Backpacking

Mention backpacking to your surgeon

by LondonAndy - 2017-03-20 19:46:07

I've had my pacemaker 2.5 years and most days use a ruck sack, though of course that's only up to about 10kg / 22 pounds, and had no problems.  Obviously backpacks are bigger and heavier, and I am quite a big guy, so it would be worth mentioning your activities to your surgeon who may be able to implant more deeply, particularly if you have less padding ;)

And of course take extra care for about 6 weeks afterwards whilst the body recovers from the surgery.

depends

by Tracey_E - 2017-03-20 20:34:12

It depends on the straps of your pack, your build, and most of all your placement. Be sure the surgeon knows. Mine is lower and deeper than the normal placement, subpectoral. It never gets in the way of my pack. Subpec is a little more involved and takes longer to heal, but imo it's well worth it in the end to have it out of the way. 

Thanks

by Holden - 2017-03-20 20:40:59

Thank you LondonAndy and TraceyE!  Good advice, and thanks for your rapid responses!

Typically yes...

by Hoser - 2017-03-20 21:48:57

I use a laptop backpack daily. Soon after surgery, I had to buy a sling-strap pack with a single strap due to the interference with my pacer. 

Happy as a clam now.

Hiking

by Kcambridge - 2017-03-20 23:17:23

I hike most weekends wearing a decently weighted pack. Have had my pacemaker about 9 months. It was inserted in the usual location, not sub pectorally but just beneath the clavicle. I was pretty tender in the insertion area for the first couple of months, but since then I've had few issues. I do find the insertion area still gets a little tender after several hours of hiking, but I've found that sinching up my hip strap extra tightly helps to keep the weight off of the shoulder. Was thinking about adding a foam pad under the left shoulder strap to additionally help keep the weight off the pacemaker area, but lately I'm not sure it's necessary. As a few have said, the pacemaker itself won't stop you from backpacking. However, we're all built a little differently and so it may take a little experimentation to figure out what would work best for you. Good luck!

yuk!

by Xxmikexx - 2017-03-24 13:55:30

2.5 years post implant.  I am mostly young-ish at 47.  Was very active. WAS.  Can't bear anything touching the area.  This may sound crazy here, I know, but even the way the seat belt grazes the area can set off pain.  I mean like wow pain.  Much less a golf swing, roughhousing with my boys, catching a baseball.  I went to the doc multiple times thinking there was something really seriously wrong.  Many, many visits.  Doc has a fancy name for it...sub-epidural long doctor name something er other.  Who cares what its called.  It's pain. Bottom line: No over the shoulder straps for me!  Minor stretching, lot's of pain management.  On replacement date I'll get the doc to put the device down deep and see if that helps.  I think it will.  I'm even talking to the doc anout putting it in my belly--his suggestion. Well, I still have about 6 years on the current battery, so decision time is a long way off.  Be persistant in your wants if you get opportunity to be invovled in the decision making process!

Thanks

by Holden - 2017-03-25 13:21:00

Many thanks to everyone who has commented and helped by sharing your experiences!