Pacemaker sailing

[elton]

When I was in the Freeman getting my ticker sorted out, there was a twenty-something lad in the opposite bed, waiting to have a pacemaker implanted. He was wheeled out for the op, and came back an hour later looking five years younger. His mates came in later with a Burger King feast, and they sat around his bed laughing and joking for hours. He told me later he felt healthier than he'd done for years, as soon as he came out of the anaesthetic haze. And it showed.

 

[grumpy_o_g]

The only thing you should not do is put your pacemaker (left shoulder?) very close (mm's) near the compass, the pacemaker can react on the magnetic field, and go into 'magnet mode' depending on the state of the pacemaker battery and manufacturer it will run on a rate of e.g. 100 beats per minute.

I can't imagine any other problems, and I know what I'm talking about, I was an engineer at a pacemaker company for 10 years.

I'm told you should avoid sitting in microwave ovens while they're on for the same reason. In all seriousness though the compass shouldn't have a magnetic field. It detects the existing field rather than creating one of it's own. I would imagine the EMF testing on these things is pretty hefty and covers any likely problem due to electric motors, speakers, alternators, high tension power lines, etc.

 

[BERT T]

You should be able to live a normal life, the only things you need to stay clear of is an electric welder or anything that creates a strong magnetic field.

 

[mick]

I must thank all who have posted on this thread; I feel quite reassured. Mrs. Mick and I are retired and spend the whole summer cruising the west coast of Scotland and bits of Ireland, so I would hate to think of that enjoyment being compromised. I'm looking forward to the new season and you may rest assured I will provide feedback in October.

 

[Amulet]

I am due to have a cardiac pacemaker fitted next week. I would appreciate any comments about problems, etc. from any sailors who have such a device fitted.

Knew someone who sailed with one for many years in the 1960's - I assume the technology has moved on since then. (She was lost at sea, but there's no evidence whatsoever that it had anything to do with the pacemaker.)

 

[rob2]

One additional bonus sailing with a pacemaker is that in an emergency you'll be airlifted to hospital before an ambulance could get out of the car park! Having a mate with metal valve, stents, etc I'd advise you to upgrade the first aid kit to deal with cuts and grazes and look at how well your crew would manage if you're partially incapacitated - a cut hand can render it useless. Planning and care are fundamental to cruising, it's just that you need to make a few adjustments.

Rob.

 

[mick]

One additional bonus sailing with a pacemaker is that in an emergency you'll be airlifted to hospital before an ambulance could get out of the car park! Having a mate with metal valve, stents, etc I'd advise you to upgrade the first aid kit to deal with cuts and grazes and look at how well your crew would manage if you're partially incapacitated - a cut hand can render it useless. Planning and care are fundamental to cruising, it's just that you need to make a few adjustments.

Rob.

Could you explain the bit about the cut hand?

 

[rob2]

Ah yes, of course. Taking Warfarin to stop blood clotting, any cut will bleed far more and for longer than usual. Quite simply, if Dave cuts his hand he really can't use it as any gripping will start it bleeding again.

Rob.

 

[mick]

Thanks, Rob. Wasn't sure what the 'it' referred to. Wonder if Warfarin improves your cognitive ability.

 

[alan_d]

There's no such thing as "blood thinning treatment"

Oh yes there is - Google polycythaemia - but it is nothing to do with using anti-clotting agents, even though these are colloqually referred to as "blood thinners".

 

[elton]

Oh yes there is - Google polycythaemia - but it is nothing to do with using anti-clotting agents, even though these are colloqually referred to as "blood thinners".

Ok, I guessed when I typed it there might be such a thing. But as you say, nothing to do with anticoagulation.