Pacemaker Do's and Don'ts!

STAY AWAY FROM THE MICROWAVE!!

JUST KIDDING! That’s a hoax. The microwave is fine. Most little magnets are fine…I have this eyeglass holder magnet that is really quite strong, and I attach it to my left chest area on my jacket or polo shirt when I’m working or going somewhere that I need my readers. Even though it’s basically right on top of the device, the pacemaker tech said it’s fine. She had us hold a magnet that WOULD make a difference, and it was really quite heavy.

Remember, I’m not a doctor, so my advice is just from my experience and exploration. Please don’t take my words as gospel on this. And don’t sue me; this is just my take.

Turtle from Canyon Ranch, Tucson.
Rose Quartz, Moss Agate, and Fluorite.
Taken just a few minutes ago! :)

Airport security: I can go through the airport security thing where you hold your hands over your head, but the tech suggested they don’t do more than one pass over the device with the handheld metal detector when they pull me over after the big one. They should be trained to avoid running the handheld over it altogether. Gotta carry that pacemaker card or they’ll be quite suspicious. Which is fine—they’re doing their job!

Cellphones: I have trouble hearing through my phone when I hold it to my right ear, so I was very curious about that. My surgeon said it’s fine to hold it on my left ear, but the tech said I shouldn’t. I think it’ll be very tough not to hold it left, so I’ll have to see if it makes a difference at my 6-week visit. I’ll let you know!!

Although I don’t use one, they say that Bluetooth headsets are fine. But keep headphones away from your device—don’t drape them around your neck or put them in your chest pocket. Word is most MP3 headphones have a magnetic material in them that may interfere with your device. The players themselves that emit radio waves, such as iPods, Garmins, and Fitbits, do not affect your PM.

MRIs: Can’t have ‘em. That’s kind of a bummer, particularly when my knee gives out some time in the future. But that’s okay; I’d rather have my heart working. Always tell your doctor about your PM if you are going to have any procedure to make sure they are aware. According to Heart.org, several procedures should likely be avoided: ESWL to dissolve kidney stones, TENS therapy devices, among others, and be really mindful when considering CT or CAT scans, Electrocauterization to avoid bleeding during surgeries, and Electrolysis for hair removal (a concept difficult to comprehend for balding men).

Shopping: You can scurry through those anti-theft structures at many shops, but don’t linger in them.

Are you an arc welder? You may have to quit your day job. If you are an arc welder or know what they do, tell me! I’m curious.

Ab stimulators: Here’s a picture of me just a few weeks ago using my favorite ab stimulator. If you are gullible enough to believe that ab stimulators are useful (sorry Denise Richards--I still love Starship Troopers!), you should probably stop using one if you have a pacemaker. They will interfere.

Remember, pacemakers and ICDs (defibrillators) can be slightly different. When in doubt, do some research and ask your doc.

Below are a few websites that I’ve visited that seem quite useful. I’ve pulled a lot of the info above from them, as well as from my talk with the PM tech at the Cleveland Clinic.

Next entry I’ll talk about my upcoming schedule…do I really have to drive up there every three months?!! Also, I got a NEW TOY!!! I’ll also try to infuse more jokes so this doesn’t become dry and boring like most of the websites I’m visiting.

Here are some resources I found to be helpful:

I keep going back to the British Heart Foundation’s website, as they have a lot of positive stories and good information. Here’s one such story: https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/my-story/30-years-with-a-pacemaker

The Mayo Clinic also has a good overview, especially if you’re bored with my writing and want a quick and dirty, non-personal look at the process: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/pacemaker/about/pac-20384689

Sweet website with real questions and answers about do’s and don’ts from My Heart Sisters. It’s focus is women, but it’s great for everybody! Thank you Heart Sisters! https://myheartsisters.org/2018/01/28/pacemakers/