Pacemaker interference

Okay, I know this sounds whacky, but I'm going to ask anyway.

When my pacemaker is pacing...is it possible for it to interfere with my laptop's wireless network?

Thanks for your thoughts.

6 Comments

One more thing.... :)

by pacergirl - 2008-04-06 10:04:01

I was just thinking about what the laptop does interfere with and it is the portable EKG that I use for my phone checks. The laptop cannot be anywhere near the phone line or the Grey Box with the EKG running. So there is one thing for sure!...... Good luck and if you discover anything more, please won't you let me know. :-)
Take care, pacergirl

laptop

by trlam21 - 2008-04-06 10:04:37

I used a laptop and a Palm when I was in the hospital, both of them on a wireless network. I had no trouble with the wireless and the pacemaker. I currently have an ICD and the wireless palm has caused me no problems.
I want you to know there are no whacky questions. I hope this helps.
Take care,
Tiara

Thanks!

by Beth28585 - 2008-04-06 10:04:38

Thanks for your comments Pacergirl,
I had read that the laptop shouldn't have any effect on the PM - but hadn't read anything about the PM affecting the laptop. I've had the PM about 2-1/2 weeks and only just started noticing my laptop's wireless signal has been fluctuating a lot - from a strong signal to no signal at all. But it doesn't do it all the time. My PM doesn't pace all the time - only when my heart rate drops below or rises above certain speeds. So I got to thinking hmmm....I wonder........

I went for my post-implant follow-up before I thought about this and so didn't get a chance to ask my doc about it. I go to see him again in June and I'll ask then. Or maybe it's just time to try a different router!

Thanks again Pacergirl. Have a great day!

Living with the laptop

by pacergirl - 2008-04-06 10:04:53

Hello Beth,
I have only experienced problems with the pacemaker when I hold the laptop to close to my chest too long... like walking through the house carrying too many things. I use a wireless connect and it has never interfered with the pacer either. I use the laptop with wireless at work as well.
However, I believe each of us has unique settings with the many different pacemakers and wireless setups as well. If you are experiencing any problems I would have someone who knows about these things check it out for you.
Your peace of mind is more important than what anyone may think.
Best of luck, Pacergirl

Pacemaker Interference

by BOB 1 - 2008-04-06 11:04:27

For your pacemaker to interfere with your wireless laptop it would have to be transmitting energy waves like a radio signal. Since you pacemaker is "hardwired" that is it sends it's electrical impulses via wires or leads, to your heart there are no extraneous signals likely to be emitted. So, while your pacemaker will not interfere with your laptop, the laptop interfering with your pacemaker is possible, unlikely but possible, as others have mentioned.

Thanks!

by Beth28585 - 2008-04-06 12:04:58

Thanks for the comments everybody!

I hadn't considered the fact that the pacemaker is "hard wired" and my wireless isn't. Makes perfect sense.

Beth

You know you're wired when...

You forecast electrical storms better than the weather network.

Member Quotes

It may be the first time we've felt a normal heart rhythm in a long time, so of course it seems too fast and too strong.