Magnetic monitoring

I recently switched Doctors because the one I was using was out of my Medical plan. But he used a Merlin home transmitter to monitor my st Jude pm2210 pacemaker. As long as your within 10 feet of the unit it checked the pacemaker and heart rate a battery . The new doctor gave me a device that has a magnet that I put over my pacemaker and two bracelets that go on my wrest. I'm not to keen on using the magnet. Can it damage the pacemaker? I'm pacemaker dependent so that's why I'm paranoid.

6 Comments

Merlin

by AndreaD1989 - 2013-11-18 08:11:45

I also have the merlin home transmitter and have used magents to monitor since I was 7. (24 now) (also pacer dependant) As long as its used as directed you will be fine. The point of the magnet is to make sure there is a response from your pacer. I went in for a checkup and there was no response from the magnet & thats when we realized it was time for a new device. These things are pretty resiliant, if its Dr.'s orders, dont be paranoid. =)

magnets

by Tracey_E - 2013-11-18 09:11:49

Magnets do not damage the pm. They pull the switch closed to put it in test mode, that's all. As soon as you get away from the magnet, the switch opens again.

Magnets

by Schinel52 - 2013-11-19 11:11:16

Thank you guys for your response. I quess I'll give it a try. My concern was based on reading about the St Jude pacmaker PM 2210 and how you should avoid magnets and MRI and magnetic electrical fields. You guys know better. I've only had mine since Sept. 11, 2013. Thanks again

magnets

by jeanlancour - 2013-11-19 12:11:51

I use the magnet and bracelets every other time, I'm checked 4 times a year. It works well and saves me a 2 hour trip. If there is a problem I would then go in, so far clear sailing, and I see the EP twice a year. He pops his head in asks if I have any queations, when I do he comes in and goes over anything that might be bothering me.The rep does the test in the office and answers most of my questions. Works for me. Jean

Magnets

by Schinel52 - 2013-11-20 05:11:23

I may have to find a doctor that doesn't use such primitive equipment to check your PM over the phone line. Because I still have a concern about putting a 3 inch hockey puck shaped magnet that weighs about 1lb on top of my PM. I read that I should stay away speakers. And this magnet is about the same size. I just feel better using the Merlin home tram inter by St Jude Med. The bracelets don't have magnets.

there are magents

by Tracey_E - 2013-11-20 11:11:44

and there are MAGNETS. A little one in a bracelet is nothing like an industrial magnet, what you'd find in an mri or at a power plant. We don't need to worry about the little ones.

I was given a magnet after my first pm. That was in 1994, I don't think they even do that anymore. I was told if I felt bad, to put the magnet over it and call them. They can check the report and see what the pm was doing when I had the episode. I still have it, have never once used it.

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