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So when I say chest protector it's really to stop me clobbering the pacemaker in my chest when riding. I have bought a Fox Raceframe on some ones recommendation. But having been away this weekend to north Wales trail riding it's too bulky and too hot for riding trail centre stuff. I'll keep it for uplift days etc. Can anyone recommend a solution? It would need to be light and cool enough to wear on hot days that would probably involve a fair bit of climbing. I have never worn anything like this before to trail centre, but coming off and hitting my chest worries me a bit. The device will probably be ok but I may not be.
some sort of roostguard ??
Anything would be too warm for me pedalling around.. but maybe look at the Fox Baseframe Pro or the new Endura MT500 - they both look better ventilated and you can remove the protection pads that you don't need.
Failing that, if you are a religious person, just find a shirt with a breast pocket and stick your scripture book of choice in it!
my first thought was a Jersey with a napoleon pocket too! my favourite Jersey has one (by gore) I use it for my phone to take photos of the kids quickly without rummaging about in pocket / bag. imagine the phone could also take a bit of an impact if need be!
Where do you draw the line? Eyes, testicles, rectum, larynx.......
Edit: that was the Leffe talking, please follow your consultants advice.
Qwerty,
I know what you’re saying , where do you stop. However the pacemaker does not have a smooth edges all round plus you can clearly see / feel the cables coming out of it.
Maybe a shoulder brace with padding add may do the trick. The device sits just below the collarbone.
I'm a doctor, but not your doctor. Have a chat to your device physiologist - they'll usually be able to advise and they will know more about why it was put in, underlying rhythm, pacing modes etc which could be relevant.
The device will probably be ok but I may not be.
Ultimately, whilst in theory you could damage the device with a direct impact it's almost unheard of. There ar e a few activities we advise against if you've got a pacemaker, but MTB certainly isn't one of them. In general terms, as someone that implants these things, I'm not sure you're worrying about the right thing. I'd be more worried about 1) whatever your underlying heart issue is 2) displacement of the leads by traction I.e. stretching your shoulder too much with an OTB tangle. The latter risk reduces over the first few months as fibrotic tissue develops around the leads.
If you did manage a direct hit and damaged the device (as above, it pretty much never happens), then in theory it might need an operation to replace the battery box. But that op would be more minor than, E.g. clavicle fixation for the bones you broke during the crash, and we all accept those kinds of small risks otherwise we'd be sat inside watching telly.
Again, I'm not your doctor and I may be missing specific circumstances pertaining to you.
Superficial,
The implant has been fitted for 6 months now.It was fitted as I have AV block. My main concern was regards impacting it and the damage/ injury it could do to me. I understand the device pretty robust.
I have caught whilst at work ( building trade) and that was enough to make the area sore.
As you suggested yourself, perhaps some localised padding in the correct area might be a better solution than full chest protection, nothing that fully and sufficiently protects your whole chest will ever be something you enjoy wearing on a hot day.