Pacemaker/ICD: How do you deal with backpack straps & seatbelts?

Posted by dynamited @dynamited, Aug 21 9:46am

I recently hiked for 4 hours with a modest pack, 15lbs. I found the shoulder strap pressing against my ICD irritating towards the end of the day. I've only had my device for 10 months and I see this as a limiter to casual hiking. Any ideas?

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marybird | @marybird | Aug 24 1:27pm

In reply to @walkinggirl "@mikebiker What practical tips for dealing with this annoying problem have you discovered?" + (show)

@walkinggirl There are commercially available lamb's wool seatbelt covers that fit around the seatbelt where the pacemaker/ICD would be, these range in size from 5-6 inches long to larger, and range in price from $5.00 or so up to $25-30 depending on the size, thickness of the seatbelt cover. You can see the variety of these for sale by googling "lambs wool seatbelt covers"- looks like sites like Amazon, Walmart and Etsy show the largest variety and price ranges. I got a relatively small one years ago at Walmart, think I paid about $3.00 and change for it. I put it on the seatbelt of the car I drive most frequently, but found that the seatbelt doesn't rest on the area where my pacemaker is.

Linda, Volunteer Mentor | @walkinggirl | Aug 24 4:13pm

In reply to @marybird "@walkinggirl There are commercially available lamb's wool seatbelt covers that fit around the seatbelt where the..." + (show)

@marybird This is a good comment to post in this general discussion. There are absolutely no issues with seatbelts for me, but others have them.

deniseheart | @deniseheart | Aug 25 6:37am

I gave up hiking with a back pack. Way too irritating. I use a large waist pack instead.

acapsych | @acapsych | Aug 26 7:34am

Me too

Dana, Volunteer Mentor | @danab | Aug 26 9:59am

I know they make a type of seat belt pad to help with seatbelts and I bet they probably will work with Backpacks But also I have a 1 strap backpack that I like it crosses your chest so if you position it over the right shoulder would avoid the pacemaker all together.

grannycath | @grannycath | Aug 26 11:06am

In Amazon’s search bar enter “seatbelt cushions for pacemaker”. Many options are available. I’ve been using one that is about 6” long that was gifted to me when my pacemaker was placed in October 2019. It certainly alleviates the discomfort and irritation from the pressure.