Backpacks and Pacemakers?

This is going to be a really random seeming question, I am just trying to be prepared.

I am a full time college student and getting my pacemaker next month (finally confirmed today). I know that for the first few weeks I won't want a backpack strap anywhere near my incision site because of irritation and pain, but what about later on?
How long does it take for the area to get back to normal? Does it ever get back to normal or will I want to invest in a nice rolling backpack?

Welcome to my denial bubble where I hide and think about inconsequential things.

11 Comments

Re: Depends on the weight.

by stacypacy - 2015-06-22 07:06:08

I must be one of those crazies... I always wear my backpack on both shoulders. I could use a tote bag, but the weight adds up quickly when I have a laptop, binders, and text books.

I have weighed my back pack in before at 20+ pounds. It was a rough day.

Depends on the weight

by rolsmith - 2015-06-22 07:06:28

It has been almost 4 years since I got my first pacemaker and I can hike with a light backpack (~25lbs) if I'm careful where I position the weight of the straps. For the first year there was some discomfort with a backpack or seat belt but for the most part now it is fine if I’m mindful of it. I have CRT so the device is about twice as thick as a regular pacemaker.

Having a pacemaker has been a cool experience and if it can make your quality of life better it is totally worth the hassles. I thought all the cool kids only wore the backpack on one shoulder anyway? 
Good luck.

Takes a while

by Iowan - 2015-06-22 07:06:36

I had a pacemaker implanted 4 months ago and still cannot tolerate a bra strap or car seat belt over the pacemaker site. I am thin in that area, so the pacemaker protrudes (is visible), so the amount of natural padding you have at the site may make a difference. I have read from other people's posts that over time it is not a problem. I am not there yet, but hope to be. There are backpacks that that have a crossover strap you could wear so it crossed on the opposite side from the pacemaker side. There are ones that are made by popular backpack companies. That is what I would suggest.

Re

by stacypacy - 2015-06-22 07:06:53

Thats what I am worried about. I am not thing by any means, but I still worry.

I made a cushion for my seat belt and I am ordering a cushion for my bra strap, but those things won't work for a backpack.

I am thinking about getting a rolling backpack or brief case.

Depends upon you, weight

by Theknotguy - 2015-06-22 08:06:03

Had to carry a backpack when we went to the UK. Ran around 25 pounds. I also like to sling it on my left shoulder when we're just waiting around.

First couple of days the PM site was sore, after that no problems.

I got one of the backpacks that has the form fitting, padded straps. It also has the across-the-front strap and clip that keeps the shoulder straps from sliding off your shoulder. Also has the padding on the back so it's really comfortable although hot at times.

We did fifteen days and I carried it the whole time. No problems.

You probably won't want to carry a backpack until the PM scar heals. Don't want to risk a chance of breaking open the wound.

Thanks for all the input!

by stacypacy - 2015-06-22 08:06:45

Sounds like for the first month or so I should stick with a tote bag on the other side or something with wheels.

Really sounds like wait and see.
I figured out a good padding for my bra strap, its nice and thick without being obvious, hopefully that will help with the bag straps too.

give it some time

by knb123 - 2015-06-22 09:06:00

Hi Stacy - I've had my PM since March. I try to accomplish errands while walking for exercise most days. A couple of weeks ago the errands included dropping off library books and stopping at the supermarket. Because I had several books, I loaded them into my backpack without giving a thought to my PM scar. (Your post made me recall that I had done this.)

Anyway, no ill effects, just three months after my procedure. I tell you this to encourage you. While everyone's case is different, if you're patient and give it a little time (the one-armed tote and rolling briefcase are great temporary solutions) you, too, may be back to shouldering a backpack in a few months.

Let us know how you come out.

Re placement

by stacypacy - 2015-06-22 09:06:16

I will make sure and ask him about that. He did a great job with my ablation incisions so hopefully he is good with this one as well.
I am hoping for sub mammary if possible. I just really want to minimize the scarring and visibility. I know that's vain since its there for a important reason, but I am blaming that on being young.

placement

by Tracey_E - 2015-06-22 09:06:29

Mine is low enough and deep enough that a backpack is not an issue (after healing period). It also means the seatbelt doesn't rub, there is no lump and a tank top covers the scar. Talk to your surgeon. Some of them automatically place it just under the skin, just under the collarbone, but it doesn't have to be there.

Pacemaker Placement

by Artist - 2015-06-22 09:06:59

There are options regarding the placement of a pacemaker. My doctor never discussed this with me. Some PM Club members have had sub pectoral muscle placement of their PMs. Most say they don't even feel their PM because of the deeper placement. My PM is very close to the surface and the wires are close to my shoulder and very exposed feeling. I imagine sub pectoral placement takes more time to heal, but you might want to discuss this alternate placement option with hour doctor. I think that you would be able to tolerate back pack straps and seat belt straps more easily.

submammary

by Tracey_E - 2015-06-22 10:06:20

Mine is submammary. It was done 20 years ago when alternate placements were unheard of. I was young and underweight so my cardiac surgeon brought in a plastic surgeon and they pretty much made it up as they went along. Imo, submammary is overkill. Subpectoral would be easier and work just as well. I love my placement, however when I needed a new lead a few years ago it was a little complicated running it, and scar tissue built up enough after my 3rd replacement that it got achy so when I had the 4th one and lead replacement, they brought the plastic surgeon in again to clean up the scar tissue and rebuild the pocket. Now it feels great again.

It's not vanity, it's being practical. A scar isn't the end of the world, but if the placement that looks better also happens to feel better, and you have the option, go for it.

You will be more sore and healing takes a little longer, but imo it's well worth it and I've never regretted it.

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