Greetings

At 56 I'm a week out from my AVN ablation/pacemaker procedure. I spent many years in chronic Afib and look forward to the absence of heart fluttering and lack of energy. My EP set me up with a dual-lead (bi-ventrical) Boston Scientific pacemaker. The procedure went very well and so far, recovery has been a piece of cake. I haven't gotten out much except to walk everyday but the biggest change I've noted is that my hands are warm for the first time in years.
The jury's still out as to whether or not I'll be allowed to return to work. While the doctor set the EMI sensitivity on the PG to its lowest setting, I work closely around electrical generators and motors associated with oilfield production. I'm not so sure that they'll let me find out if the interference will stall out the pulse generator or not. Time will tell…
I just wanted to say that I'm grateful for the site and thank everyone for their insight and comments. I spent many hours reading through these threads and messages leading up to the procedure and found them all extremely helpful. Not only did they help in forming questions for the doctor and staff, they answered questions and quieted fears that I had about this rather permanent, life-changing event. My hat's off to you all!

Claude

2 Comments

On electric stuff

by Theknotguy - 2014-01-13 03:01:59

Based upon the posts in this forum, I think you'll be OK around both the generators and motors. We've got people doing arc welding with no problems.

I have the Medtronics PM and the tech was telling me they have lead vests. However another PM owner was saying the lead vests were just a waste of energy. So if the generator was built after WWII I think their shielded enough you won't notice. On the Medtronic it will go into a maintenance mode and only pace to 85 BPM.

I sit next to a guy in church with a PM who runs his chain saw all the time and has worked on car engines. No problem. I've been in heavy RF, no problem.

In addition to the warm hands, you'll find other things start working better too. So hopefully you'll be able to get back to "normal" fairly quickly.

Oh, and if you find the generators and large motors aren't a problem, let us know on the forum. I worked in an industrial setting where we had electrical motors 1, 2, and 2.5 feet in diameter. They ran off 440 and 880 volt lines. Would like to get around some of them to see if any problems. At the moment don't think so, but would like to know.

Now, of course, if you pick up the positive lead of a running generator, then pick up the negative lead at the same time.... I think all bets would be off at that time.

Theknotguy

motors/generators/electric gause

by manaman - 2014-01-13 04:01:26

Not sure about the spelling on electric (gause) but:
I worked many years in the carbide industry which included electric sintering furnaces,coating furnaces fractional horse power to 100 horse power motors,(A/C, D/C, single phase and three phase) Also worked in/around main switch gear room! Also around 100 plus CNC grinders that had magnetic chucks for holding devises.
When I got my PM I was told it wasn't to keep me from working to make sure I continued to work and work I did for the next 15 years!
Can you tell when you are around strong electric flux ? YEP you can! Just move away and all goes back to normal. What happens is your PM goes into a test mode! Indications that you are being compromised is either a faster or slower HR and your energy will be zapped (I'm sure there are other indications).
Cecil

You know you're wired when...

You have the perfect reason to show off your chest.

Member Quotes

Since I got my pacemaker, I don't pass out anymore! That's a blessing in itself.