heart pacemakers and electrical equipment

[bill greenaway]

Hi Folks,

A while ago I received some excellent advice on the forum about the use of metal detectors whilst fitted with a heart pacemaker (I've got one). I'd appreciate some further advice/comments.

I have been told not to use an electric drill because they are usually held hoizontally close to the chest - where the pacemaker is fitted. But what about the larger version (used vertically) - a jackhammer (Makita HM1303) powered by a generator. Do any of you home improvement guys (with pacemakers) use them?

Thank You Bill

 

[Paydirt]

The old man has Parkinsons and has deep brain stimulation hooked up to two battery packs that sit just under his collar bone (think a box of matches under the skin 3 inches above the nipples) - he cannot use any welding equipment anymore - too much electromagnetic interference. Poor sucker was really bad last week when I was up visiting - found out the batteries that are supposed to last 10 years lasted about 3 and were not working. I think this is his third set of batteries since getting the implants.