Missing normal

Hi, I had a dual chamber pm implanted on 02/23/2015. Had first heart attack on the 19th. Cath was clear, no blockages. Went into 3rd degree heart block. So now my electrical conduction seems to be working. I read my pm manual....seems they suggest you should not use a gas powered chainsaw. I used one quite a bit to keep my property maintained. So a bit depressed here ,yet still thankful to be alive. I'm just wondering what machines ,tools are okay ? Anyone else have to give up a tool they loved ? Also wondering if I could use a electric saw ?

6 Comments

Not as stringent

by Theknotguy - 2015-02-26 06:02:40

If you search through all the posts you'll see a previous note I answered about electro-magnetic fields. I'll give a link to Medtronics that gets into what distance they want to avoid interference. Mostly you don't want an electric motor to get closer than 6 inches to the PM. In other cases, you'd have to be hugging the electric motor while it is running to cause interference. Small motors like the ones in a vacuum sweeper fall under the hugging scenario.

http://www.medtronic.com/wcm/groups/mdtcom_sg/@mdt/@crdm/documents/documents/electromagnetic-compatibility.pdf

As for chain saws, they're worried about the electrical interference thrown off by the magnet in the flywheel while the engine is running. The guy I sit next to in church has a PM and has run his gasoline saw. He said no problem. I got one of those cheap electric chain saws. It has a warning printed on it that says, "Don't operate with a pacemaker." Cut down a 30 foot tree with one - no problem. Once again, I never let the electric motor get closer than 6 inches to my PM so no interference. More like I never let it get closer than a foot to the PM.

I forgot about my PM and jump started my daughter-in-laws car. Not supposed to do that with a PM. Not supposed to lean over a running car engine. They are concerned about the EMF being thrown off by the alternator. Was leaning over both engines while they were running. No problem. However my PM never got closer than 3 feet to the alternator. I was lucky. Wouldn't suggest doing it again.

Before you start tossing around any of the stuff, you should get through your 4-6 week period where the PM pocket wound heals and the leads become incorporated in your body. I was a year out after getting my PM. Hadn't tossed around any wood for over a year so when I first went back it really pulled on my PM pocket scar and tugged at the leads. That wood is heavy and it takes your body a while to heal. You'll really want to take it easy at first and see what is acceptable for your body.

If you decide to run any of the equipment, make sure you have someone around the first few times you run the equipment.

Hope your recovery continues to go well.

Tool time

by susieq1984 - 2015-02-26 08:02:21

Thanks guys for the advice. I will try to get through my healing process and first PM check. I have a really hard time slowing down and have been used to doing whatever work I wanted . Most of it is clearing land, and upkeep on old homeplace. I will try to back off a bit and give it time. Lots of support on here. Thank you.

Tincture of Time

by susieq1984 - 2015-02-26 11:02:55

Yes, as a long time medical professional I definitely know all about limits, self imposed and dictated. I am staying active in my limits though. I think this will help me heal. Not sitting down all day feeling sorry for myself. I am planning a heart healthy meal plan and remaining optimistic. Thank you for the encouragement.

Use lots of electric tools...

by Lurch - 2015-02-27 10:02:25

I use lots of power tools as I have become an amateur woodworker. I often use a bandsaw, scroll saw, chop saw, circular saw, drill press and several other tools (don't get much done with them, but I use them).

The only tool I stay away from is a vacuum cleaner. And if any of you tell my wife that it is safe for me to use it, I will find you!!!!

Concerned about Electromechanical Interference?

by PJinSC - 2015-02-28 12:02:24

I have had my Boston Scientific CRT-P for two years. I used my gas chainsaw again yesterday and did not feel a thing. My electric chainsaw, 12" miter saw, 1/2 inch drill, metal detectors, metal detecting pinpointer (I do not deliberately hold it near my PM), microwave, Prius hybrid, lawnmowers (riding and push), working in a nuclear power plant near the big generators, computer screens, welders (I do not weld, but have been nearby), leaning into running car hoods, and...vacuum cleaners (sorry, Lurch) have had no effect; nothing I have found has affected my PM, and no artifacts of interference have ever shown on my PM readouts. I have come to believe that it is all lawyer-speak so the manufacturers can have a CYA clause.
That being said, if you are still concerned, here is a very good link that has lots of valuable information: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Arrhythmia/PreventionTreatmentofArrhythmia/Devices-that-may-Interfere-with-Pacemakers_UCM_302013_Article.jsp

Great info !

by susieq1984 - 2015-04-10 01:04:44

Thank you PJinSC for the helpful info and information on heart.org. I am at 6 weeks now since the pm implant and most days I try not to think to hard about it. I am looking forward to cranking up my cs again as I have work to do . I will give the site a bit more time and continue to walk and drink tons of water as it helps. I have a interrogation sched. for 4/28/15. Hope that goes well. My cardiologist laughed when I asked him about the cs. He said as long as I kept it arms length, is should be fine. I am thankful that life can go on even after getting wires and a device put inside our body. Thanks again for the great info.

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