Pacemakers and disability

I work in a paper mill. Lots of huge electric motors, control panels, welding, electronics, etc. I have been told that there are some in the paper industry that have been put on disability because of pacemakers and the proximity of the electical equipment, static electricity, etc. Does anyone know where I could get information on this. I have had a pacemaker since 2005, and am extremely fatiqued all the time. Up until then, and after the pacemaker, I was active. Now, I am simply so tired that I cannot do the things I used to do. Anyone know about being on disability when required to work in an industrial setting?

4 Comments

Be careful

by boatman50 - 2007-10-10 07:10:37

I got a pamplet with a list of items that are safe and unsafe for pacers. You should be able to get info from any pm makers web page. Working in an industrial setting like that is not safe if you are near that type of equipment. I think your first step would be to ask for a "reasonable accomodation" where you would be shifted to a job that would not expose you to those sources. However I don't know if they are required to do that. I would check with the workers compensation board in your state, or even with your congressman.

Call your electric supplier

by admin - 2007-10-10 08:10:19

I have a pacemaker and work for an electric utility. Most utilities have equipment that can test work environments for EMF. The first thing you will need to prove is that this is causing your fatigue before qualifying for disability.

Al lthe best,

Blake

PaceMaker and heavy machinery and electrical

by N.Mike Harrison - 2007-10-10 09:10:16

I am surprised the doctor or attending surgeon did not give a list of do's and don'[ts when you recieved your implant. Medtronic website has lots of information on it and I think regardless of the company who made the pacemaker the information should be valuable.
The effect on your pacemaker will vary depending on how old the pacemaker is but the metronics boolet recomends that persons with pacemakers stay away from large eletric driven machinery and large magnets found in speakers so any magnets that are larger than those found in speakers should be avoided. I would go to your doctor and explain how you are feeling and explain what machinery you are working around. I hope this helps. By the way I have recently recieved my third pace maker and I have had to change jobs because of the electronic and magnets that were in the general area. However the best bet is to get a professional to guide you on this matter.

Reply about pacemakers and working in industrial settings

by dodger2233 - 2007-10-14 10:10:14

Thanks to all that replied about my inquiry about wearing a pacemaker and working in an industrial environment. I really appreciate your feedback. To add further, I have had the pacemaker for 2 years. I am 58, and have always been very active. I have played racquetball for 20 years, and still continue today. However, since the pacemaker, it has been extremely difficult. I hear of others that go about normal activities such as biking, tennis, etc, without problems. I can't help but wonder if the heavy equipment in my workplace is bothering me. I am around everything from cell phones, to 5000 HP electric motors(many of them). Also, I spend a lot of time in a "control room", which is the brain center for the mill that I work in. There are all sorts of both hard wired and wireless connections that run the process in the paper mill. Bottom line is that I have been extremely fatiqued and short winded for most of the time with the pacer. I am at a dilema as to what to do next. I have been back to the Dr, and was given another thalium test to make sure there was not any blockage.....which thankfully, there was none. Any suggestions as to how to go about fixing or adapting? I am afraid of the answer.......get another job or retire. Neither of which I want to do. Thanks.

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Member Quotes

I wouldn't be alive if it wasn't for pacemakers. I've had mine for 35+ years. I was fainting all of the time and had flat-lined also. I feel very blessed to live in this time of technology.