Flying/Scuba Diving

I have a St Jude Pacemaker/Defibrialtor and was wondering if I could scuba dive and what the restriction would be?

Same questions for piloting an aircraft for pleasure? Recent laws have given flexibility for those folks with ICDs.

I know CA DMV will not allow a Class A commercial license with my installed unit anyone else have any input or thoughts on thiese topics?

Mark

6 Comments

i never knew that!

by iforget1 - 2014-10-23 08:10:37

So if I live in Massachusetts and i have a pacemaker ,I could possibly not be able to legaly drive a "comercial" vehicle? Sometimes I feel this is the only thing i can barely do because i don't seem to be exerting much energy to drive. I don't drive for a living but i need to drive to get by right now independently.

Now I'm worried if I should even ask my ins company as I own at least one vehicle with commercial plates.
I don't want my doctor or insurance company to take my license.

I forget

by Tracey_E - 2014-10-23 09:10:49

You can drive as long as you don't have a history of passing out. CDL is a problem for icd, not pacers.

Mark, call st Jude's. I called recently and they told me exactly what my device can handle diving. Your icd will be different than my pm but mine is good to 7 atm, which is 198' in saltwater. They were super nice and helpful, immediately pulled up my full history.

not sure what i have?

by iforget1 - 2014-10-23 10:10:51

How would I know what exactly my device is or does ?

I guess I can ask the rep 5 days from now but would like to know more about what I have when i read things online.

I have not actually "passed out" but do often get SOB to the point of getting dizzy/lightheaded/ kinda seeing grey then falling down. Especially when doing quick cardio type movements like if I tried to cross a street quickly or climbing stairs . By the time i get to mayee 5th stair i'm SOB and I feel it coming on.

Maybe others will chime in

by Theknotguy - 2014-10-24 05:10:32

I talked with one member on this forum. He indicated you weren't able to get a private pilots license due to FAA regulations. However you can fly with a co-pilot who doesn't have a PM.

Talked with another member on this forum. He indicated he was able to do SCUBA diving. But I don't know what kind of SCUBA diving, how deep, etc.

Talked to another member on this forum and they were skydiving. Using a slow open parachute.

Personally I'm not willing to chance SCUBA and I don't want to jump out of a perfectly good airplane.

You have to weight the risks against the thrill of the activity. I died once in the ambulance and once in the ER so I feel I've used up all my chances. I don't feel like risking my life again.

Hopefully some of the members who are doing these activities will chime in and give you more detail.

AOPA is the source for pilot info

by Griddlebone - 2014-10-24 06:10:49

From the Airplane Owners and Pilots Association website (AOPA.org): ICDs are not allowed, so as TheKnotGuy said, a combination PM/ICD invalidates your aeromedical certification. However, for those with PMs only "Most pacemakers are eligible for FAA certification. A two-month recovery and stabilizing period is required after the pacemaker is inserted before you can apply for a special issuance. A complete cardiovascular evaluation will need to be done after the 60-day recovery and stabilization period is over." There are details of the (intensive) process available on site.

One of the most wrenching things I'm going through right now is deciding whether or not to sell my airplane. I have a PM, so with some time and difficulty I will be able to apply to get my medical back. The question is whether it is going to happen.

iforget1

by Tracey_E - 2014-10-24 08:10:10

Did they send you an id card or give you paperwork when you left the hospital? They usually give you something to take home then mail the card a few weeks later. It will have your device type on it. When I called St Judes, I gave them my name and they were able to tell exactly what I have from that and answer my questions.

Tell the rep that you are having symptoms on exertion. If possible, note dates and times. If you are using rate response to get your rate up with exercise, they may be able to adjust it to go up faster.

You know you're wired when...

Your old device becomes a paper weight for your desk.

Member Quotes

I am just thankful that I am alive and that even though I have this pacemaker it is not the end of the world.