was talking to the EP about what to do as my January 14th ablation clearly didn’t work (I have 2-3 AFib episodes a week). He said we should do a second one and that will happen Aug 26th. As I wasn’t golfing in January i was wondering when I could start again. I found my recovery to be very easy in January, but then I was only walking for exercise. I skipped skiing and snowshoeing for the obvious reason. Right now I’m thinking I’ll do something similar to you and start with some putting and chipping and see how I feel. Getting well is job number one and golfing is the icing on the cake, not the cake. Thank you.

[Jmc43 in reply to OurCoach]

Good luck on your ablation tomorrow. In an ironic moment, I go for my 6 week followup appointment tomorrow. Everything still fine...played 18 holes yesterday. The way I putted could have cause an Afib episode (lol) but I guess I can't blame it on that. Anyway, your second one will hopefully fix what was missing on the first one. Cheers...

[bar042 in reply to Jmc43]

How old are you? I have one June 3rd. I am 50.

[Jmc43 in reply to bar042]

I am 80 now, was 76 four years ago when this exchange happened. Still playing golf, still in SR. Good luck with your ablation!

[bar042 in reply to Jmc43]

Thank you.

[bar042 in reply to bar042]

Your story was actually inspirational. I am 4 weeks post ablation and golfing or hitting the range whenever its not raining or too wet. Plan on walking 18 today in fact.

[OurCoach]

Thanks for remembering Jmc43 I’m touched. Am actually off to golf today, day two of club championship. I am not a contender, but happy to play. Glad you’re still AFib free after six weeks. Hope I can say the same. And yes, putting is a dark art. Even the pros struggle. Thanks for the encouragement. I too hope number two is the last of this. I’ve had enough. I know you understand.