Ablation and pacemaker implant 3 weeks ago

Hi all.. I am new here and I had an ablation as well as a Biotroniks pacemaker implant just over three weeks ago. Also started Sotalol med. Since the procedures I am experiancing on/off bursts of rapid heart rate that lasts from 30 seconds upto 3 minutes as well as my usual pvc/pac activity. I notice the rapid rate usually around 120+ when I make a body move such as going from sitting to standing, or visa versa, bending or leaning over from a standing or sitting position. Also when I roll over in bed at night it happens, on occasion. At the time of the procedures they told me that the pacemaker has to learn my heart even though it is programed at the implant procedure. Hope these bursts of hr racing stop soon! I have a wood shop and lots of electrical tools that I am a bit concerned about with electro magnetic waves from the motors couls cause a problem with the pacemaker. I'm told that if the motors are shielded then it should be okay but I don't knoe how to find out if they are shielded. Sure hate the thought of not using the tools anymore. Any thoughts or comparisons you might have would really be appreciated! Thanks all !! 

2 Comments

Coming to grips with pacing

by Gotrhythm - 2017-05-29 14:40:06

Be sure to let the doc and the pacemaker tech know about the occasional rapid heartbeat at your next pacemaker check. Sometimes it takes a few tweaks of your settings to get everything optimal for you.

How to find out if "motors are sheilded"? Type "measure EMF" into your browser. You'll find lots of how-to articles and ads for measuring devices. OR you can believe the accumulated experience of members of this club.

Once upon a time, 30 or 40 years ago pacemakers were vulnerable. So your fears are not totally groundless. But this is the 21st century. Today, pacemakers themselves are so well shielded that virtually nothing you could encounter in the home environment will cause interference.

We have members who use all kinds of power tools and electric motors, even members who work in power plants around the huge generators without any problem. Around the world millions have pacemakers and work at every job you could think of. Sure, you read and follow directions, but do you think everybody does? Pacemakers have to be reliable for people who can't read at all.

Enjoy your woodworking. Pay attention to the ususal safety rules about shielding your eyes and keeping fingers away from moving blades. But don't worry about shielding your pacemaker.That's already taken care of by the manufacturer.

 

Relief of fear from magnetic waves

by Rhythmstorm - 2017-05-29 18:23:34

Thank you so much Gotrythum and Robin1! You have given my confidence back in doing woodworking, amongest other power toll usages, Again being only 3 weeks into my first pacemaker I admit to being overly concerned and cautious. Even though they told me to wait 4 to 6 weeks to do anything. Then I'm sure there will be more temporary restrictions for a while. I really needed to hear,read, this from you. Hope we all can keep in contact......

 

You know you're wired when...

Your pacemaker receives radio frequencies.

Member Quotes

As for my pacemaker (almost 7 years old) I like to think of it in the terms of the old Timex commercial - takes a licking and keeps on ticking.