@bill0996
I have had a ICD/Pacemaker since 2006. I am on my 3rd one. They last about 6-10 years.
It takes about a year to get used to the first implanted one. That is because you have a foreign body in your body.
Mine was placed below my chest muscle because I am so active. The first few months (EP and cardiologist will give specific limitations) you have to watch moving your arms aggressively and jerking arms. There is a restriction on letting anything impact the area on your chest where the pacemaker is. This restriction is forever as you can damage the wires and or pull them.
There are a lot of precautions you have to take. The most important one is not letting the pacemaker get close to electrical devices. Cell phones, I phones, electrical devices etc. should be kept away from the device but we are talking about a foot or so. MRIs are an issue but can be done with precautions taken. The new devices/wires are MRI compatible. Mine is not nor the original wires placed on my heart.
I don't even know I have one now unless I raise my left arm above my head. That causes my pacemaker to move and let me know it is there. It is just a slight move but I know not to raise my arm extremely high over my head.
I see you do a lot of mechanical work. If should be fine if you just remember not to let the equipment get really close to pacemaker. When you get one your EP section will go over all precautions and you can always go on line to the maker who have tons of information and advise along with answering any questions.
Thanks very much for the very informative information. I believe it is always best to hear from someone that has been using one for awhile.
Again thanks very much.
Jer