Pacemaker firefighters?

Hey

by Pacer2019 - 2019-12-17 23:47:37

Welcome Dan - I'm sure you are shocked given your age and fitness to be having a PM .... at the same time it will grow on you that the alternative is worse and find a time you are thankful - I'm pretty new to this and was quite shocked along with many other things.... I've started to embrace things and be thankful a PM was available to give me a shot. 
I think 🤔 it's normal to feel a range of emotions from thankfullness to even anger with everything in between. 
Good mews is you are young and fit meaning you will make a quick physical recovery .... everyone is different though so don't be alarmed if you aren't climbing ladders on day 2! 
other than the incision healing I found it's basically an as tolerated proposition for physically activity .... ease into it and feel your way along.

morning after I got home I anxiously walked down my block and made it about 1/10 of a mile before I turned back.... I was worried but soon I was hitting two miles then trotting a little. Now six weeks in I'm back on the court paying racquetball full steam ahead.

you will have a lot to learn about how this device works and this board is an excellent resource I have found. A great community always willing to help. 
 

as far as continuing in your field seems like that depends more on your employer ? Only warning I've really heard about physical stiff is no contact activity ..... you hopes to be a UFC fighter may have taken a hit.... rugby 🏉 May be off the list. 
I think as long as you are stable firefighting is possible. May have restriction from employer. 
 

Glad you found this group ....ask questions and keep us informed how things go for you. 
Tim 

PM Ffs.

by Bigdan - 2019-12-18 04:42:51

Thanks Tim, thats a great reply, very encouraging. Thank goodness I can't do UFC!

I've managed to get in touch with a neighbouring brigade FF who got back on the run to carry out full operational duties until his retirement so that has been a great relief, just to know its possible.

I was in disbelief before seeing the ECG showing the pause and only agreed to undergo these investigations to prove the experts wrong, but...they were right!

I must admit searching these various forums while sat in hospital has been amazingly positive and just what I have needed..as well as a pacemaker obviously!

Yes

by Pacer2019 - 2019-12-18 12:56:28

Like the old joke -“Doc after this will I be able to play the piano !” ..... why of course “that’s great because I couldn’t before !”

so who knows you may come out of this as a cage fighter ! 

dont see why not

by dwelch - 2019-12-21 11:55:25

I see no reason as of yet why you couldnt do the things you were doing before.  Depending on where they put it you may want to add a pad of some sort, because no doubt your equipment is heavy and will put pressure on it.  You WONT hurt the device, you might hurt you, it will be a pinching feeling, your skin is literally between a rock (pacer) and a hard place.  Short of that, you will need to allow yourself to recover, certainly weeks, but before doing that kind of work, lifting pushing pulling hauling fighting.  Maybe a couple months let the incision completely heal starting from day one post pacer slowly slowly slowly start to re-work that shoulder and build it back up give it weeks.  Once settled and once you find a pad you can toss over your shoulder before your jacket I think you should be just fine.  

If your employer has an issue I think you have an issue with them this should not limit your abilities.  Now your heart condition pre-pacer sure that could have been a liability for them.