Disney / Universal Studios and Hershey Park

My pacemaker surgery is just 3 days away! Yikes! I have asked about 4000 questions on here, read about 50000 messages, and am SOOOO thankful for all of your advice and well wishes! Here's one more question...

I live in Pennsylvania near Hershey Park. It's an amusement park with a Hershey chocolate theme. I love going every summer...are my amusement park days over? I thought I read something about roller coaster power generators interfering with PMs?

I've never been to Disney World and it's always been a dream to go to Universal Studios... Has anyone with a PM went there?


Thanks again!

7 Comments

Be sure and eat the chocolate

by ElectricFrank - 2012-04-15 02:04:35

No restrictions there!

Seriously, the rides shouldn't be a problem. The power source warning has to do with some of the newer coasters that have magnet drive systems built into the rails. In theory they could be a problem, but so far there haven't been any reports of interference here on the site.

The other potential issue to be aware of is what is known as Rate Response in the pacemaker. This is an option that is used if your own natural pacer has a problem. In this case the pacemaker uses your body motion as a way of approximating what your HR should be. This is only turned on if you need it. I make it a practice to ask for a copy of the reports when I have a checkup. The best way to tell if Rate Response is on is to look for an entry called Mode. It will several capital letters like DDD or DDDR. If there is an R on the end Rate Response is on. You could also ask the clinic.

So the problem with RR and a coaster is that it will sense the motion of the ride and decide to run your HR up. This is really no problem as long as you don't freak out about it. The HR will come down after you finish the ride. You may not even notice it.

I'd suggest that someone who knows about your pacer ride with you the first time or so. Have fun!

Hope that helps.

frank

Hi Renee

by Peg541 - 2012-04-15 05:04:10

Renee good luck in three days. I wondered where you had been. Let us know right away how you're doing OK? Good luck to you.
Peg

Phew!!!

by ReneeV2.0 - 2012-04-15 10:04:44

You guys always make me feel so much better! What a relief, I can still be "Hershey Park Happy"! (That probably doesn't make sense unless you've heard Hershey park commercials)

I have been on this site every single night the last few weeks. Not writing, but reading A LOT!

My true goal is to get through a successful surgery, and maybe when I feel back to normal, I can be as helpful as you guys. I will definitely keep in touch and help the newbies if I can.

AND - I do hope one day we all get together! Id love to meet everyone :)

Rate Response

by ReneeV2.0 - 2012-04-15 10:04:51

Oh! I also wanted to thank you, Frank, for explaining rate response. Makes perfect sense. If I can.. I'm going to ask if I can have RR turned off. I have bradycardia, but I am able to raise the rate when im working out.

Roller Coasters

by Beckes76 - 2012-04-15 12:04:54

I have been on plenty of Roller Coasters since I got my PM back in 1984. I am now 35 and still love them. Been to both Disney Parks with no problem. Road on many rides. They do have precautions at every ride. Just use your own judgement and maybe ask your cardiologist. Hope this helps!

Becky

PS Good luck on your surgery.

Be Cautious

by Jennheart - 2012-04-16 06:04:23

Hi Renee

I have been to Disney/Universal Studios and I don't like roller coasters lol Every ride has precautions and safety regulations but to be on the safe side, ask your cardiologist. Some rides can make you scared or make your heart go fast or feel jumpy, so be careful. Please have fun though and enjoy it!!!

M.I.B

by sputnick - 2012-04-16 06:04:53

Hi Renee,
Can't speak for the roller coasters but have been on quite a few rides in both Disneyworld n Universal. The only one I personally had a problem with was the Men in Black ride at Universal. I was fine all the way through, but just near the end the car starts spinning really fast for what seems like an age n i came so close to passing out. If it hadn't stopped I am sure I would have done. It left me really shaky.
That doesn't mean to say it would be the same for you, just thought I better squeak up about it!
Good luck with your pm op.
best wishes Jan

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