My mother just got a pacemaker a week ago. It is unclear why her heart stopped and any causes. I cant seem to get a clear idea on what she can and cant do. Every website seems to say a different thing. My mother is 50 years old. So when she heals I am wondering about things like walking her dog who is 115 lbs and sometimes pulls, lifting and moving big objects, vacuuming, shoveling snow, changing the cat litter and what issues an airport might have for her. We still have to see the doctor again and take out the staples.
What things can most people do after a pacemaker? what questions should be asked?

 

My husband has a PM and has had one since he was 15 (now 28). He is trying to get into our local city's FD and I am obviously nervous for the medical exam due to his PM. I have been looking for answers and support and so far I have read only one posting (over 2 years old) where the PM Club member got into the FD while already having a PM. All I have read so far is that if you are in the FD and have a PM implanted, most of the time you are ok, but if you have one and are trying to get in, forget it. That doesnt make much sense to me and I am wondering if he can't use that way of thinking as a bargining tool. Why do the NFPA Standards allow a FF to return to duty after have a PM implanted but does not allow anyone to get in the FD if they h...

 

I have ordered a new Toyota Auris Hybrid car, which is equipped with a 'smart entry and start' system.

It's a key-less entry system, you can have your key fob in your pocket or bag, approach the car and the built in antenna round the car, sense the key fob and you open the door, push a button and away you go.

On reading the owners manual it issues a 'caution' for people with pacemakers should maintain a reasonable distance between themselves and the smart entry & start system antennas. It suggests to check the frequency and timing of the emitting radio waves and consult your doctor to see if the system should be disabled.

I would have thought it was like a mobile phone, or wireless computer, but there seems...

 

As some of you may know, I am one of those guys who challenges metal detectors. I walk through them all the time. The St. Jude manual says that it is OK, just don't stop for a cup of coffee.

On a trip last week from Sacramento, CA to Denver, CO and back I went through them again.

Through Sacramento security no problem. Coming back through Denver security I set off the metal detector, twice. After my second time through with alarm, I told the security guy that it was probably my pacemaker, I forget that I have it. He said that I shouldn't be going through them [old 'knowledge' dies hard] and I said the manufacturer says that it is OK. No ill effects were experienced.

I got put in a glass lined...

 

I am a police officer who just had a pacemaker put in. Still not sure how this is going to affect my job. My doctor has said when I am recovered he will approve me to do everything I did before. I have realized he doesn’t know a whole lot about what my job entails however.

I would love to hear of other officers with pacemakers and how the PM has affected their job, if it has. I am particularly concerned about wearing my radio. I’m fairly small and the radio mike would only be about 3 " from my PM if I wear it as usual on my chest. If I wear it on my shoulder it may be about 9" away.

My department is young and small so I may be setting precedent here. I know I may need to find some exampl...

 

Can you guys please give me examples of jobs you do if you have a defibrilator? I just want some ideas of things you have done in the past or are currently doing with your defibrillator. I'm looking for specific examples I can pass along to my family member who recently had one implanted. I know he can't work around high magnetic fields like welding or alternators but just want some specific ideas. Any examples would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

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

 

Good Morning All,
Has anyone experienced a problem with the PM while being on a Turboprop plane? My husband and I will be going on vacation and part of our trip is on a American Eagle ATR72 Turboprop. Am nervous that I will have a problem during the trip. Would appreciate your input. Thank you.

 

I travel a couple times per month. I have never gone threw the security measures. Tell them you have a pacer & want a pat down.
I have a letter written by my doctor in cse its needed plus Metronic card. I only have shown them on international trips.
People have told me to walk threw the arch way but I take no chances. And my two doctors do not recommand walking threw at airports or government buildings that use them. Walking threw walmart or a store & not linger is alright. I was in DC last week, several stores & government buildings I ask for a pat down.
Better safe then sorry...

 

Has anyone gone through the new airport scanners? I heard they were pacemaker okay. Would like to know for sure before we fly out in a couple weeks. Usually it's just as easy if not more so to have the pat down. I think of it as a mini massage be fore the trip.
Let me know. Thanks
tootles

 

Hello, I'm new to the site and any help would be appreciated. I'm 54 yrs. old and in all around good shape.Had my Pacemaker installed 2 yrs. ago after being diagnosed with a slow bottom part of the heart, Top part beats normal ,but bottom wasn't keeping up pushing the blood out.This all came about after I had a viral infection of the heart-"pericarditis"[hope the spelling,is right] Anyway I,m off on sick leave -2 yrs. now.I have been on the dept. full-time for almost 31 yrs now. Had a full check-up with my cardiologist the other day,and he said I was doing excellent. My question: Has ANYBODY here went back to being on the "trucks and actively firefighting"?-ANYBODY Sorry about the long post,but I miss the guys and the job.I would like t...

 

Good Afternoon,

Are there any Expatriats who had an ICD implant in the U.S. and later moved to live in another country?

I've had a CRT-D since December 9th of last year and intend to visit an old service buddy who lives in the Phillipines. He's been there 7 years and says he loves it. Not an option for me as the heat and humidity would be way too intense.

I'm a little concerned about travelling that far, but my Cardiologist and EP say to live my life and do it...step by step.

Any comments regarding long distance travel?

Thanks!

Ron

 

Hello,
Does anyone know if you can use a hand held metal detector if you have a pacemaker? I was offered a job at a school that uses them. The job sounds great but now I am very worried.
Thanks,
CBattery

 

I havea crazy question... Due to living in a tourist town, you can never get parking anywhere..even at walmart. I have trouble with the shortness of breat still and well what the doc would like to say anxiety attacks...and with those comes the dizyness. I am curious how it works about seeing if i can get a handicapparking tag? Can people with PMs get this? Just very curious. Thanks all.

Brooke

 

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?

 

I'm going to India in August for a week for work. I don't see why there would be a problem, but has anybody else on here gone and were there any issues with regards to your PM (i.e. doctor care over there)? I had my last implant a couple years ago and have around seven or so more years left on this one so I don't forsee any complications with the battery. However, my dad and grandad has expressed concerns. Any info would be appreciated.

V

 

Hi all,

Well, tomorrow is the big day. I start my first bike tour since getting my PM last July. It's only for the weekend and less than thirty miles away from home. But it's a start. I will be camping in a county campground, and returning on Sunday.

More about the trip when I return.

 

So I am a Music Education major studying to hopefully become a junior high/high school band director and I was wondering how does the surgery affect your teaching during the recovery period.

 

Understandably concerned about the effect a full body scan
at the airport, might have on my PM I contacted Medtronics (the Mnfr. of my device)

The answer I got was that if the wall of the scanner is more than 6 inches away from the PM there should be no adverse effect on the device.

Thought I would pass this on to you all----at least I feel that I have the official OK.

 

Two weeks ago, 6-7-10, I had a rate responsive Medtronic PM implanted for bradycardia. My dr appointment is not for another 3.5 weeks, although I have a pacemaker clinic appointment Friday. I have any number of questions. I am a chronic runner and do a number of other exercise things such as lifting. I am curious as to how quickly people hae returned to running and lifting after the PM was planted. I have beenwalking several miles a day and feel ready to run now. Any advice?
I also noticed references to pacemakers interfering with heartrate monitors. Is that true? When I walked my heartrate monitor seemed accurate.
Any help would be apprecicated.