Just had an internal cardioverter debfibrillator fitted, basically a more complex heart pace maker. Can't drive for a month and am anxious about how the ICD will affect lifestyle, including our family caravanning plans for this year and beyond. We've been touring for 5 years and really enjoy the holidays and short breaks, so would hope that we can keep touring for many years to come particularly as I'm only 45 and have kids of 11 and 9 who love the caravan way of life. Just wondering if anyone can advise on impact of having an ICD / pacemaker fitted from a caravan enthusiast perspective. I mustn't lift or pull heavy weights so am concerned about how I could hitch-up, set-up on site etc. I've seen adverts for companies that will tow a van to and from selected locations which might be one option. Any thoughts / suggestions / similar experiences would be helpful. Thanks
My Dad managed after a heart transplant so I'm sure you'll be ok.
My Dad just ignored the heavy weight thing once he knew his limits as such, but if you get an electric mover thingy there's not much weight involved really.
There are also LOADS of people around that are always willing to help.
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Invest in a power mover of some type for your 'van (the type that fit permanently to the chassis and power the wheels - effectively turn the 'van into a radio-controlled toy!! We have one - best money we ever spent) - there are at least 3 manufacturers and all have their fans - do some research.
Get a cordless drill and an attachment for the corner steadies.
The 11-year old can fetch water and empty waste if you have Aquaroll and Wastemaster type carriers. Take the toilet cassette to the emptying point in the car (ignore the 'looks' you will inevitably get - they don't know your limitations, and should mind their own business!) - empty it every day and it won't get heavy to lift and empty, even if you only use your own loo.
Don't even THINK of giving up caravanning, or changing the way you camp - just make a few adjustments and carry on! I know things like motor movers don't come cheap, but they are one-off purchases and are worth their weight in gold.
I'm guessing you have suffered ventricular tachycardia or fibrilation to be fitted with an ICD, they contain a small computer to monitor your heart rate and control it if it gets to fast, if it fails to control your fast rhythm then the defibrillator will kick in to shock you, some people faint when this happens and is the reason you musn't drive for a while, you will most likely be taking tablets to control your heart rate, as long as you keep taking them religously the shock may never happen, as far as heavy lifting is concerned, your heart rate will increase as you put more effort into lifting thus setting the defib off
I think I'd buy a motor mover to do the awkward bits on site - well worth the investment, and then carry on enjoying the caravan holidays with the kids. You need things to continue to be as normal as possible for the children's sake - and if you all enjoy caravanning then carry on. You could get trolleys for the waste and water containers, and the kids are now old enough to help out, even if they can't manage themselves - between you all you shouldn't need to do any really heavy lifting. There's also a tool you can now use to tension the awning, so no pressure there either - just a relaxing holiday, and much less stressful than the alternative of airport queues, crowded hotels, and lugging suitcases around!
I would have thought that a motor mover will be absolutely essential for you in future. This will eliminate all the pushing, shoving, effing and blinding that goes on if you haven't got one!
Also I would have thought that you will need to use full service pitches - those that provide you with your own water, electric and drainage so that the humping and dumping of fresh and waste water is eliminated. This will leave you with just the chemical loo to empty from time to time. I use my car to take this to the disposal point because I have mobility problems and cannot carry heavy weights any distance.
By caravaning in this manner, you should be able to carry on for many years - I have. But really I think you should discuss this with your consultant because only he really understands the mechanics of your limitations.
i was in a similiar situation as yourself with our folding camper , by fitting a motor mover it took any worry about pushing and pulling away , and was great for coming home and not having to worry about about reversing up drive , brilliant for leveling on to blocks , first few months were worrying but after a year have found i can do a lot more than i origanaly thought i would be able to , if fit and able after having a mover i would get another straight away best bit of kit ever
I had tripple by-pass three years ago now.could'nt wind the corner steadys without getting very short of breath.I invested in a cordless drill and caravan mover and the remote unit to wind the mover on to wheels. it was more expensive ,but as it turned out worth every penny. if your thinking of investing in a mover with remot control winder, check that the mover can be disengaged from the wheels without damage to remote winder motor and gear box. I you do get a mover it will be the best money you spend, and may find that you'll not have to set up the van,as children will want to do all that for you.i'll be off touring the highlands again this year and hardest part on any tour, will be not enough summer days.
Hopefully the kids willrally round and help with fetching water, putting up the awning etc. One important thing is that you arrive at sites early enough so that you don't have to rush and get stressed. The relaxation of caravan holidays must be good for your condition.
my advice would mirror the above 100% as well - have you thought about getting one with a fixed bed as well - to illiminate the getting the front bed ready - I know I'm a bit tired after moving all of the cushions round. Can you still drink alcohol?? if so,
move the van with the mover.
lower the legs with the drill
get the kids to fetch the water - and you slowly very carefully unpack the flat screen tv (good justification for buying one as they are lighter!!) and carefully unscrew the wine and poor and relax.
there caravanning made easy!! -
seriously though - I hope you still can go, it just may take time to adjust, and a litte expense. My mover was about £900, but you need the one where at the touch of a button, the rollers are put onto the wheels, not manually put on, as this does take some effort as well. Good luck
I dont think a simple measure like engaging rollers will elevate your heart rate that much. Cardiac rehab staff will give you a good rundown of what to avoid doing. I think with people who have undergone heart procedures, lack of confidence is a problem.
My OH had bypass surgery and we manage well with a motor mover.
The worst bit is removing the hitch from the towbar. If yours is as stiff as ours, perhaps you could find someone to help with that bit.
Most people have mentioned the other methods to make things easier for you.
Regaining confidence is the hardest part. I don't know if you've been to cardiac rehab but they certainly work you hard. My OH regained confidence very quickly after attending a few sessions. However, he's sensible and never overstretches himself. It's me that lacks the confidence.
I had a cardiac pacemaker fitted 5 years ago and have still continued to enjoy caravanning. Like you I had to stop driving for four weeks and be careful about lifting heavy weights particularly with my left arm for a while. This is in case the strain dislodges the wires from the heart muscle. Don't know about your particular case but in mine the end of the wires are placed into the heart muscle then allowed to become attached by the heart "growing" onto them - not the correct medical description.
As others have suggested I did buy a motor mover, brilliant things, wish I had bought one years ago. I use a cordless drill for lowering/raising the steadies, also got screwpegs for the awning and used the drill on those.
Aquaroll and wastemaster makes filling and emptying the water easy although I do tend to use serviced pitches if available, no big deal if they're not though. Use your own judgement to set your limits, for example if you find emptying the wastemaster when its completely full too much then empty it when its half full, supposing you're taking a stroll to the emptying point every day rather than every second day it will still be easier on you. Same with toilet cassette, empty it before its too heavy for comfortable lifting.
My 13year old grandson often tags along with us and he has his own set of tasks, he enjoys helping out with. So if you have kids going get them involved, even if you have to stand and make sure they are doing it o.k. it will still spare you some effort.
Thanks for all the postings offering advice. I've looked at the Truma website and am very impressed by the video demonstrating the company's caravan mover. My dilemma is whether to fork out £1k+ on a mover, knowing that if the ICD delivers a shock, then I can't drive for 6 months anyway and would have no need for the mover! Obviously, the fact the ICD delivered a shock and therefore saved my life is more important than anything at the end of the day. I'm beginning to think that siting the Bailey on a seasonal pitch near the local coast until early November may be the best option for this year. It means we don't get to see as much of the country as we would normally, but at least we can spend as much time as we want in the van, knowing that once set up, there's no more lifting, pulling etc over and above the kids and wife helping out with water and toilet emptying duties! This approach will also give me a year to see how I cope with the ICD and be able to make informed choices ahead of the 2009 season. Not ideal, but probably the best compromise in the circumstances. I also agree that the idea of getting a van with a fixed bed might be a good choice, and intend to check out the November shows to see what's on offer. Thanks again for all the comments. Cheers.
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Topic: Caravanning after a pacemaker op
