Backpack straps over device

Hi, everyone, first off, great site! I got my device unexpected 6 days ago. Went in for a treadmill test, but even before I got on the treadmill I fainted and they saw my heart stopped beating for a bit. The phrase I heard repeated over and over the next few hours was "10 second pause". My cardiologist was there and told me I was getting a pacemaker. Lot to absorb (I'm only 41 and have only had one other fainting spell in the last year), but after being stubborn for a bit I went ahead with the surgery.

I'm feeling OK, back to work, and trying to be safe but not get too stiff.

I recently started backpacking/hiking a lot more and now I'm worried that the straps on my pack will rub my device. Any advice from the hikers out there? Thanks!

4 Comments

backpacks

by Tracey_E - 2014-09-11 03:09:16

You won't hurt the device, but it can rub and make you sore if your straps go over your device. My pm is buried deep enough that it's never been an issue for me, but I know that's not always the case. Try the pack on and see how it feels. You might be able to rig up extra padding on the strap, but if it's a heavy pack and/or long hike, it's better to adjust so the straps aren't over it. They make so many types of pack now, you should be able to find something that doesn't touch it.

editing

by Tracey_E - 2014-09-11 03:09:20

If you click on MY POSTINGS at the upper right, there is an edit button.

Thanks for input

by curiousjbird - 2014-09-12 12:09:24

Thanks for the input. I'm not looking at doing any backpacking just yet, I'm being pretty careful with my arm and activity level. But long term I'm hoping that backpacking will still be an option; sounds like I need to find the right gear and it will just take some time.

EvoShield May Help

by tojo - 2014-09-21 06:09:22

I found an item that hunters use to cushion the impact on their chest from the recoil of a rifle; called EvoShield. I used it when I went skiing in case I fell on my pacemaker. After you put it into the pocket of the shirt, it molds to your chest so it becomes rigid. I haven't used it for anything since that time but it may be something to consider.

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I'm 35 and got my pacemaker a little over a year ago. It definitely is not a burden to me. In fact, I have more energy (which my husband enjoys), can do more things with my kids and have weight because of having the energy.