Scuba Diving

Diving while pacing

by AgentX86 - 2018-06-09 12:06:54

"Also haven't sked my Dr. yet but how long before I can chase my wife around the house agian?"

- I doubt your doctor will mind but have you asked your wife?

- No lifting more than 10lbs or above one's head for four to eight weeks.

As far as suba diving, the answers seem to be "it depends" and "ask your cardiologist".  The major issue seems to be the reason you need the pacemaker, rather than the pacemaker itself.

<https://www.diversalertnetwork.org/medical/faq/Pacemakers_and_Diving>

Seems there are depth ratings for PMs, too:

<https://www.scubaboard.com/community/threads/medtronic-pacemakers-and-scuba-diving.492022/>

diving

by Tracey_E - 2018-06-09 12:38:53

If you call the manufacturer they can tell you about your model. I called SJM and was told mine is tested to 7 atmospheres which is about 198 feet in saltwater, i.e. more than enough for recreational diving. I hven't gotten the nerve up yet to try it but my sister keeps trying.

Other activities, we're usually only told not to raise the arm overhead or lift over 10-20 pounds for 4-6 weeks, anything else is ok as soon as you feel up to it. 

Scuba Diving

by metzzman - 2018-06-09 13:10:49

Thank you! 

Scuba Diving

by Jimmy Dinfla - 2018-06-10 19:19:47

I have an ICD, not a PM (although my ICD will pace if needed).  I decided to stop scuba diving because I would hate to have a bout of tachycardia or arrhythmia then receive a corrective 40 joule shock while many feet below sea level, so I will only snorkel with an inflatable vest in the future.  A PM operates differently than an ICD or CRT-D, so just double check with your doctor.   

Check

by The real Patch - 2018-06-11 15:15:42

You need to check with both your Cardiologist and the manufacturer of your device. Devices vary by the depth you can dive based on make and model. However your heart condition is more of a concern than a pacemaker.

As for chasing your wife, the real question are you up to it?

SCUBA and a pacemaker

by Jediscuba - 2023-12-15 18:25:49

First off, don't believe anything they tell you on the phone or for that matter anyything said verbally in person. If it's not in print and verified with the FDA it means NOTHING. Second, I have heard that Boston Scientific is not always the best source of information on their own devices. After doing some deep diving ( research ) with Divers Alert Network and the FDA, I concluded that IN MY CASE, the optimal device was the Medtronics AV2.

This device has been physically tested in a laboratory pressure unit to 4AT. This is 100 ft or 5ATA and had no change in its ability to control my Right Ventricle.

I have a Right Bundle Branch Block hich is intermitant. What this mean is that 99.9% of the time I have no need for the device and it is dormant. This significantly increases the battery life to around 15 years. This device is implanted in the heart and has NO LEADS to break.

There are very few physical limitations one week out from the surgery. As a mater of fact, I was told that in one week I could resume ALL of my normal activities and that included diving. I can weld with currents up to 160 amperes with no additional shielding or concern about distance to the arc over 6 inches.

I have verified the data given to me with multiple medical sources.

Lastly, I take no resonsiblility  for your health or decision in choosing a device. Every case is different and your particlar need may not even approximate mine. YOU AND YOUR DOCTOR ARE TOTALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR FINAL DECISION.

For more data, I suggest you go to the Medtronics Accadamy

https://www.medtronicacademy.com/en-us/home