I want options!

I have served in the US Army for over seven years now, but my implant device is inevitably going to have me medically retired from the service. Not that I mind. Here is my dilemma, I want to go back to school. Actually I should say I want to go to school, I have dabbled and hand a decent amount of credits but nothing to dedicated. This is where my question comes in, when I go back to school I want to walk on to a football program. Its a passion of mine, I played through high school, any chance I had to play while in the army I took. I even played while in Iraq. And I just can't see why there isn't a device, or a harness or something to that effect that can withstand impact. I even went as far to have my implant put under the muscle to give me more cushion. I just want to here some options that I may have, because I am not ready to give up on a dream.

8 Comments

Football

by ElectricFrank - 2008-11-13 01:11:51

As much as you want to play football, I would consider something else. Having a device like a pacemaker even under the muscle is asking for problems with a high impact sport. The other thing to consider is that this is a high aerobic sport as well. Even though a pacemaker can do wonders to make up for a heart problem, it is unlikely to give you the extreme ability that you would have naturally. You will likely find you can't compete effectively.

Having said all that I realize that high motivation can make up for a lot. You might be able to have the pacemaker implanted internally.

good luck,
frank

Hmmmm

by PeggyR - 2008-11-13 10:11:06

Boy, I would double check with docs -- there were several things mentioned to me that I absolutely CANNOT DO after PM - impact sports, arc welding, repairing telephone/elec lines (laughed at all of this as I am 63 yr old female, but I understand what they were telling me). You could also call the tech department of the PM manufacturer - I have found them to be very, very helpful at all times. Good luck and maybe you should look into coaching or something like that???
"Always blessings, never losses"
Peggy

100%

by dbmurf - 2008-11-14 09:11:12

the va will award you 100% compensation for having a icd pacemaker it is tax free and it you can still work and all you can live a normal life but give up the idea of contact sports but golf, suba diving, biking, tennis, hunting, fishing, making babies, you can do it all stay gung ho go to school heck you have a great life ahead of you.............murf

100%

by W1LL14D - 2008-11-19 05:11:41

I just talked to the Docs on base and they said that you can get 100% for the first 2 months after installation, but then it drops to 10%. I am going through the medical board process as we speak. If it is 100% I will be gone.

100% yes

by dbmurf - 2008-11-22 05:11:49

you want see my monthly check thats bullshit 10% oh yea i wanted to tell ya get a veteran service officer with the ameican legion dav or vfw the active duty boys will feed you a line you'll strave and be living under a bridge if you get a lump sum they'll take it back send me a message

I actually did a lil research myself

by christ1381 - 2008-11-23 01:11:39

And it did look like VASRD and its looking like 10% I hope to god you are right about the 100% though because I joined the army for a very specific reason. And this has taken me completely out of my job market, and all but nullified the last 7 years of my life.

Same issue

by margraf - 2008-12-08 12:12:17

I am going through a med board with the US Army as well and am looking at close to a 100%. The VASRD is just a minimum. If you look it says heart conditions are a minimum of 10%. It also depends on your underlying condition. I had a pacemaker installed in April of 2008 and am still awaiting my board. The VA is a different branch then the Army and you should file with them as well. If you would like any information, I can give you what I have.

paceguard

by ZoieS - 2008-12-22 12:12:35

try www.paceguard.com check with M.D. first

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Member Quotes

Yesterday was my first day mountain biking after my implant. I wiped out several times and everything is fine. There are sports after pacemakers!