Do anything???

Hi all, this is my first post here. I'm 3 months post pm implant. I'm 43 and was fairly active up to about 3 years ago when I broke my right foot and slowed down a bit...and then about a year ago started feeling sob and an irregular heart beat. Thought I was just getting really out of shape...

I've been an AVID backpacker - out for 8 -10 day trips - carrying around 60 lbs. I've been an avid paddler -swiftwater and flat water. I've climbed, biked, rafted, dog-sledded... I work as a professional in outdoor/adventure recreation management and don't know what else I would ever want to do...

So, I'm asking my cardiologist what my limitations are and he looked at me like I had three heads... you won't have any limitations - do whatever you want to do he tells me. This is the joy of having a younger - kinda hip doc. Rafting I ask? no problem, Skiing? no problem - just don't do anything harsh within the first few months, give your leads time to heal in he said.

I'm looking forward to skiing this winter! And have a dog-sledding trip scheduled in Feb. I haven't tried to backpack yet but looking at some of the comments here I'm kind of concerned about the weight of a 50 - 60 lb pack...My incision site is still a little touchy. I have been out on a couple of day hikes with a very light day pack, but nothing overnight yet.
I guess my point here is don't just roll over - if your dr tells you to "act your age" get another dr...

I'm not saying everything has been perfect since the pm, but I sure feel a ton better than I did b/f the surgery.

5 Comments

Second the "go light" advice

by Angie_O_Plasty - 2007-10-25 02:10:13

Even for those of us who don't have the pm to deal with (I'm on this site as a nurse practitioner student trying to learn a bit from the patients' point of view), light is the way to go!! And even more so in your situation. I've only done day hikes and quick overnights, but definitely like to keep my pack weight down since I'm not a big person (your 60-lb pack is more than half my body weight--not happening here!!). There are a number of informative websites about lightweight and ultralight backpacking, as well as books on the subject. What kind of weather conditions do you hike in? If you're doing winter backpacking, I wonder if you'd be able to pull a sled rather than carry a pack? Obviously this would depend on the terrain and amount of snow, but would eliminate the issue of a heavy pack with a strap right over the site on the winter trips.

You know...

by valerie - 2007-10-25 03:10:16

A car is much simpler to get around. lol jk. Its great to read that you're such an active person; that will help your recovery for sure!
As for the hiking with a 50-60 pound backpack, I personally dont have any experience with that, but I'd say if it doesn't feel "right", then just take it easy for awhile, but seeing as you're such a fit individual, I think you would be on the safe side. Mind you, I'm no expert and not your doctor, so I'd say just listen to your body; it knows what to do.
There are a lot of other backpackers on this site so I'm sure they'll chime in to give their wonderful advice. My advice is take someone with you and let them carry the heavy backpack, haha.
good look and keep us posted.
~valerie

Activity

by janetinak - 2007-10-25 04:10:49

Well as I have run dogs in the day, I'd say make sure you'r incision site & lead(s) are all OK before you do it. 'Course you probably aren't as off balance as I was as I get "drug" routinely & holding on while being "drug" would make it hard on your lead(s). & incision. Are you sure your Dr. understands what running a dog team means? I know I fell off my dog cart in CA & landed pretty hard & needed to be seen & had a hard tme explaining what I was talking about. Broke my collar bone on that one (before PM). Explaining what I was doing is not a problem since I moved to AK. :--) I was trying to be competive in sprint racing & sure its better if you are doing camping mid-distance trips. I sure encouage you to do whatever you & Dr agree you can do to have an active life. That's what having the PM is all about. Good luck.

Janet

Time to go Lite

by gevans - 2007-10-25 10:10:44

I also am an avid backpacker, but I dispensed the heavy stuff years ago (before my PM). You can experience so much more when you try hiking Ultra-Lite. My buddies (triple crown thru-hikers) and I routinely average 20-25 mile days, share gear weight, and use tarps rather than tents. It would definitely be an asset to have less weight near, and friction on, your implant site. Check out this month's issue of Backpacker Mag for ideas from a group that hiked the John Muir Trail in seven days.

Best of luck, and don't give in to the naysayers - consider your quality of life that much better now.

Gary

...eaten by a bear.

by dcrojas - 2007-10-28 04:10:43

Wow, You've got a great doctor hang on to him. My EP told me no more Backpacking ever. But then I'll bet the farthest distance he's ever walked is from his Lexus to his high horse.

I'm an avid backpacker and hiker and just had a PM put in 6 wks ago. When I read about people on this site talking about backpacking I knew there was hope for me.
Several years ago on a hiking trip in Alaska my wife was very concerned about bears. I made the statement "there are worse ways to go than to be eaten by a bear". I've always lived my life with that attitude and don't intend to change anytime soon. I plan to get out and Backpack and do the things that keep me sane, doctor's advice or not. There will always be a bear out there somewhere I'm sure.
I like Angie's advice to keep it lite. I've been lightening up for some time now and usually keep pack weights at about 20 pounds depending on water and season. I've been scheming on ways to pad my shoulder strap and I know I'll be there soon. Keep the faith, this is a great group of people you can learn alot here. See you on the Trail.
DC

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You can hear your heartbeat in your cell phone.

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