CLimbing, rucksacks and ICDs

HI Everyone, am scheduled to have an ICD implanted on the 22nd August. Any climbers out there still climbing as hard as they did before the implantation,,,or climbing harder? I'm 52 but am still pushing my grades :) Also, what about rucksack straps? Any suggestions to ensure the ICD doesnt prevent me from carrying a rucksack? Best regards from Malta in the Mediterranean :)

2 Comments

Knowledge

by oldearthworm - 2015-08-10 03:08:10

How did you know , what tipped you off, that you needed a ICD ? Being in control of ones health - a very good thing .. But, in my case, I had to go to the ER at Holy Spirit .. a nightmarish experience .. even as I monitor my blood pressure daily . 101/30/40 raised the red flag and three days later a regular PM was implanted ..
Maybe , implant under a muscle ??
Best of luck and a quick recovery .
Adrian

Climbing, rucksacks and ICDs

by climber5 - 2015-09-09 04:09:10

Hi Adrian, sorry about the late reply I just saw your post now. Basically I had an arrythmia back in 1999 and was given beta blockers to sort it out. Sure enough, next day I collapsed and luckily my heart reset and I never had a problem again. In the meantime I've been climbing and scuba diving countless times. However, recently I went through a series of checkups and showed my old ecgs to the doctors and they said I had Brugada syndrome and should have an ICD implanted asap based on the fact that I'd previously blacked out! So today I have one in my chest and am trying to be patient as they said I shouldn't do any strenuous exercise with my arms for about 3-4 months. How are things with you? I found a site which sells pads that fit on seatbelt straps which i should be able to use on a rucksack too by the way :)

You know you're wired when...

You trust technology more than your heart.

Member Quotes

But I think it will make me feel a lot better. My stamina to walk is already better, even right after surgery. They had me walk all around the floor before they would release me. I did so without being exhausted and winded the way I had been.