600 MW CoGen Power Station

I don't have an ICD - yet. My doctor is recommending that I get one, and sent me to an Electrophysiologist. During the visit, the question was asked, "What do you do for a living?" My reply, "I&E Technician." Next question, "Where do you work?" "At a 600 MW CoGen Facility", I replied. With raised brow, he asked, "How often do you go around the generators?" I shot back, "Daily." With lowered brow, he asked, "Can they transfer you?" "No sir." I said. As he removed his glasses, and slowly placed them on the table - almost solemnly - he said, "This presents a challenge."

My family has HCM, and I carry the gene, but don't have the wall thickening associated with it. However, I do have an Atrial Septal Defect, and do experience some Arrhymias. I wore a 30 day heart monitor back in 2015 for Arrhythmias, and recently did another 30 day monitoring session. It was discovered during this last session that I had 3 episodes of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia. I haven't seen the final report, but it is my understanding that those episodes are what prompted the recommendation for the ICD (My sister has an ICD because of HCM, and perhaps other reasons). I was intollerant to medications prescribed.

I saw another post on this site, and I was unable to locate it again in which an Electrical Engineer discussed going into a 225KV Power Station Switch Yard. I'm concerned with both our six 90MW GTG's, our 120MW STG, and our 138KV Switch Yard. The Generators are 13.8KV and the GSU's are 120MVA.

I said all that to ask this, "If I move foward with an ICD, is there a high possibility that I will be unable to work in this environment?" I wouldn't ask this question if I didn't love this job. The flip side is that I'm 50 years old with a defective heart, and finding a job could pose another tough challenge. Thanks in advance for any responses.

5 Comments

Don't know much.....well, nothing actually

by Gotrhythm - 2017-04-15 10:29:13

But I do recall postings from people who worked (successully) at power stations. You might want to scroll through the Interferences archives and try  private messaging.

In a quick look I found Edward GT, and I know there are others.

Good luck.

BTW, are you a writer? 

I'm not a writer, but I try

by Watt Doctor - 2017-04-15 13:08:18

to write everything (especially posts on a forum) with a style that adds elements of warmth, entertainment, personality, etc. It's, at least on some level, an attempt to connect with others. 

Thanks for the information, Gotrhythm. I'll keep looking.

By way of update, I called Medtronic, and they emailed a specification sheet on their devices. With those spec's in hand, I'm confident that I can purchase a meter, or, perhaps, two that will help me "map" the EMF in the plant. I need some unseasonably warm weather so that I can survey the plant while it's Base Loaded (at full load). 

 

I've almost resolved within myself that an ICD is unavoidable in my life. On one hand, it's been a punch in the stomach, and on the other, it's been a kick in the seat of the pants (in a good way). It's a blessing to be given a warning - a wake up call - as it were. Many people never find out that they need an ICD. SCA is their one warming: unfortunately to late. So, I'm not going to throw in the towel on a job that I love. 

you are the one

by dwelch - 2017-04-19 11:59:22

We had a shake table where I worked, and management got concerned if a customer with a pacer visted (the crt moniotors on the computers and we would have to use foil to shield the wires on the equipment), to which the lab manager said customer, we have an employee...So he and I got info from medtronic, got a good meter and in our case i would have to hug the transformers driving the shaker.  or the shaker itself.

 

In your case "this does present a problem"  see if you can get a meter, work with medtronic on this, not joking but maybe you can wear the equivalent of a lead vest, doesnt need to be lead foil will do but maybe there is shielding you can wear in your jacket around your device or chest area, I dont know shooting from the hip here.

 

If you need the device you need the device, but having to change professions to get the device, that is not something most of us here have had to deal with.  As an electrical engineer as well as a 30 year pacer patient, I am very curious to hear how this story plays out.  

 

I assume ICD patients here may have had to give up driving jobs yes (if they got more than one or two kicks in the first 6 months)?  Despite what you think a pacer does not mean you have to give up being a pilot, for decades now commercial pilots have been flying with pacers, they might have to do a monthly interrogation to do that, but the FAA is tolerant.  

But these devices can get confused in the very high em field and wont work until you exit that field.  If you are dependent then they shut off and you can pass out (and need to be dragged/removed from the field to recover).  Not trying to scare you this is reality.

On the other hand my guess is you are NOT the first person in this situation for medtronic, thehy have dealt with this before and hopefully have a solution other than to just cover their ass legally and say quit your job...

 

 

ICD

by BOBJ - 2017-04-19 17:20:49

Are you gettting a true icd only or one that has pacing ability?

 

How are you today ? Any Solutions ?

by Edward GT - 2018-01-22 15:19:15

Hello Watt Doctor! I have read your post, and I wounder what was the end of that story ? Did you keep working with the generators ? Did you have to quit the job ? How was that ? COuld you give us an update ?

Thanks a lot!

 

You know you're wired when...

You have a little piece of high-tech in your chest.

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