Rucksack Straps rubbing on my ICD implant?

Q. Hi,

I have a long history of heart problems which up until the beginning of this year have prevented me doing long distance walks and mountain biking.

However, In February I had to have an ICD implanted in my chest to control the heart rate. I'm now getting back to fitness again (managed Pen-y-ghent with no problems three weeks ago) and would like to go trekking.

The problem is I'm not the heaviest of builds and the device in my chest protrudes a bit right where my rucksack strap goes.

I'm reducing the load as much as possible to ease the pressure on the device, but think some extra padding in the area would help.

Any ideas for this please? (without a male boob implant!)

Barry Ketley, Ottringham

To elaborate on my bionic bits: it's a hard plastice box about the size and shape of a small mobile phone and projects about a quarter of an inch. The real problem is two rigid leads coming out of the top which don't project as much but add another inch of problem area.

A. I would suggest taping a gel pack (like the ones you put in the freezer for aches) to your manly chest (shave hair off first so you cry less on removal). Build your fitness up slowly and don't overdo it - don't want to find you having a seizure in one of my fields that's for sure - it might upset the stock!!!

Sandra Morton,

A. Hi Barry, well done on your op.

Have you tried making a doughnut shape out of a bathroom sponge covering your implant. Also if you adjust the top cross strap so that does not move about too much, this may help.

May all your walks be less painful

Ronald Palin, Scotter

A. Hi, well done on the op. and your recovery.

I had a similar problem caused by a catheter implant and for me the solution was an army combat vest. It carries everything except waterproofs and my normal food. The main body is nylon mesh and the load is spread nicely. It also means the pack strap load is spread over the whole of the shoulder and chest area instead of being in one place.

Adam Hogg, London

Dear all,

Many thanks for the suggestions on padding around my bionic bits. I'll try them all and report back on which works best, after all, someone else may have the same problem.

Barry Ketley, Ottringham

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