Welding

I just had my PM put in a month a go and the doctors told me no welding. That was very hard to take because welding has been my occupation/hobby for 30 years. I researched ways about reducing the risks so I can keep welding does anyone know if it's safe? Also I mostly mig weld is tig any safer? I would really appreciate some tips from other welders so I can continue with my profession

6 Comments

Welcome

by pacergirl - 2011-05-04 09:05:56

All I can tell you is to call the Company that made your pacemaker. Do your research and arm yourself with information. Take to the professionals. Find out just what exactly is the problem interference or is it interference at all? I don't know and I would like to know. I have a St. Jude model "Accent" and I had some questions so I gave them a call. I got their number on their website.

Keep us posted and good luck to you!
PG

I agree

by ElectricFrank - 2011-05-05 01:05:34

Most doctors are just echoing some general information about welding with no real knowledge of the subject.While electric welding does involve a very large current in the leads and work area, there are ways of reducing the field around them. One of the most common suggestions is to twist the leads between the welder and tools so they cancel out the magnetic field.

My approach to various interfering fields has been to approach the source slowly and in a safe way. Even if you had a problem it only lasts while you are in the field and stops when you move away. I just make sure someone is available to help if I get light headed.

The other problem you may run into is having your workplace restrict you from it.

frank

Welding

by donb - 2011-05-05 09:05:41

Hi Yessabub, I'm into my 19th year of pacer life and was told to stay away from electric welding. Well, I believe most Drs' don't have a clue what the word welding means. Even in ancient times welding was done by blacksmiths heating metal in a forge and hamering & reheating to achieve a weld.
I fianlly got the OK to do limited arc welding as I got by for years with gas welding my projects. As Frank said using precautions as Medtronic told me also years ago, I have been doing electric stick welding limiting my amperage to under 150 and have neaver noticed any effect.
AS to high frequency Mig & Tig welding I also was told by St. Jude I could do it with again limiting amperage and taking precaution keeping distance between your implant site & work piece. Also was advised to keep distance between power supply and your working area.
In HF welding your power supply generates square wave output at a high frequency from your normal 60 cycle sine wave input. In the process of generating HF square wave energy you also develop harmonics at even higher frequencies would could raises havoc with our PM, so I was told by Medtronic engineering, like 15 years ago. Bottom line: This is just common knowledge as you probably already know. I have had very good communication with both Medtronic & St. Jude as I have talked with both. I did discount a St. Jude lady who said I'd be OK if I limited my setting below 400 amperes. Don't think she had that right, huh? donb

To Don B

by ABelle - 2011-05-10 10:05:52

Don, Thanks for all of the info!! I've been dying to weld again and just assumed that it was out of the question. Maybe I'll actually be able to pick up arc welding again.
Anna

Welding..

by turboz24 - 2011-05-11 03:05:39

So far I have had no issues with welding. I worked extensively on my 74' MGB GT, converting it to independent RWD, welding all the body "holes" such as trin not being put back on, lights not being used, etc. Now, I haven't done any "mega" welding, like 1/2" stock or anything like that, just 16-18 gauge, but no problems.

My ICD does not perform any pacing functions, so I can't state on that, but I have not receive any inapproperate shocks.

welding info

by sydgirl - 2011-05-19 09:05:14

Hello Yessabub,
page 130,131, 132 in Kickstart( recharge your life with a Pacemaker or Defibrillator) by Dr John England is all about welding.....too much for me to type but it looks very useful.

You know you're wired when...

The mortgage on your device is more than your house.

Member Quotes

I had a pacemaker when I was 11. I never once thought I wasn't a 'normal kid' nor was I ever treated differently because of it. I could do everything all my friends were doing; I just happened to have a battery attached to my heart to help it work.