Pacemaker recipients: Looking for support from others

@tct
This is an important question for your EP and/or cardiologist. My novice reply was be very concerned with any electrical devices located near or on your pacemaker.

I have a boston scientific device and on my 3rd one from Mayo Jacksonville. I have been told over and over including information from Boston Scientic about being careful with electrical devices near your pacemaker. And devices like cell phones ,etc.

You can always reach out to the manufacturer of your device to ask the question. I have done that many times with Boston Scientific.

Hi all Pacemaker recipients
They tell me the newer ones are OK to be buy microwaves, and cell phones as long as you keep away around 6 inches?
I will be getting my 1st one in December.
Any comments would be great
Thanks and Happy Halloween
JP

Hello jer22

Here is a link from the FDA that might answer some of your questions.
https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/cell-phones/magnets-cell-phones-and-smart-watches-may-affect-pacemakers-and-other-implanted-medical-devices
I would also advise you to contact the manufacturer for advice. I have an Abbott device but I am guessing you don't know what manufacturer you are getting yet. But when you do, they are the "go to" source of such information .
In an earlier post in this thread, I also included a link to Medtronic's , another major manufacturer of cardiac devices, technical support site where they answer questions such as yours.
Finally, good old Google can often link to either the manufacturer's or a government site where you can find reputable information.
And of course there are the folks on this thread (hopefully soon to be separate support group), who can offer some practical information.
Hope this helps.
Happy Halloween to you ,too.🎃

I had a Medtronic pacemaker implanted for bradycardia last February. A nurse educator gave me basic instructions while I was in the hospital and sent me home with literature to read. I have called the device clinic to get answers to my questions. All in all I feel well informed and haven’t had any problems. The pacemaker has eliminated my feeling faint. I have my energy back. I am so happy I got the pacemaker. Good luck to you.

Jer, Happy Halloween to you as well !

I had a Medtronic pacemaker implanted in April and have had no issues. I’m not aware of it even being there now. It transmits periodic readings to my pacemaker clinic and I have heard from once since it was placed because I was throwing svts. Even then I wasn’t aware what was happening but the pacemaker recognized them and alerted the clinic. I went in and discussed changing the medication. All good since then. I also had bradycardia before which prompted the pacemaker. I had more and more episodes of suddenly losing consciousness. That has stopped completely with my implant. No more waking up on the floor of the market! I have just found out that I’m scheduled for a scan (for an issue not related to my heart) and Medtronics plans to have someone there to disable the device before the procedure and then restart it after. Life becomes far more complicated as we age but I am thankful for what technology can do for us. I have several friends with pacemakers and they, too, have gained better life with them. Be kind to yourself, utilize deep breathing or meditation or prayer now to prepare yourself. Wishing you the best.

Had a Medtronic PM implanted in Aug and doing well!! I first interrogation and echo is this week! Have had a couple “check ins” during this time with good results! Walking 2-3 miles a day and hardly notice having it anymore! Hang in there!!

I’ve had a pacemaker for Afib and sick sinus syncope for over 20 years…. The electro magnetic field is what you are worried about. You don’t want magnets to be closer than 6 inches from the pacemaker. This is because it could change the settings on the pacemaker.
You shouldn’t go thru the check in machines at the airport, or let them wand you through security. They will have to hand pat you down.

I’ve done all of the above, by mistake, and never really had a problem… but I was scheduled for my pacemaker check within days after… so the tech probably just reset my pacemaker if there were any problems.

Your life will be much better after you have the pacemaker put in! Good Luck!

Thanks all for the good info, Great site for info, Hope they do a support group for all the pacemaker recipients in the future.
JP

@jacquelinemmott @jer22
I have a Boston Scientific. I am on my 3rd. If you are having an MRI some older pacemakers and their wires are not MRI compliant. I had some wires put in in 2006 that were not MRI compliant.

When I needed a MRI Mayo Pace Clinic came in prior to MRI and shut off my pacing. When I finished the MRI they turned it back on. I had no issues.

@jer22, Again many of the new Pacemakers and AICD/Pacemakers are MRI compliant and a lot more less sensitive to Microwaves, electrical devices than old ones. Since all are different it is best to check with both your Pacemaker surgeon AND your device manufacturer. I have found device manufacturers are very willing to help with questions and guidance.

Sometimes what your manufacturer of device will say and what your cardiologist or Pace Clinic says can be different. Thus when I hear this I go back and check with both.

I have had medical anxiety for several years—prior to the discovery that I needed the pacemaker—and was quite anxious at the thought of doing it under local anesthetic. I tend to be a worrier, and that has seemed to increase with aging. So I welcomed taking an induced ’nap’ for the procedure. Just me. (I experienced a panic attack a decade ago…) People who can be awake during the implantation are braver folk than I. Peace.