trekking with a pack? Wise? Advise?

We are planning a 5 day mid-Himalaya trek in December. I have a PM for heart block. Prior to being ill we lived in Nepal and often trekked with heavy loads - 50KG for me. (Also my body weight!)
I am a bit concerned about the effect of the pack on the PM - will it move or get shifted with the constant movement and the weight? I am proposing to carry 35 - 40 KG. I skiied with a small pack last winter, but the movement is very different in skiing, although I did actually feel ill for a couple of days with palpitations and had to take it easy.

Has anyone tried trekking and had bother with their PM because of the straps and the weight of pack?

Has anyone have any good advice on which protective padding works best for this? (I made my own device for skiing!!)

I’m sure it’ll all be ok, just don’t want to pop my PM out in Himalayas with the children there to witness it all!
botto.

5 Comments

trekking

by LS - 2010-09-23 08:09:56

I would discuss this with your Dr. & follow his advice.
For me, I couldn't even wear my purse that's a back pack for months. It just "pulled" at the incision site.
Liz

depends

by Tracey_E - 2010-09-23 09:09:01

It's not a good idea to spend a lot of time with a lot of pressure on your device. It's not likely you'll damage the pm but you'll end up sore. Can you adjust your straps so it doesn't rub? Another fix I've seen some members try is putting extra padding over the backpack strap, try to lift it up so it's not directly on the device, if that makes sense.

The palpitations are more likely a reaction to the altitude than the backpack.

Good luck and have fun!

a porter seems the best idea!

by botto - 2010-09-24 02:09:23

Thanks so much for commenting, it was helpful to read! I have decided after a bad week of feeling a bit rough with lots of pacing, that a porter will be the best solution! (Actually a couple of them, I may even get one to carry me!)
I have a wire that sticks up under the skin like a tiny tent pole and I want it to stay inside. Sometimes it's only when you see what you are planning in writing that you see how daft it is and can make a more sensible plan.
I've got the same problem as you Cathryn, although I get tachy as well as brady, but I'm a bit scatty about taking my tablets for that. At least I can't forget to 'take' my pacemaker! That point about the altitude Tracey, that makes sense, I hadn't thought of it at the time, but we were on the highest glacier in Switzerland, which of course is not very high compared to where we are trekking. So i had better remember to take my Verapamil when we go.
thanks everyone!



protective shield

by DDDmom - 2010-10-06 01:10:22


My son has a pacemaker,and at age 18 plays aggressive soccer at a national level. He wears the hunting shield found at www.allsportarmour.com. He doesn't always wear it, but it is the best protection we have found so far. His pediatric cardioloigist agrees.

PACEGUARD

by zoie - 2010-10-20 11:10:09

Hello Botto,
My name is Sharon Spinnler and I am the co-founder of PaceGuard. PaceGuard is designed specifically for implant devices while engaging in sport and everyday activities. Please visit our site www.paceguard.com. This should suit your needs and definitely your concerns.
Play For Life!
Sharon

You know you're wired when...

You make store alarms beep.

Member Quotes

Life is finally better.