returning to work

i just received my pacemaker(dual chamber) was in for an ablation to correct VT and things didn't go exactly as planned and am now 100% dependant in the lower chambers of the heart. i was so greatfull to stumble upon this site, it has given me so much information. My question is about returning to work, I work as a baker and use industrial size ovens and mixers and was wondering if anyone might know if this would cause interference with the PM and if so what the consequences might be. Any information would be greatly appreciated, thanks

5 Comments

Consequences...

by Swedeheart - 2008-04-10 09:04:32

Hello,

I am on day 46 since implant. It has taken me quite awhile to begin to feel somewhat "normal". It is great to begin to feel that way. About your question on the industrial equipment. What I would do is call your manufacturer and simply ask about each machine. As long as there isn't any large magnets or you are really close to a motor of some sort you will likely be okay.... but I would check first. Most manufacturers have a website where you can obtain a phone number. You also should have received some kind of paperwork about your PM and there might be a phone number there as well.

I don't know how long ago you received your PM, but the thing I would worry about more than the equipment would be the strength you might need in the arm on the side of your PM. I was told not to lift more than a few pounds and not to raise my arm above my shoulder for 6 - 8 weeks. You want to be sure your leads from your pacemaker "set" and don't want to move things too much so they don't migrate or break. If you aren't sure I would be sure and talk to your doctor and get very specific directions on what he/she thinks you can and cannot do yet.

Good luck! This is a great site, and it has helped me tremendously as well! Good folks here.

Swedeheart

The hardest thing to remember

by ElectricFrank - 2008-04-10 11:04:45

The hardest thing to remember is not to reach above your shoulder height. That kind of a stretch pulls on the leads leading to your heart and can pull the lead out of the heart wall. That is more critical than heavy lifting. It is so easy to do without thinking about it. I gave my wife the OK to yell at me when I would decide to stretch while sitting in the recliner. The problem at work is you can get so involved in what you are doing that you forget.
Heavy lifting will let you know..it hurts.

As far as the equipment I doubt it is a problem unless it is very old. If you are near it and feel strange just back away. Also until you are sure it is OK don't get into a position where getting light headed could get you tangled up in a mixer or burn by an oven.

frank

Kudos to Mary

by Swedeheart - 2008-04-11 01:04:13

Way cool story! Thanks Frank!

Swedeheart

Good idea

by ElectricFrank - 2008-04-11 11:04:02

Glad you mentioned moving the arm. It is important and speeds recovery.
Here is another strange one. If you can't move then spend some time each day imaging moving the arm. A number of years ago my wife had surgery for a displaced clavicle from a fall. The surgeon fitted her with a restraint that held the arm to her side which she wore for 3 weeks. She constantly imaged using the arm. If she was in the kitchen she imaged taking dishes out of the cupboard with it. She even imaged throwing a frisbee with me when we were in the park.
Now the fun part. After three weeks when the surgeon removed the restraint, he told Mary to start practicing moving her arm daily in a circle in front of her. I was in the office with her when she said "like this" and moved it easily in a large circle. She asked him if it any kind of motion was OK as long as she didn't force anything and he told sure, but don't be disappointed. She walked over the wall of his office, reached up an took book off the top shelf. I wish I had my camera with me to get the look on his face. He then accused her of taking the restraint off against his orders. I let him know that it had been on the whole time. We then told him what she had done.
Mary was a biofeedback therapist knew these methods very well. He actually paid her to do a training session with his staff.

frank

thanks

by karma - 2008-04-12 07:04:20

thank you for all the replies , I really appreciate it. I'm sure i'll have many more questions as things move along. Hope everyone is well. :)

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My pacemaker was installed in 1998 and I have not felt better. The mental part is the toughest.