Newbie

Just had my St Jude PM1110 implanted on June 19. I'm trying to learn how it works and what makes EMI and how to avoid it. Walmart antitheft guards definitely gives it a start. So does my Norelco electric razor. Anyone have any experience with power tools and the like? How about lawnmowers and generators?

I have had A/Fib for over 8 years that I know of. On Father's Day, my heart went into some sort of caper with my heart rate being 200+ and BP 200/25. I nearly died on the way to the hospital. We live in a very rural area of Texas and it is about 20 minutes the a level 4 trauma hospital. They stabilized me and sent me to a Cardiac hospital where my Cardiologist practices.

BP before was in the 120-130/65-80 range but I was on Lasix and Benicar then. The doctor has put me back on the Lasix and Benicar but now my BP is very low...... About 110 or less over 55 or less and feel very tired most of the time. Anyone with similar issues?

3 Comments

electronics

by Tracey_E - 2013-06-28 05:06:42

I haven't really found anything that affects it. I don't linger around store security or our generator when it's running, but it's just a general precaution, I've never felt anything on either one. I don't know why the razor would cause problems, there's nothing about it that's dangerous to us. Power tools and lawn mower are fine as are just about any home electronic you can name. I run with my ipod clipped over my pm, talk on my smartphone on the left side, read in bed with my ipad and magnetic cover propped on my chest, work next to my router all day. I got my first one in 1994, after months then years of not feeling anything I got pretty blase about it. Rule of thumb is 6" if something makes us feel bad.

Don't stress over EMI. It's everywhere, we can't avoid it. Personal electronics and tools are not going to cause a problem. It's the industrial stuff we have to avoid, don't go touring any power plants or applying for a job at a junkyard running the machine that picks up the dead cars. Arc welding is bad, too.

A small magnet is not going to damage the pm. There is a little switch in it. When they put a magnet over it to test it, or if we get near one too large/strong, that switch pulls closed and it goes into test mode. As soon as we get away from the magnet- usually 6" is plenty- the switch opens and it goes back to full function with no harm done.

If your bp is too low, call your dr!! That will make you tired, maybe having the better circulation now that you're paced means you don't need quite as much.

Thanks

by chuckh - 2013-06-29 07:06:33

Thanks for sharing your info Traceye. So far the only things that have caused a problem have been my razoor and the store security things. The Microwave, KitchenAid Mixer, Vacuum and other household stuff seem to be fine. I did mow the lawn last evening with our 26HP ZTR mower and no ill affects at all. The engine for that sits right behind the seat so I thought it would be a good test. Guess I'll find out if the Stihl Weed Wacker is ok this morning.

We live in a very rural wooded area of Texas and we have quite a few power outages lasting sometimes a day or more so we installed a 20kW generator. I was concerned with possibly not being able to service that unit. I do all of our maintenance work including the car and pickup truck. Your working around routers is great news. My wife and I are woodworkers and we have a workshop with nearly all the toys that Norm has.

I think you are right about my BP. My ankles and feet were swelling for about the last couple of months befrore I got the PM and I was having trouble with Gout in my feet. They are no longer swollen and the Gout is gone. I too felt that I was taking too much BP meds so I began an experiment Thursday afternoon. I took only my Coumadin, Flomax and 40mG of Lasix. Friday, I took no Benicar and only 40mG Lasix. By last evening, I was feeling more energy and more clear headed. My BP was back up to 120/67 last evening. It is 125/75 this morning after doing some chores around the house and my coffee. I know I should not be drinking coffee but there are few things left for a 78 year old to enjoy.

I do have a Dr appointment Monday at which time I plan to discuss my BP with him. I have been keeping a log of my BP and heart rate for the last 3 days so I can present him with factual data rather than speculation on my part. He is a very fine Cardio but he does not accept change very easily. His most famous quote to me was "are you your only patient" at one of my visits when I suggested some changes in my neds. He is also my wife's Cardio so we have developed a friendship with him and his wife over the past few years.

Thanks again!

appliances

by Tracey_E - 2013-06-29 09:06:31

There are no home appliances we can't use. I laugh sometimes when I see a caution sign out somewhere for microwaves, that hadn't been a problem for years when I got my first one in 1994.

You can work near the motors and generator, just be cautious when they're running. Off is not a problem. It's not going to hurt you, if it is interfering you will feel it and know to back away. The feeling is like when they interrogate it, that thing they put over it when they test it is a magnet.

I'd be rolling my eyes at your dr :o) That attitude annoys me. He may have been to med school, but we are smart enough to do our homework and educate ourselves on our condition, we know our bodies best.

Good luck at your appt! Be cautious adjusting meds on your own.

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