paintball?

Hi Everyone- Im feeling much better- have my anxiety under control. I even had a patient of mine in the ED with a pacemaker tell me that when he got his he was sad but now he realizes that he is still here because he has more to do in life and is thankful- this helped me.

However- I am going to play paintball in two days with my neighbors (i have never played before). I have seen people get welts from paintball and made a big patch of padding and foam to put over my pacemaker- do you think this is enough? Should I back out and not go play paintball- any advice would be great! Not sure if I should risk it- but I also dont want to limit myself in things that I can do because I think I cant.

Thanks!

5 Comments

Paintball is ace.

by TLR - 2012-02-03 02:02:30

Ok, its been a few years since I last played paintball but I think you'll be fine. Use some padding over the area like you are planning and you'll be ok. Even better, see if you can use some thin plastic over the top of the padding to help the ball burst if it hits you there.
Old paintball shells go hard with time, but not to the point that its like being hit with a ball bearing, so don't get over worried.
Wear loose clothing to soak up the impact - do this with or without a PM.
Yes it hurts, but its all worth it.
Have fun.

It's great fun but I wouldn't !

by IAN MC - 2012-02-03 03:02:32

Hi Ajfcabin As you know alot of the fun of paintballing is charging at your opponent unexpectedly and hitting them at close range... this can be quite painful . I've only done it once at a corporate event and I still remember the bad bruises I got from some close-range hits. I believe the worst injuries occur to the eyes which paintball masks help to prevent.

All sports are dangerous in different ways and I don't think we should avoid all elements of danger just because we have pacemakers ...and you will probably be fine with plenty of padding... BUT I wouldn't risk it.

..why wouldn't I risk it ? simply because if I did any damage to my PM, or to the leads,( unlikely though it may be), the downside of being out of action for a few weeks would swing my decision.

If you decide to do it, enjoy it...if you don't there are lots of other safer things to do.

Best wishes Ian

Post a Photo

by ElectricFrank - 2012-02-04 01:02:49

I want to see your multicolored pacemaker!!
LOL

frank

I 2 can relate 2 NOT wanting to put my LIFE on hold!!

by Erika72 - 2012-02-04 07:02:12

The PADDING is a diffent MUST! I am in KARATE & I wear a BREAST PLATE & A FOAM CHEST protector when I spar & engage in ANY ROUGH BLOWS 2 the PACE site!! So GO AHEAD & LIVE YOUR LIFE 2 THE FULLEST! Remember~NO PAIN~NO GAIN!!! LOL~I'm ALL tomboy & ENJOY ROUGH SPORTS!! Have FUN!!Erika72

played

by Ajfcabin - 2012-02-06 09:02:12

I played paintball- no problem. of course i wasnt crazy running into the wide open attacking though. but it was fun- i hardly felt it when i got hit- except when i got hit in the back of the head! no problems at all- had a little vest too so no biggie- will def do it again!

You know you're wired when...

You have a high-tech ticker.

Member Quotes

I just want to share about the quality of life after my pacemaker, and hopefully increase awareness that lifestyles do not have to be drastically modified just because we are pacemaker recipients.