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Welcome to Techsurvivors => Tech => Topic started by: Xairbusdriver on January 25, 2021, 05:13:51 PM

Title: Another Danger to Our Older Relatives
Post by: Xairbusdriver on January 25, 2021, 05:13:51 PM

I would assume (hope!) that Doctors and technicians would cover this concern when discussing life-saving, implanted devices! Better safe than sorry! You could save a life if you mention the interactions of "smart" devices and electronic medical implants.

Keep the iPhone 12
and Other Magnet-Bearing
Consumer Electronics
Away from
Implanted Medical Devices (https://tidbits.com/2021/01/25/keep-the-iphone-12-and-other-magnet-bearing-consumer-electronics-away-from-implanted-medical-devices/)
TidBITS, 25 January 2021

Title: Re: Another Danger to Our Older Relatives
Post by: jwboyd on January 26, 2021, 10:12:41 AM

When I got my first pacemaker more than 20 years ago (I'm now on my third one), my cardiologist told me not to worry about airport security screening or home microwaves. He said there were only four restrictions: (1) For the first two weeks, don't raise your left arm above your head. (2) Never use a jackhammer again. (3) Don't get too close to an electric welder. (4, and most important) Never have an MRI.

My present cardiologist tells me not to put my cell phone in my shirt pocket, but it is okay to wear my medical alert device on a lanyard around my neck (I take it off when I go to bed).

FWIW. Your mileage may vary. Follow your own doctor's orders.

A little anecdote: When I got my first pacemaker, my daughter talked with her then-very-young daughters about what it was and how it worked. One of them asked, "Does that mean Grandpa's heart will never stop beating and he will live forever?" She responded, "No, everyone dies sooner or later, and when he does, they will just turn it off!"

Title: Re: Another Danger to Our Older Relatives
Post by: Xairbusdriver on January 26, 2021, 02:06:57 PM

"they will just turn it off!"
Well, that's a relief! I was afraid to get one because I thought "they" could someday decide to turn ME off!! :scram:

BTW, do they usually offer discounts when you buy a new one? :Thinking: I mean the wiring is still there... Wonder if there are re-furb units. :ohmy:

Title: Re: Another Danger to Our Older Relatives
Post by: jwboyd on January 26, 2021, 07:05:57 PM

I don't know of any discounts, nor have I been offered any trade-in deals. When I got my first one, an RN friend did ask if I got a new one or a refurbished one. I asked my cardiologist about that, and he told me they are always new.

Each time I get a new one, they check the wiring to see if it is still okay to re-use. So far, so good. I knew one guy who had to be rewired four times.The old wires were left in place.

A mortician friend told me once that he had a five-gallon bucketful of used pacemakers ready to go to a salvage yard to be melted down. He said they have to be removed prior to cremation, otherwise they would explode in the crematory.

BTW, I do plan to live forever. It's been promised!

Title: Re: Another Danger to Our Older Relatives
Post by: jchuzi on January 27, 2021, 06:24:54 AM

Quote from: jwboyd

BTW, I do plan to live forever. It's been promised!

I, too, intend to live forever or die trying.  :D