Amusement parks

Hello fellow pacers and icd'ers I was wondering if anybody has been able to go to amusement parks, rides etc, I went to coney island for my birthday 5/29 and was just bummed at the fact that I couldn't get on any rides... It's actually made me stress the fact of what really can I do? Yes I'm grateful for having this magic box, but often just can't help having some of the blues... Anybody have any similar feelings or experiences you'd like to share? God bless & thank you all!

6 Comments

Probably shouldnt but do anyway!

by dw5281 - 2009-07-03 01:07:14

I Live in the UK & it says you shouldn't go on some rides if you have a heart condition (doesn't specifically mention pacemaker!) - on the little signs at the start. It annoyed me that I couldn't then I decided to go on anyway I've been on loads with no ill effects whatsoever - ones where you're sitting, ones where you're lying, ones that go to 60mph in about 2seconds - all brilliant!

Not sure

by sputnick - 2009-07-03 02:07:05

We tre going to Disneyworld in Florida in Oct. It is a family trip with friends joining us and I was so looking forward to going on some of the rides ( not the wizzy upside down ones)! I would be worried to go on some of them now over there, not just cos they might shake you about and cause prob.s, more bcause i wouldn't be sure the insurance would cover it if anything did happen and there had been a sign at the ride warning against going on it if you have any heart problems. It wouldn't bother me here in the U.K. cos they would just fix you up no questions asked. Jan

Roller Coaster?

by johnb10000 - 2009-07-03 03:07:25

Has anybody gone on a roller coaster?

All the fun rides have a bar or harness that holds you in place so you won't fall out when going upside down or sideways. I am a big guy and remember the bar would press tight against my chest. I haven't been on any of the good rides since the ICD was installed. I wonder if the heart rate would go up high enough to trigger a shock on some of the scary rides.

I live in the United States and won't try a roller coaster because I don't want to risk a bankruptcy.

I ride coasters

by bowlrbob - 2009-07-03 05:07:33

I can't speak for all pacemaker and ICD related problems but I have NCS or VVS whatever you want to call it. I asked my EP cause I love coasters. His answer was to check to see where the restraints are placed and if they don't ride on the pacemaker then go for it. So I have and with no i'll effects.

Disclaimer:
But I would ask your DOC or EP to be sure. I would not want to be responsible for anyone else. Bowlrbob

I havent gone on any Coasters

by rhino64 - 2009-07-16 05:07:38

I havent gone on any coasters since I received my ICD about 4 yrs ago. I asked my doctor and he said to experiment. I am sorry but I am not going to try one to see if it zaps me. I dont want to be zapped in the middle of a ride. I get the blues alot because I dont really know what I can do or cant do.. I recently have started wearing a heart rate monitor so that I know my rate at all times. It has given me a little more confidence but I still have a long way to go.

I ridden on coasters, too

by lenchat - 2009-09-23 09:09:43

I've had my ICD since 2003 and I've been to Six Flags and Dollywood. I've been on most of the thrill rides with no problem at all. I'm 55 and love the coasters.

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