Help

• by vem550
• 2007-10-19 05:10:53
• General Posting
• 2105 views
• 3 comments

Hi Evita,
I am brand new to this wonderful website, and I am also a Pacemaker patient. I thought I might be able to assist you with my situation as I am a full time flight attendant. I am very active and healthy. Surprisingly, I fainted three times in one day July '07. My husband rushed me to E.R. where I was diagnosed with Bradycardia & Sick Sinus. (My symptoms were very similar to your husbands.)
After my quick recovery time, my Dr. gave me the "thumbs up" to return to work. My slight limitations for the first week or two were to be careful lifting items heavier than 30 lbs. and to try to lift most items with my right arm.
I phoned our medical assist team, and asked them if there may be any special considerations for my P/M while flying in-flight, or if I had any limitations to use the semi-automatic defibrillator onboard for our passengers or our pilots. They responded very positively, mirroring my Dr., saying that P/M patients are better off than the majority of the population. We should never experience the slow heartbeats or fainting again. And using an external defib on a patient would not present a problem at all.
As a mechanic, if he returns to work quickly, he should consider taking it easy with lifting his arm. Large motors could be a problem with interference, but I don't know if anything on the heli would quality in that category. His P/M manufacturer could answer those questions.
I can't answer if your husband will return to flying, his flight physician should provide the best answer. Companies do differ a bit medically depending if they fly under Part 121, 125, 135, 91, etc.
Wishing you both the best of luck and please keep us posted. Happy flying!