Electronics

Electronics

by TT - 2018-02-11 13:04:30

Well then, my question probably seemed pretty silly. Thanks for responding though. I'm just getting into the details of PMs -- it's all quite frightening in the beginning. I appreciate this site and the humor -- the humor helps!

Not silly

by Gotrhythm - 2018-02-11 14:44:00

Everyone here probably had similar concerns at one time or the other. If we're old enough, we even remember when signs were posted in stores warning pacemaker recipients of microwaves. And if you look on line, I promise you can find warnings, based on out of date sources, about this and that device.

I'd been told by somebody to keep my iphone six inches away from my pacemaker, but I kept forgetting to hold my phone in my right hand.  I worried that my iphone might be damaging my pacemaker. Not enough to make it stop, but still shortening its life. [rueful smile] Phooey!

If you keep checking in, you'll see that several times a week other people ask similar questions. 

Congratulations. You've come to the right place to get good information from people who actually know. When other questions come up, ask those too. We're here for you.

allergic to adhesives

by Gotrhythm - 2018-02-11 15:49:10

From your answer to another post, I see you are allergic to adhesives. Definitely let the implant team know.

Adhesives

by TT - 2018-02-11 19:00:35

Thanks Gotrhythm-I really appreciate the support!

no stupid questions

by Tracey_E - 2018-02-18 20:42:25

Most things likely to cause problems are in industrial settings, not at home. The only thing potentially  a problem at home is digital scales the calculate body fat. Anything else is ok. When they say phones, etc, could be a problem, it would have to be a magnet large enough to switch the pacer into test mode and close enough to do it. That's where the 6" comes from, that's how close it would have to be to cause a problem, assuming it's strong enough. While cell phones have magnets, it's highly unlikely they are big enough to cause a problem. Most restrictions you find that include things in the home are old news, newer pacers are very well shielded. 

I toured our local power plant a while back. They had a sign in the kitchen about the microwaves, which is advice that's about 30 years old, but no warning in the generator room, which is a legit concern. Cracked me up, goes to show they have no clue when they put up signs, it's coming from the lawyers not anyone who has a clue. I went in, btw, was fine.

You'll probably find that the longer you are paced and don't have  problems, the less things like that worry you. There isn't much I won't do. I run with my ipod clipped over my pacer, talk on my iphone while holding it with my left shoulder or walk with it tucked in my bra, read in bed with my ipad propped on my chest (with magnetic cover), hang out with my husband when he's on his ham radio. I've jumpstarted cars, run the generator after a hurricane, ridden a lawn mower. I do roller coasters, kayak, lift heavy weights, even went on an Olympic bobsled last year. I'm always a little proud when I can make my cardiologist roll his eyes :oP

Every time they interrogate the pacer, they are using a magnet. Magnets don't hurt us, they just put it into test mode until it's removed. 

Great Info

by TT - 2018-02-19 12:38:35

Thanks for all the great info. I believe you are absolutely right, the longer I go without problems, the less likely I am to worry. Actually, just reading these comments has really cut down most all anxiety I've had.

Love your spirit--I am anxious to get back to ALL the things I love doing.