Rock/Ice Climbing & Hiking

Hello!

I am 33 and female. I had a dual-lead pacemaker installed about one week ago after my heart went into complete heart block for unknown causes (suddenly had a pulse of 30, highly irregular rhythm; after a week of testing, Doctor described me as "idiopathic"). I am lucky in that my SA node is still able to pace itself, and so from what I understand the pacer is simply helping transmit that signal to the rest of my heart so it all beats together.

My doctor initially said I should "just forget [the pacemaker's] there" and do whatever I want except for "power lifting, Olympic rowing, the American crawl, and the backstroke," due to the repetitive motion of these activities and potential long-term stress on my leads. When I asked him about rock and ice climbing, he readily admitted he had no idea.

Does anyone out there climb recreationally with a pacemaker? Is it just a matter of avoiding certain moves, not swinging ice tools on my left side, and using a Gris Gris? What are the risks/complications you've discovered?

Also, does anyone hike long distances or go on multi-night camping excursions with a PM? Any advice regarding fitting a pack, padding pack straps, or what (if any) extra stuff I should bring along in the first aid kit?

Thank you!

5 Comments

Camping/hiking

by Good Dog - 2016-06-18 18:57:26

I have done my share of working-out since I got my PM 30 years ago (under similar circumstances as you), but can't speak to hiking and camping (except camping in my RV which I am sure is quite different than what you want to do). Although I will tell you that if I wanted to climb, hike and/or go on long camping excursions, I would not hesitate for one second. I have lived my life exactly as someone would without a pacemaker and would never allow my PM to prevent me from doing anything. As far as things to bring along...........if I were you I'd bring the same things you would bring if you didn't have a PM. 

It is really pretty simple.................just go out and live your life!

Thank you!

by Kcambridge - 2016-06-20 22:02:17

Thanks so much for the comment and the encouragement. Playing outside is such a big part of my life - I want to be able to keep on playing! Glad to hear the PM has not presented challenges for you.

What's been frustrating so far is that every medical professional I talk to has slightly different opinions on what I can and can't do due to the PM. One well-meaning doctor told me my situation is like how he has to give up running as a 50 or 60-something because his knees are going, and so I should just find other activities. I'm just not yet ready to give up on hiking and climbing in my early 30s!

It's like my doctors don't know what to do with me b/c I'm relatively young and healthy and active as perhaps compared with some of their more typical patients. I wish someone would explain the actual anatomy and mechanics of lead-wear over time so that I can more precisely understand what motions and forces are truly problematic.

By the way, I'm so glad to be reading all of the positive experiences of so many PM hosts posting within this forum. I'm much less scared for my future. Thank you all!

Go for it

by AddieJ - 2016-06-21 21:47:33

I agree totally with AngrySparrow. Modify, workaround, but figure out how to do what you love doing. My goal, at almost 70, is to run the marathon I do each year a little faster.  This coming one will be the first with my PM. I'm not feeling great right now but by next Jan. when my next regular USA Fit marathon takes place, I'll do everything I can to make it happen.  That's what the PMs are for.  To give us the consistency and regulation we lost for one reason or another.  Right?

Rock Climbing

by rbowie - 2016-06-23 09:25:53

Im 36, male and got my pacemaker in Nov 2015. I still go rock climbing and dont even think about having a pm.

About 2 to 3 months after the operation i was bouldering, I slipt and my left arm took all my weight in fall which i hadnt planned! There was no issue. For a moment I chastised myself internally for taking the risk but soon turned my mindset to being happy as i was behaving just like i used to.

Thanks again!

by Kcambridge - 2016-06-23 23:16:55

Thanks again for all of the advice and encouragement. Actually, I was really fearful of what would happen if I fell. Glad to hear it didn't impact the device!

You know you're wired when...

You make store alarms beep.

Member Quotes

I wouldn't be here if it were not for this amazing technology inside of me.