So my problems suck with my job, I work security at an Arena near my home for concerts. The problem is now with the PM I can't get near the speakers on stage because of the large magnets in the concert speakers. But my boss is fine with me being farther away from the stage, so I guess I should be happy I have an understanding boss. Anyone else have a similar problem with there job since returning after PM surgery?

 

 

Hello Heather

I haven't worked (too old) since I got my pacemaker but I can tell you a couple of things about big speakers and their magnets and pacemakers to take into consideration.

One is, of course the effects of the electromagnetic field created by the magnets. However that may not be as bad is it sounds. The pacemaker is not likely to be affected by the magnet so long as you are at last three feet from them. Electromagnetic fields dissipate very rapidly so you have to be almost touching the source for them to affect your pacemaker. The good part is if you are ever in a magnetic field and it affect your pacemaker you will feel it as an irregular heart beat immediately. Should this ever happen, move away from the source and your pacemaker will return to normal operation in a few seconds with no harm done to you or your pacemaker.

Number two is our pacemakers have something called a rate response. Just in case you are not familiar with that feature, the rate response can detect your physical activity and will increase your heat rate in the event your heart's natural pacemaker does not do so. The vibrations from the big speakers can make your rate response (if it is activated - not all are) think you are doing something that requires a faster heart beat and kick in. Of course if your rate response is not activated, this is a moot point.

If you don't know if your RR is activated of course you can ask your doctor or another way that works sometimes is to tap your chest close to your pacemaker for about 30 seconds and see if your heart beat increase. If it does then the rate response is activated. This will work most of the time but is not a sure fire method of getting an answer.

Good luck,

Smitty

 

Hey there,
I haven't had problems yet...however I am not back at work yet. I am worried though, I am an xray tech which is fine for me to work around but obviously I will never cross train into MRI. My concern is when we have to help in MRI to move patients, etc. I will not be going in there and because of the atmosphere where I work I am afraid that it will cause others to be upset that I am not helping in that area any more. Will it hurt me to step in the room at all or is there a certain distance I should worry about? All my Dr. said is I won't be having MRI's done on myself.

 

I think you'll find that there are many pacers who've lost their jobs as a consequence of getting the implant. Some for valid reasons, and some just due to lack of knowledge and fear on the part of employers. I think it's commendable that your employer is willing to make accommodations so that you can keep your job, especially in todays job market.