Shopsmith Forums

I've recently had a pacemaker/defibrillator device implanted. Medtronics (the manufacturer of the device) advises keeping electrical hand tools a minimum of 6" away from the device and keeping table mounted motors - would include the SS and my router table - at least 24" away. The hand tools shouldn't be a problem, but a quick measurement of the SS in table saw mode indicates that there may be a problem. I wonder if it's even possible to use the SS table saw and keep 24" away from the motor (I have a PowerPro)? I realize that whatever comments this thread gets is not medical advice, but wonder about other users' experiences. Thanks.

Do a test. Stand within six inches. If the PowerPro messes up the pacemaker the defibulator will bring you back. If the it triggers the defibulator will tose you across the shop. If nothing's you are good to go.


I know it is a serious subject but I just had too. SORRY!

I have had a Medtronics pacemaker now for just a little over a year. Actually, it was a year this past October. I have neither been shocked by the defib nor felt any heart rhyth. I do not have the PowerPro. Because of the electronic controls in the PowerPro, that may make a difference.

I would officially query Shopsmith about the potential hazards.

One of the problems is electromagnetic fields. Pacemakers are turned on and off with magnets. There should be a way to shield from that...

ChrisNeilan wrote:One of the problems is electromagnetic fields. Pacemakers are turned on and off with magnets. There should be a way to shield from that...

There undoubtedly is. I have been back in to have other testing done and have been covered by a heavy vest like affair. I believe a "lead jacket" would be proper description. But I don't want to wear a lead jacket around. I had my fill of bullet proof vests a long time ago.

I have also been back to see the Medtronic technician to have my pulse rate adjusted. That occurred so quickly I didn't believe it had been done. She draped a small device, similar to the one they use for my checkups, around my neck. Located the device over my heart. Turned to a control panel and about 10 seconds later reports "all done".

I do have a couple large, heavy radar magnetron magnets in the shop that I avoid handling.

Ed in Tampa wrote:Do a test. Stand within six inches. If the PowerPro messes up the pacemaker the defibulator will bring you back. If the it triggers the defibulator will tose you across the shop. If nothing's you are good to go.


I know it is a serious subject but I just had too. SORRY!

No problem. Made me laugh too

My sister (my only sibling) and I were always close. She came back here to Central Indiana from Florida for about a month when our mother died from Alzheimer's after a long horrible period of years. We joked often during that time and she kept saying "You have to laugh to keep from crying." It did help a lot.
That was about 10 years ago and now my sister is under hospice care dying from Alzheimer's down in Florida. I'm basically waiting for a phone call most anytime not knowing when it will come.
I wish I could laugh about something...



.

robinson46176 wrote:My sister (my only sibling) and I were always close. She came back here to Central Indiana from Florida for about a month when our mother died from Alzheimer's after a long horrible period of years. We joked often during that time and she kept saying "You have to laugh to keep from crying." It did help a lot.
That was about 10 years ago and now my sister is under hospice care dying from Alzheimer's down in Florida. I'm basically waiting for a phone call most anytime not knowing when it will come.
I wish I could laugh about something...



.

'Sorry to hear that. Prayers for all of you. Try and find something to laugh about though.

robinson46176 wrote:My sister (my only sibling) and I were always close. She came back here to Central Indiana from Florida for about a month when our mother died from Alzheimer's after a long horrible period of years. We joked often during that time and she kept saying "You have to laugh to keep from crying." It did help a lot.
That was about 10 years ago and now my sister is under hospice care dying from Alzheimer's down in Florida. I'm basically waiting for a phone call most anytime not knowing when it will come.
I wish I could laugh about something...



.

Been there, done that. It sucks. Time heals. Sawdust helps.

One of the things that struck me about a pace-maker when I had my quad bypass is how much current the heart involves. In my case the pace-maker was temporary and hanging on the outside after surgery. The wires were sticking out of my chest and ran down to the unit. after a fairly short time they removed the unit but left short leads sticking out of my chest with the other ends still stuck in my heart. The male nurse was capping the wires with fingers cut out of surgical gloves to insulate them so they wouldn't shock me with current from my own heart. In the process he got zapped and said it can be a pretty good jolt. Just call me Sparky...
I never dreamed that your heart put out that kind of current.
BTW, when they finally yanked those two wires out it was the strangest sensation I have ever felt... Not that painful, just weired.