cell phones

This Friday is implant day for this new member. Looks like the left side is one of choice for a right dominant. What can I expect regarding a cell phone? What are the issues and solutions. Aaron in Oregon

4 Comments

Aaron

by Aaron - 2012-08-28 01:08:41

Wow. What a website!! Thanks to everyone for the comments, esp. TraceyE. I wear a hearing aid in my right ear only (that's the worst ear) so I can use the left for the phone(s). I shall now pursue the "magnet" issue with my doctor. Again, thanks to all. Aaron

I have always heard to use

by janetinak - 2012-08-28 01:08:55

the side opposite the PM, 6" away from the PM. Also can use an ear piece, altho I just use my right ear.I do not talk muc on the cell tho, ;-)

Janet

right side

by ohiolaura - 2012-08-28 07:08:11

I do talk alot on my cell,as well as text.
I was told to definatly use the opposite side from the PM,because of the magnet in the speaker,which is the issue.
Ive got myself trained already to always use the right,it wasnt difficult to do,and I use the right for most everything anyways,my left has always just been there.
Good luck!

no issues

by Tracey_E - 2012-08-28 12:08:29

Using the phone on the right is purely precaution. Newer pm's are very well shielded and the odds of any electronics at home causing problems are negligible. I answer the phone with whichever hand is closest and don't give it a thought.

If you feel funny using it too close to your pm then use the other side, but odds are you won't feel a difference. And if you do happen to find something that will cause problems, it's not dangerous. There is a switch in the pm, a magnet pulls the switch closed and puts it in test mode. It's still pacing but with limited function. As soon as you get away from the magnet, the switch opens and it goes back to full function with no harm done.

In 20 years of being paced I've never had a problem using any gadget at home. I hold the phone wedged on my left shoulder. I read in bed with my kindle or ipad (complete with magnetic cover) propped on my chest. I run with my ipod clipped over it. I play Wii with the kids. I'm completely dependent so if something caused problems, I'd know right away. My dr isn't into a lot of precautions, his attitude is live my life to the fullest and if something comes up we'll find a fix. I know some drs are more conservative than this, but I'm on my 4th pm, do anything I want, and have never had a problem. It makes me sad to see people afraid and overly cautious when there's no reason.

You'll get a lot of conflicting advice here. Ask your dr, then, go with what you're comfortable with but really, once we heal these things don't have to hold us back at all. I can't have an mri, I'm a little slower than the rest of the family at airport security, my dreams of a new career in arc welding or NFL are dashed and I'll probably skip the power plant tour. That's it, anything else goes :o)

Best of luck with your surgery. If you have more questions, please don't be shy.

p.s. re: mri, they have new ones that are mri compatible. Ask your dr about getting one of them.

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