Wetsuits and backpacks

Hello
I like to ocean swim in a wetsuit and to walk with a backpack. My surgeon seemed unsure about what precautions I could take to protect the skin around the implant site. His major concern was that the pack straps or a tight fitting wetsuit could compromise the skin over the PM and possibly lead to an infection of the implant site. I suggested that somehow the wetsuit or the packstrap be elevated so as not to put pressure on the implant site. He thought that some soft protective material over the area would be appropriate.
I have unsuccessfully looked on the web for a product that might do the trick.
I wonder if anyone else has encountered this problem and has a solution. Backpacks are really important for me as my wife cannot carry stuff and we love hiking. I also walk to the shops and carry stuff home.
Comments or suggestions would be much appreciated.
Best wishes to all.
Bernard

4 Comments

Same question

by Jackcouo - 2012-06-05 01:06:18

Benard
I was just about to post the exact same question. I'm a surfer and a mountain biker. When riding the bike I ware a back pack with a water bladder in it and other stuff. It only weighs about 6lbs but I am still concerned about the strap. I don't have my pacer yet but it should be in the next couple weeks. So keep me posted if you find a good solution.
Jack C

backpacks

by Tracey_E - 2012-06-05 05:06:29

If it feels ok,it should be fine. I wouldn't worry about damage or erosion, just discomfort. It's not like you will live in a backpack, I can't imagine how a day here and there is going to do any damage.

Jack, if you haven't had your surgery yet, talk to your surgeon about going a little lower/deeper so the backpack won't hit it. That's how mine is.

Wait till tonight for Electric Frank...

by donr - 2012-06-05 09:06:23

...I know he goes the hiking part - kinda tough to do the swimming bit in the Great American Southwest desert!

He wrote a post some time back about proper fditting backpacks & hass posted photos of himself wearing a backpack w/o a shirt while desert hiking. It ca be done - piece of cake.

Search the Member Gallery in left column for "electricfrank" & see what comes up. Good looking Devil - pretty smart, too.

Don

Wetsuits and Backpacks

by singingbev - 2012-06-07 07:06:40

I just found this site it is great! I've had my pm for 6 months and still have questions and concerns. Thanks everyone for being here. I just saw an ad, when I registered, for a seat belt pad made for implant devices,
www.aboutsofttouch.com. maybe this would help. I wish I'd know about having my implant deeper, it is bother some just beneath the skin.

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You have a dymo-powered bike.

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