Backpacking

I just got a pacemaker three days ago. I just noticed someone one here mentioned backpacking, and I had not thought about it before. Now I am concerned - am I going to have a problem with backpacking????

Thanks

10 Comments

depends

by Tracey_E - 2009-10-19 09:10:22

It depends on your build and where your pm is positioned. Some members have problems carrying a backpack, others are fine.

As TraceyE says...

by turboz24 - 2009-10-19 10:10:35

As TraceyE mentioned, it really has to do with placement and how much tissue you have on top of the implant.

I for example can't, because my ICD (way bigger than a PM) sticks up 3/8" and the edge is right where the left shoulder strap goes. I've tried a couple of backpacks when I was planning on going on a trip, but didn't find anything that would work. I can keep looking, though. The backpacking issue isn't that big a deal for me, I can just make other people carry my crap if I want to go hiking :)

Back packing

by Vai - 2009-10-20 01:10:56

Your main concern is where the strap of the backpack goes over the same spot on your chest where the PM is implanted, the general area being just under the left collar bone. After the wound is healed, the chafing will be hardly noticeable and a good padding will eliminate discomfort. However be mindful that the strap will apply unnecessary pressure on the PM, especially when the pack is heavy. It can get quite uncomfortable just by the heightened awareness that something is applying pressure on a block of metal under your skin. Just not a fun feeling.

he he

by Tracey_E - 2009-10-20 07:10:05

Turbo, our hiking trip is officially canceled! LOL

turbo

by Tracey_E - 2009-10-20 08:10:15

You're on! How about we hike near a lake then jump in when we're done?

breyer, I just realized none of us was very clear. It's perfectly safe to backpack, but depending on the position of your pm it may not be comfortable.

Have only done light hiking with a backpack

by COBradyBunch - 2009-10-20 10:10:05

My backpack strap does go right over where my pacer is and it might be an issue with a heavy pack but a light (day or overnight) pack doesn't seem to bother it much. Just my $.02.

We will just have to..

by turboz24 - 2009-10-20 12:10:43

TraceyE, we will just have to "move" that hiking trip to after my ICD is removed or relocated. My list of things to do when that happens is getting longer. I"ll pencil in that trip somewhere between going swiming and seeing myself shirtless again........

backpacking as in travelling???

by Hot Heart - 2009-10-21 01:10:02

Yep no problem whatsoever, enjoy!!! You are probably safer backpacking now you have your pm than you were without it.

HH

never let such a tiny unit get in the way of savoring life

by gevans - 2009-10-22 11:10:56

I have had no problems with my backpacking because I adjust the sternum strap so that the shoulder straps do not ride over top of the unit. I also cinch the waistbelt extra tight so that the majority of the weight rides atop the iliac crest of the pelvis. Also make sure your stabilization straps are pulled extra tight so that the pack rides more forward. That way the majority of the weight is not pulling away from the chest - which in turn would put more pressure on the shoulder straps.

A buddy of mine also uses little foam triangles (I think they are some sort of cosmetic remover that women or actors use) that he binds to the bottom of his strap on the pm side. He holds the pieces together with athletic tape to keep any pressure off the pm.

Both of us endorse ultra-lite hiking also. You can cover so much more territory when you are not carrying the entire kitchen sink with you. We use a lightweight tarp instead of a tent, dispense with all but essential items, eat dehydrated food, and thoughtfully plot all water sources beforehand.

How?

by turboz24 - 2009-10-23 10:10:44

I was reading how you adjusted the sternum straps, but just wondering how you did it? did you bind them together ?

I've got around 3" of "space" between the edge of my implant and my neck, so if I had the shoulder straps come together almost immediately below my neck in the center of my chest, I'd probably be ok.

The strap simply can't go between my ICD and arm pit, though. ICD is within 1" of my arm pit.

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