Auto Seat Belts

This is my first day, so forgive me I ask a stupid question.
Do any of you have and issue relative to your car's safety belt? Mine crosses directly over my PM. Resently I had to applied my breaks quickly and the SB snapped down hard against my PM. I saw my Dr the next day and she said no one ever mentioned this to her before. - Jean

12 Comments

Seat Belts

by lady4law - 2007-05-12 02:05:23

Thank you all for the information.
In response to your question, Michelle, my PM is a few months old. I have felt far worse since I recieved the PM. I have gained weight as I cannot exercise. Even walking has become an issue. I have problems sleeping as I can no longer sleep on my back or the side the PM is located. "seems" to go off a lot. And Airport security has been a nightmare.
I am so glad I found this site. I guess many of you have similar issues and better yet...answers. Thank you Jean

seat belts.

by tcrabtree85 - 2007-05-12 03:05:10

I haven't bought the soft belt but I heard that it works for a lot of people. It is talked about on the site on the left corner sometimes. I bought one of those little seat belt things so the belt doesn't come directly in contact with my skin though I still place it under my arm and still have it in the front. I have heard this is ok to do. I can't see not wearing a seat belt but I have heard some say that they went through the process so they wouldn't have to.
Welcome how long have you had your pm? Take care and keep asking questions.
Blessings,
Tammy

vrroooomm [attempt at car sound effect]

by valerie - 2007-05-12 06:05:11

Hi Jean,
I'm sorry you're having a difficult time with your PM. I hope you can get another doctor to take a look at your PM settings, specifically a PM tech or EP. Perhaps your settings are off and is making you feel bad. Since you're only a few months in having a PM, you might still be recovering. I am and its been over 3 months.

Anyway, I think the soft belt thingy is good. It helps cushion the area when the seat belt gets tighter. You should try it out.

Or, you could buy those cars that have the steering wheel on the opposite side (so the seat belt wont go over your site), or you could stop driving like a maniac.
LOL! I'm totally joking :)
Seriously, I understand how frustrating everything is for you, especially if you feel worse. Again, I really hope you can find a second doctor who can check your settings and such.
Please keep us updated on how you're doing with everything. You'll be in my prayers.
Take care,
~valerie
P.S. you're question isn't stupid :)

Feeling Bad

by hooimom - 2007-05-12 10:05:30

Jean,
I am so sorry that you have not found some relief with you PM. I had a pretty long adjustment time but within 2 months or so felt pretty good. I started to feel really tired and weak again about 3 months ago and my EP said everything was fine with the PM. When I went in for a physical with my PCP they found I was severely anemic and that was causing many of the symptoms I had before the PM. I'm on iron now and feeling better. I share this only to encourage you to look at other possible health issues. I immediatley think of my PM and heart issues as the reason I don't feel well and forget there is a body attached that can have other problems.

Sleep was also an issue for me. I did not want to start taking prescription drugs to sleep but after three doctors suggested it, I gave in and tried them. They work and I get 7-8 hours of sleep a night. That made a HUGE difference in how I felt. Have you talked to your doctor about your sleep issues? Mine thought lack of sleep could be contributing to my slow recovery after my PM.

Don't give up! It might just take some time to get your settings corrected (at least I have seen that problem on this site before). Although PM surgery isn't a major operation, our bodies do have to adjust to an "extra part" and I don't think that is easy for some of us.

Michelle

Seat belt use permit

by theemrfrog - 2007-05-12 12:05:02

I went to the local police dept. and they gave me a form I had my doctor sign and then I sent to our state license dept. A month later received a little sign that says I have permission "not to use a seat belt". My ongoing problem is my wifes new car won't allow not to use the seat belt. It has to be plugged in to the latch!! So I hook it up and put it under my arm and accross my chest below the PM. Good luck.

Seatbelt Cushion

by hooimom - 2007-05-12 12:05:17

Hi Jean,

I found that one of the seatbelt cushions helps with my site. My belt crosses directly over my site as well. If it really bothers me, I put the shoulder strap behind me, just wear the lap belt, and take my chances. That probably isn't the best advice though!

You say this is your first day. Does this mean your PM is new? My site doesn't bother me as much now as it did in the beginning. It should get better with a little time.

Michelle

Poll about this

by tman - 2007-05-12 12:05:57

Interestingly, Blake just took down a poll about this. Click on "polls" in the menu to the left, and then click on the only poll there. I believe about two thirds of the site visitors would say yes, they have had this problem.

passenger

by jessie - 2007-05-13 02:05:30

hi for now i am mostly a passenger and my p.m. is on my right side. i do drive but minimally unless i am by myself. so it helps me it had to be placed on the right side. noone asked me. it had to do with the cardiologist could not get it in the left side and he was in a hurry so he had contaminated the left side and tried the right. when i went to london to get the permanent one the doctor there told me that my body was a bit different and the lead needed to be threaded across and down . go figure me a freak lol lol when my brother who also has a pacemaker now was 15 he had heart surgery in london ontario in the 50's his was the first case for this type of surgery. when they opened him up every organ was on the opposite side as most people. he and i at that time thought this info was funny until they put his case in a medical journal. so hope your problem improves but i drove the next day after coming home. i guess i shouldn't have but never asked and don't remember being told. i am going to see my cardiologist on the ist of june. i will ask about my site as it is getting a bit tender again 9 months already take care jessie

wear your seat belt!

by jimkirschvink - 2007-06-05 05:06:58

I would not recommend NOT wearing your seat belt. The damage you get from having a wreck with the belt over your PM is probably less than having your face go through the windshield.

Sometimes on long trips, I put the strap under my armpit to hold it down. I also made a thing with memory foam, and cut a big hole in it where the PM is.

Backpacking is a pain, I have to have my left strap over my ac joint, but it's a small price to pay for not getting to hike!

check this out

by diacat - 2007-06-05 11:06:52

I found a plastic gizmo at walmart (2 for $2.88)in the automotive accessories dept . It really does keep the seatbelt to the left of my pacemaker .

Seat belt and Pace maker

by parar - 2007-07-06 08:07:25

I do a lot of international travel and ride in a variety of vehicles as a passenger. I have learnt to cope sometimes, even holding the belt away from the implanted PM. It is difficult to have the PM at a site that meets all situations. (Right hand drive and left hand drive cars) etc.
Para

Seat belt

by kish - 2007-09-04 02:09:18

My seat belt was right on my sugary area, so I have this little plastic clip that doesn’t a low the seat belt to out and in of the seat belt thing keeping it nice and tight and me safe exactly where I put it, I all so bought a seat cushion thing at wall mart for like 9$ So if im driving some one else car, If I don’t have it Ill just put it under my arm. Iv also found that if I drive bigger cars like SUVS or trucks they don’t seem to rub the same way.

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Member Quotes

I'm 35 and got my pacemaker a little over a year ago. It definitely is not a burden to me. In fact, I have more energy (which my husband enjoys), can do more things with my kids and have weight because of having the energy.