I just found this site and registered because my brother just had a defibrillator put in and he is only 29years old. He used to be in construction and roofing, but his Dr. said that would be too dangerous if he were on a roof and then his heart gave out again. He is getting discouraged in looking for work because he doesn't know what will/won't set off his defribrillator. So I wanted to see if you all had suggestions on any specific jobs he can/cannot do? We could really use your help. Thanks

 

 

I'm not a doctor, but do have some info for you. I have a PM/Defib that was implanted 7/27/10. Basically what will disrupt his device is: high-voltage wires, large magnetic fields (large concert speakers, etc.), certain types of welding (arc, I believe). These are the main ones I was told from the device rep and doctor. I do understand about not wanting your brother on rooftops. I would advise him to make a list of specific questions to ask the device tech and the doctor on next visit. He should have gotten a booklet on his device when he was discharged from the hospital. I also suggest reading the posts from this site. I was on here reading weeks before my implant, and I was better informed on the whole process. I knew what questions to ask the nurses and doctors. I hope it all gets better for your brother. The main thing to remember is to get as much info as he can. Take care.


Jeff

 

I just have a PM, but I do everything I use to do. I am not a roofer and that would not be a good spot to be in with a problem.
I would ask my Doc., and see what he/she has to say.
They know his full medical problems and we would just be guessing.
Would hate to say oh it is fine and then next week week see you post he fell off a roof!

 

I wish this forum had a way for designating specific diagnosis for the one posting. It would not make it so confusing. When I first started reading, I felt really depressed because everyone was continuing to work; many of the posters were talking about swimming, hiking, gong right back to work, exercising. If you have a PM/Defib, there could be a diganosis that makes it impossible to do roofing. I had a nice desk job, and in February, it became impossible for me to do the job. I have DCM, low EF with no improvement and the symptoms (along with the medication) made it impossible for me to even do a desk job. He needs to talk to the doctor. I didn't listen to the doctor when he strongly suggested I could no longer work. I continued to push and my condition worsened. Only someone looking at your specific conditions and any other problems associated with your body can give you advice on the do's and don'ts.

 

Without a specific diagnosis, it's hard to say what you can and can't do.

Since I only use my Defib in case of Vtach exceeding 220 bpm (all of my Vtachs are fast), I pretty much do everything I used to.

Yes I have a desk job, but I tore down my old garage 2 weekends ago, I lift weights 1.5 hrs 5 days a week, I still also weld (just don't hug the welder...)

Now, I can't participate in any "rough" sports, etc since my defib is not well covered, I do not let anyone see it, and on occassion it's painful, but otherwise I'm fine.

It would also depend on how you react to getting shocked by the defib. I have been shocked a couple of times, I do not pass out or fall to the ground, I just jump a little and it's over.