nervous and anxious

I just got my pacemaker 2 weeks ago. I am nervous and anxious about going back to work because I am surrounded by office machines. Any suggestions?

7 Comments

No problems likely....

by Swedeheart - 2008-04-03 09:04:55

Hello,

I doubt if you will find any problems at work that will affect your PM. I was concerned at first as well, but I went to my manufacturer's web site (mine is Medtronic) and read through their materials. They have a downloadable .pdf file that lists "dangers"... they have also been great to respond to my specific questions about things directly via email. I suggest you take a look at the mfg. websites and see if they answer your questions!

If not, call the mfg. or email them. You can also ask about all the equipment when you have your post-op checkup of your pacemaker.

I am retired, but have numerous computers (on all the time it seems...) my house is "wired" with wifi and my microwave runs, etc. I haven't had any troubles. The biggies for me are: don't lean over a running car engine, don't play with strong magnets, no welding, etc.

The main thing you want is to be sure you are feeling well enough to go to work and such!

Welcome and ask specific questions on individual pieces of equipment if you'd like. I am sure some of the great folks here will be able to answer them!

Swedeheart

welcome sindy

by kaka - 2008-04-03 11:04:28

Hi, I am 7 months post op and I also work in an office with 4 fax's amd 3 printers right around my desk...I have had no problems...the only problem I had was when I had my 1st phone check at my desk(yes next to my computer)and the could not get a read...after that I take the call in the conference room.

If you are worried call the manufacturer of your PM to be sure.

Welcome to a great site, it has really helped me.

Kaka

should be ok

by winesap - 2008-04-03 11:04:39

I'm 4 months post implant. I had surgery on a Wednesday and was working essentially full time on the following Monday - telecommuting with my laptop from home. The following Monday I was at the office full time - lots of electronic equipment. You will be OK.

You should be fine!

by gmnordy - 2008-04-04 03:04:47

I had worked around a lot of office machines and medical machinery after my pacer. I didnt have any problems being around them.
Debbi

Thanks

by sindy - 2008-04-04 04:04:58

Thanks everybody. I feel a little better about going back to work. Sometimes I feel like doctors says it's okay to everything and they don't really understand. They don't have a pacemaker inside them. They don't know how I feel. I feel nervous about everything now. It's great to read about other people who are going through the same thing. I'm understanding alittle bit more about pacemaker each day from this website. I'm glad I found this place. Take care!

No Problem

by motorhome - 2008-04-04 10:04:07

I have had mine over 10 years. Only had one problem and that was at Walmart during the Christmas season. Shopping with the wife and stoped in the beam going out door for some reason for a minute or two. It mixed up something in the PM. I was very weak had a hard time getting to car. Had to stop and rest 3 times from parking lot to Dr. office. Was in with nurse for less then 2min. and I could have run to my car. Moral of story don't spend a lot of time in the security beams of any stores when shoping.

Usually No Problems

by richan - 2008-06-01 05:06:25

Hi sindy,
Welcome to a large and growing group! I think most of the new PMs are pretty well shielded.
One thing that I was told was to keep my cell phone around 6 to 8 inches away from my PM - don't carry it in my left breast shirt pocket and to use my right ear when using the phone.
Routine office equipment should be OK unless you have something that generates strong magnetic waves.
I have had my PM since March of 2005 without any problems at work.
Hope that your recovery goes well.

Richan

You know you're wired when...

You have an excuse for being a couch potato.

Member Quotes

At age 20, I will be getting a pacemaker in few weeks along with an SA node ablation. This opportunity may change a five year prognosis into a normal life span! I look forward to being a little old lady with a wicked cane!