strong magnets at work

hi i work in a recycling pland and we have a magnetic drum that separates all the steel and i know that when i get close to it my pacemaker messes up but what are the long term affects for the pacemaker itself messing up or stopping all together..

thanks

2 Comments

avoid it

by Tracey_E - 2013-05-03 10:05:54

Stay away from it if you can! It doesn't do any damage that I'm aware of but it's big enough so who knows. There is a little switch in the pm, a magnet pulls it closed and puts the pm in test mode. That's likely what happens when you feel funny. As soon as you get away from the magnet, the switch opens again and the pm is back to full function with no harm done. I would ask about regularly being around a very large magnet. The instructions I've had were only for smaller ones. Your dr probably doesn't know, I would call the manufacturer.

magnets

by manaman - 2013-05-04 03:05:54

Forget the mfg thing. Chances are not got for any FIRM information (or least it wasn't for me).
I worked around heavy electrical flux for nearly 20 years with a pacemaker and you are right. It des make you feel FUNNNY!. If you can get away from it every now and then it helps. I think my PM stayed in test mode more than in regular mode. Here is my experience with the magnetic pull/electrical flux>
My first pacer lasted 6 years before replacement, the second lasted 10 years before replacement. REASON:
I retired therefore did nt use as much battery life! I WAS NOT pacer dependant but a sort of history was done and I used the pacer over 80% while at work and less than 55% when not at work. GO FIGURE

You know you're wired when...

You have an excuse for being a couch potato.

Member Quotes

I'm 43 and have had my pacemaker four weeks today. I'm looking forward to living another 50 years and this marvelous device inside me will help me do that.