hello , my name is robert, I just had a pace maker put in this last sunday, they also said I wqs a 100% dependent on it, I guess the batteries will need replacing sooner, any one have any complications with the st. jude model, I also am on disability, not for just the pace maker implant, I also have conjestive heart failure, C.O.P.D., enphesiema, I am also bi-polar, wow, I do ride a harley davidson alot during the summer months, I travel alot of miles on it, as u know a harley is pretty loud, has anyone had a problem with theres riding bikes , being around loud noises, thanks for your time, and have a merry christmas.........Robert

 

 

Hello Robert,

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to you.

With your list of problems you should fit in perfectly with many members of the Pacemaker Club and maybe can learn from the experiences and sometimes relief others have gotten with similar problems. As for me, I'm one of the lucky ones, all I have is a pacemaker and CHF. Well I can throw in atherosclerosis, but that one has been around so many years (30+) I consider it a member of the family now.

As for the loud noises, they are likely to be a problem only if you have the rate response activated on your pacemaker. Without the rate response being activated, your pacemaker is will probably not notice them. The rate response is for the purpose of increasing heart rate for those that need an increase during exercise. Not everyone needs the RR, but if yours is activated it can sense vibrations from loud noises, think you are exercising and cause your heart rate to increase. The amount of increase will be determined by the settings on your PM.

The sensitivity of the accelerometer which senses the noise or vibrations adjustable, so if you get too much of an increase in heart rate from vibrations, noise or exercise it may be possible to "detune" it a little. Of course vibrations from the Harley can come into play a role just as the noise will. These are things you will need to discuss with your doctor if you do in fact have a problem from the noise and vibrations from your Harley.

A quick and easy way for me to know if my rate response is on duty is to play a little Tarzan on my chest. Don't hit it hard and not directly on the pacemaker, but gently hit your chest for about 30 seconds and see if your heart rate increases. If it does it will return to normal within a minute or so after you send Tarzan on his way.

Good luck,

Smitty
(Robert from Texas)

 

I have a CRT-D and i ride a 09 harley nightster with no problems.

 

http://www.pacemakerclub.com/public/jpage/1/p/story/a/storypage/sid/2057/content.do