Anyone go to the BWCA with a pacemaker? I have a trip planned for September and get my ICD implated the end of July.

I have read postings of those who go in with pacemakers. Can't recall who they are, though.

Yep, got planted in 2010. No defib, just to speed up my incredibly slow heart rate. Have felt way better ever since.

I was a little surprised by the size of the incision, as well as the swelling and purple coloring. Grossed me out when I first saw it in the mirror. I know today, the devices are much smaller so not as big a deal I suspect.

I don't recall my recovery time but it was relatively short, weeks vs months. I bet I was back running within a couple of weeks. Your time frame seems more than doable, but as always, ask your doc.

Wife has had one for several years now. Gets evaluated every year.... She has had no issues with it. Purpose after getting two stents was to make the heart chambers remain more in sync. Live your life....do what the md types let you.

dr bob

I got a cochlear implant this Spring and took the device I attach to it along on my first Canadian trip this year. Extra logistics to contend with but it was nice to be able to participate in the campsite conversations.

And Deerfoot could disconnect it, when he didn't want to hear our BS... :)

Well..... mine is only 6 weeks old next week and I'm released to paddle this coming week. I have no wilderness trips planned but I'm feeling better than I have in several years with four new stents and a pacemaker. I plan to continue my BWCAW trips.

Your physician will probably want a minimum of 6 weeks to allow the pacer wires to solidify themselves within your heart and to make certain you don't have any infection. If you're getting it the last of July, September is pushing it unless you're going the last of the month.

ASK YOUR PHYSICIAN and be specific about what your trip entails.

deerfoot: "I got a cochlear implant this Spring and took the device I attach to it along on my first Canadian trip this year. Extra logistics to contend with but it was nice to be able to participate in the campsite conversations."

Glad your cochlear is working for you. My husband had it done several years ago, his job would be much harder, if not impossible to do without it. While he uses the clear rubber things (sorry, forgot what they're called) used to keep the processor on his ear while on the water, he will take off the processor if we are in high winds and waves. Better than risking all that money going to the bottom of the lake.

One of the accessories I really like is the Bluetooth tv device. Streams right to his processor, he can have it as loud as he wants, but the tv stays at the volume I want.

Yes, cochlear implants make campsite conversations, even in the dark, possible. I question a lot of today's technology, but this is one I'm glad to have.

And, of course, every pacemaker and pacemaker procedure is not the same. That is the ask the doc part of the equation. Pacemakers are different in many ways and manner of utilization. Some have more wires to your heart. Some have a defib and others don't, etc. I forget I even have one most of the time. I do a number of trips every year, including a 6 day solo Quetico trip in August.

Good luck with your implant, healing and trip!

ozarkpaddler: "Well..... mine is only 6 weeks old next week and I'm released to paddle this coming week. I have no wilderness trips planned but I'm feeling better than I have in several years with 4 new stents and a pacemaker. I plan to continue my BWCAW trips.


Your physician will probably want a minimum of 6 weeks to allow the pacer wires to solidify themselves within your heart and to make certain you don't have any infection? If you're getting it the last of July, September is pushing it unless you're going the last of the month.

ASK YOUR PHYSICIAN and be specific about what your trip entails."

Wise man.. And he is a nurse so has a bit of knowledge .More than a bit.

Congrats TW!

yellowcanoe: "

ozarkpaddler: "Well..... mine is only 6 weeks old next week and I'm released to paddle this coming week. I have no wilderness trips planned but I'm feeling better than I have in several years with 4 new stents and a pacemaker. I plan to continue my BWCAW trips.

Your physician will probably want a minimum of 6 weeks to allow the pacer wires to solidify themselves within your heart and to make certain you don't have any infection? If you're getting it the last of July, September is pushing it unless you're going the last of the month.

ASK YOUR PHYSICIAN and be specific about what your trip entails."

Wise man.. And he is a nurse so has a bit of knowledge .More than a bit.

Congrats TW!"

THANKS, my friend! Would love to come up and paddle with you and Jim now that I'm "Back" in the canoe.

GraniteCliffs: "And, of course, every pacemaker and pacemaker procedure is not the same. That is the ask the doc part of the equation. Pacemakers are different in many ways and manner of utilization. Some have more wires to your heart. Some have a defib and others don't, etc. I forget I even have one most of the time. "

Spot on... well said, GC. Even in reading this thread, there are many different situations where a pacemaker/defibrillator device got installed. Some devices correct relatively minor rhythm issues and some correct fairly significant heart issues. You should always listen to your cardiologist for guidance. Your confidence level, and especially that of your family, should be strongly considered as well.

I got a pacemaker/defibrillator installed about 4-1/2 years ago and have been to both the BW and Q since then. The doctors talked me out of going one year because of some rhythm issues, but after an ablation, everything is humming along nicely now.

Thanks for the positive input. Mine is to have 3 wires and it is a Bi-ventricular implant with defibralator. And, yes, planning the last week of September. If Doc says yes, I will have two 'sherpas' (my canoe partners sons-in-laws) and my canoeing partner. Doc already said no to carrying packs or canoe.

How much did you pay your doc to write the order of no carrying packs or canoes?

In and done. Bi-ventricular 3 lead. Different cardiologist at the hospital indicated to wait 12 weeks. Nurse Practioner indicated 6 weeks and then go without lifting or carrying. That makes it a burden on my three canoe partners. I am leaning not to go. If i were to slip and use left arm, could do damage or something else.

flytyer: "In and done. Bi-ventricular 3 lead. Different cardiologist at the hospital indicated to wait 12 weeks. Nurse Practioner indicated 6 weeks and then go without lifting or carrying. That makes it a burden on my three canoe partners. I am leaning not to go. If i were to slip and use left arm, could do damage or something else."

Well, I'd err on the side of caution, but hope your healing goes well!

flytyer: "In and done. Bi-ventricular 3 lead. Different cardiologist at the hospital indicated to wait 12 weeks. Nurse Practioner indicated 6 weeks and then go without lifting or carrying. That makes it a burden on my three canoe partners. I am leaning not to go. If i were to slip and use left arm, could do damage or something else."

What? Am I reading a post wherein sensibility trumps over zest for adventure? ;-)
Patience.
Patience.