Question
I have had my ICD for 3 months. I am very active so I have many lifestyle questions. I have two major rafting trips planned, one in Alaska this July and the Grand Canyon in Sept. I plan to row all 300+ miles of the Grand myself. The boat will be heavy and be in big water. My question is can ICD leads hold up to thousands of hard oar strokes everyday for 25 days? Both of these trips are in very isolated areas how risky will it be with an ICD? Rafting also involves lots of heavy lifting of gear and large food coolers, am I limited to how much I can lift and carry? We have 3 acres around our house that I maintain this involves using several gasoline tools such as a chainsaw, a backpack leaf blower and weedeater. Is it safe to use these or will the ICD discharge? I am an expert downhill skier and ski hard and fast do I now have to use more caution with the ICD? Can I still hike with my skis at 13,000 feet? I enjoy vintage racing an old 356, is there any problems in doing this? Tuning a running engine? Thanks for your answers, I have not yet seen my doctor after the implant.
Answer
Sounds like you have a very active lifestyle and have several questions about the "dos and don'ts" with your device. Unfortunately, we are not able to discuss or make any recommendations regarding personal situations in this forum. However, before you embark on any of the activities you have outlined, I would suggest you discuss your concerns with your implanting physician regarding what activities he/she thinks you can safely undertake with your ICD; particularly as he/she is most familiar with your clinical situation.
See the Archive Page for more questions and answers about ICDs.
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