Anyone modded a packstrap for a pacemaker/defib???

thatmguy

thatmguy

Joined
Mar 26, 2000
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Looks like an ICD is in my future, and was just wondering if anyone has modded the shoulder strap/harness to address contact/irritation/etc?

Any pack (brand/model) changes to improve contact??

Pics would be great, either here or via email.

Thanks folks!!
 
Hi Mike,

I don't know how an ICD is carried on your body but at a guess ... if it is strapped around your chest on an elastic adjustable band I might be able to help.

Some years ago when doing selection training as part of the training team I was interested in gathering some "data" on my heartbeat and recovery rate and had just bought a new fangled Polaris heart moniter. These are gizzmo's designed to seriously improve your training by recording data which can be downloaded to a PC and analysed to determine if you are "over training" or "not pushing it hard enough" or if a competition is looming ... when your body is starting to reach a fitness "peak". They work by way of a "Watch" which picks up and stores the information and can display a multitude of "data" and a wireless monitor which fits round your chest at heart level and is anchored in place by an elastic chest strap.

To stop the "pack" from rubbing on my back whilst wearing the monitor I got an old foam kit mat and folded this over to fit between the aluminium frame and the pack and cut a section away where the strap made contact with the mat so that it was free from friction rub and irritation.

These days you can now buy rucksacks which are designed to have the back of the sack angled away from your back to allow better air flow and cooling so your back is not wet with sweat. Berghaus does a great range called the "free flow" sacks which are day sacks going up to a 35 litre- 45 litre lightweight weekend sack. These would do a great job of preventing the wrap around strap from being rubbed up and down against your back when walking.

However, if the holding straps go over your shoulders for the ICD when worn ... and not round your back ... I cannot see a way of avoiding the packstrap from rubbing against the ICD strap.

Hope this helps

Pete.

Here is a pic of the back harness system on a "freeflow" rucksack ... notice how the main body of the sack curves away from the mesh panel ... and the mesh panel does not hold the true weight of the pack ... this is born at the shoulders and on the hip by the belt ... so is much less likely to rub at a strap going round your chest. I use a free flow pack and it works brilliantly at avoiding a sweaty wet back and "friction" on my back when hillwalking.

8523.jpg
 
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ICD- Implantable cardioverter- defibrillator. Not worn but implanted. From wikipedia..."Special care should be placed not to put excessive strain on the shoulder, arm and torso area where the ICD is implanted. Doing so may damage the ICD or the leads going from the unit to the patient's heart."

How about a lumbar pack and pack goats???
 
And look for a pack with the best belt support you can get. I have a high-end pack that I can undo the shoulder straps, and the belt keeps the pack positioned correctly. The straps are virtually secondary, so they can be kept very loose. It'll be important to find out from the MO where the wires are routed.
And best of luck with the future!
 
Thanks for the responses guys.

Yeah, implanted pacemaker/defibrillator.

After it is done and started healing I'll visit a shop that can properly fit/advise on a proper pack set up.

Great advise. Much appreciated.
 
And found out today I will have a 50lb weight limit for lifting/carrying for the rest of my life.

This really sucks...

Triq, thanks for the Max link. I haven't looked at their newer stuff for a while. Some looks promising... :thumbup:
 
You might want to check into the maxpedition gearslinger series. They have a single strap that goes over just one shoulder and across your chest, which should avoid a pacemaker/defib completely if worn on your right side. Not the MOST comfortable for long treks, but ya gotta do what ya gotta do. Some of the small-medium sized ones would be difficult to overload with more than 50lbs of gear too, which may play to your advantage as well.
 
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