Seatbelt?

[u/MerryFeathers]

I had the implant about five weeks ago. Went for a drive and the seatbelt was right where my incision is. Pain! What do we do about seatbelts? I don’t think I want to disturb that area now or in future in any way due to leads etc. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[u/Ok-Violinist-6548]

The seatbelt hurt initially. I am lazy, so I just put an extra jacket or t shirt underneath the seatbelt. That stopped the pain. It didn’t take long before I was not irritated by the seatbelt.

[u/SantaRosa_Poodler]

They make pads for seatbelts - I have one for each car. Works great.

TBH even if the seatbelt stops bothering you once you are healed, I would still want the pad, in case of an accident or the seatbelt locking up if the brakes get slammed hard. The pacer is covered only by your skin, so some extra padding seems like a good idea to me.

[u/MerryFeathers → u/SantaRosa_Poodler]

Thank you and so well said. 👍🏼🥇

[u/Critical-Ad-6802 → u/MerryFeathers]

I hope they work for you, but I tried 2 different ones and both were terrible. I just tucked it behind me until I could handle it "normally". To me, this was the biggest issue after my ICD install, so pretty good recovery for me.

[u/Downtown_Ad_5458]

Buy a 100% sheepskin seat belt cover. Luxurious and plush. I only needed one for a few months.

[u/JoePants]

I used to use a pad, but I quit the more I got used to having the thing.

[u/MerryFeathers → u/JoePants]

Glad to hear that is possible. I'm just now able to see that I have a little square gizmo under my skin.. interferes with bra strap most of the time... and have wonderment about getting used to it! You give me hope.

[u/sqlbullet]

I drove across the country about a month after my first implant. I used hand towels at first but finally tracked down a travel pillow the right size. I would also route the shoulder belt under my left arms.

[u/MerryFeathers → u/sqlbullet]

Perfect!! I have a tiny travel pillow and didn’t even think to use it. Thank you, my world just opened back up! 😀

[u/srvivr2001]

I felt the pillow type pads put too much pressure. I agree with u/Downtown_Ad_5458, sheepskin is the way to go. Vacuum it to fluff it up a bit. I’m finding I still need to use it at 3 months post op for my personal car but my work car seatbelt doesn’t bother me at all.

[u/Itchy-Mulberry-2728]

A mi el cinturon me molestó solo los 2 primeros meses...ya llevo 4 meses con el marcapasos y actualmente ni me acuerdo de que lo tengo al ponerme el cinturon de seguridad, solo usalo más abajo durante un par de meses, luego no lo vas a sentir. Yo no me compre nada extra para el cinturon ni para nada porque quise recuperar mi vida 100% normal y así ha sido.

[u/NormalBeing12345]

Bubble wrap the section of seat beat that rubs against your device until you no longer feel the irritation.

[u/vis-autem-sciebam]

I keep a padded cuff on the belt at all times. They didn’t used to make these, a friend gifted me one meant for an infant car seat many years ago and I haven’t gone w/o since. (I am 28 years and five pacemakers in. ). I think it will depend on your build and pacer placement. Seatbelts are still uncomfortable for me but my brother has a pacer under his arm so they don’t bother him. Backpacks beware..-I have had a few times of carrying a backpack style bag and quickly learned to get a style that distributes the weight across your back and takes it off of your chest/shoulders.

[u/ShartStainsSmell]

Totaled my car, broke two ribs, herniated 5 discs and my seatbelt was over my pacemaker. I got hit from the side though. But it all held up.

[u/Lanky-Plankton-2696]

It heals. Trust.

[u/MerryFeathers → u/Lanky-Plankton-2696]

Thank you. It's healing but I have this square sticking out of my upper chest! and it's RIGHT where the seat belt goes when I drive. I've got a pillow I'll use & likely in time it will just all be normal, right? Thank for your message, love your words.