WatchYourStep 0 #1 February 11, 2013 I am a tandem instructor and have a quick question.... Have a gentleman who is wheelchair bound with T12, L1, L2 and titanium steel rods in his back. He would love to do a tandem but is concerned with the opening shock from the canopy damaging the rods in his back. He will get a clearance from his doctor but was wondering if anyone out there (instructor or student) has had any experience with this? Thanks for any help. "You start off your skydiving career with a bag full of luck and an empty bag of experience. The trick is to fill the bag of experience up before your bag of luck runs out." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
brokenback 0 #2 February 11, 2013 I have a plate attached from T11-L1 and I have never had an issue. I suspect it would not be an issue but best that he gets Dr approval to just ease any fears Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lonnie 0 #3 February 11, 2013 I have metal in my neck and have never had any problem jumping.NEVER GIVE UP! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
buckwheatzulu 0 #4 February 11, 2013 There are MANY people that continue to jump with 'hardware', with varying degrees of complexity. It is very unlikely that any Doctor would give their 'approval'. It will end up being a personal choice, which will weight the benefit to the risk, as it is with us all. Good Luck, and Blue Skies Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wodybode 0 #5 February 28, 2013 I have recently started skydiving (60 jumps to date) and have rods and screws T12 to T10 inserted three years ago. I am 49 so had to have a doctors certificate of fitness before my AFF, my doctor contacted the BPA medical advisor before signing me fit to jump. The BPA advice notes to doctors explain the possible forces involved to non skydiving doctors. I would say and it's only my opinion, if they are physically fit and comfortable to jump off a 6ft wall and are not of a generally fragile disposition, they should be fine. BUT I'd say you both need to make an informed decision - it's not a risk free sport. NB. The only trouble I have is with flexibility - not sure how much that is attributed to a fat gut! Life without beer, now that's scary! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shveddy 0 #6 May 5, 2014 It can definitely be done, but osteoporosis is a concern with paraplegics and there is a huge difference between a paraplegic who has remained fit an active and a paraplegic who hasn't been strengthening his/her bones via exercise, diet and stressing the tissue. Age is probably a factor as well. I'm fused L4-T12. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
