Welders with heart problems / di fibulator

Good topic, My dad had a defibullator put in about five years ago and I remember the doctor saying no welding or working over running engines. It was like they took his birthday away, he's been working on cars for his whole life, he really didn't change anything still tinkering on cars (semi-retired). He doesn't weld to much but I'll have to ask him about this again and let him know it's nothing to mess with.

 

A doctor gave my dad a sheet with a list of things that he should stay away from, one of the things was that he shouldnt work on an engine with a points ignition system.

 

Hey, Barry....I would just build yourself an electromagnetic shield to put around yourself while welding! Maybe layers of alternating tin foil and lead shielding wrapped around your chest. Then use a chain to ground yourself to a water pipe!
Just kidding...sorry to hear you're having health problems! But glad you're taking it in stride, and continuing to build cars. I'd seriously try your hand at gaswelding. Much more traditional, and once you get the hang of it, better workmanship!
Maybe if we come to FL for an event, I can give you a few pointers! (Boy I never thought I'd be saying THAT to Barry Mazza!)

 

how about some sort of electromagnetic shield around the tig?

 

LISTEN UP GUYS THIS IS STRAIGHT INFO!
Don't normally like to get involved but I've got to on this. I recently had a permanent pacemaker implanted in me. You guys that have never had one of these or the defib type don't know what you are missing. I'm telling you it's no fun getting hit when these difib types go off and you get NO warning.
I started doing research on this subject since I have all the normal welding types in my shop and I also wanted to learn about building an electric car. Big No No!

1. No more TIG welding. Period! Get over it! This also means not standing next to it while someone else is doing the welding.
2. No more stopping in the entrances of department stores. Those anti-theft devices can cause a problem with a pacemaker. When you enter or exit, just walk on thru. Do not stop.
3. If you have the defib type pacemaker you should not drive an electric car. I didn't say this. It's from an instruction booklet on pacemaker safety.
4. If you want to continue welding with a mig welder, (a)wrap the cables together (tape them together), (b)set the machine as far away from you as possible, (c)connect the ground clamp as close to area being welded and (d)DO NOT d**** the cables over or around your body.
5. Don't lean over into an engine compartment with engine running for tuning it. You will have electromagnetic interference from the ignition.
6. Keep magnets at a distance from the pacemaker area, even small ones. I am an Artist and use magnets in projects. Well, I used to.
7. No working/building on an electric car. The cables create an electromagnetic field and you are in the middle of them.
8. I asked about using a shield of some kind. The experts in electromagnetism told me that would have to have a shield that would completely envelop your entire body to be effective. Something just in front of you will not work.
9. As an alternative to TIG, think about using A/O rigs such as the regular torches or maybe the Henrob 2000. (this is not an ad for Henrob but I do use one now and love it)

Yes, it's a bummer but it's your life and your family to think about.

Peace,
Chaz

 

Yep, my mom just had one put in about a week ago. The guy told her, "I don't think this will be a problem, but you can't weld." And my mom was like, "Well I don't, but my daughter does." But he said that she could be around it, she just can't do the welding. Yeah, my mom also can't lean over a running engine either. I know that must ****. Sorry...

 

I was told that you can use a lead X-ray vest and it will not affect the pase maker or a defib. I'd look into it who knows but be safe.

 

My Dad had a pace maker put in last summer and the doctor told him to be careful around welders. the Damm thing didn't work anyway as his heart stopped in december... Look at it this way you could go out with a FLASH.....

 

Well - this is a very important subject - - the danger is not only with welding machines,working on a engine but any type of machinery that has a large electric motor such as a huge brake press,punch press. The company I was working for when I got mine, produced large movable generators for large buildings - - I couldn't even walk in the building when they were doing a running check, let alone do the welding for the base or any of the ***ociated parts for it. I even had to be careful around small portable generators,like the ones in R.V.'s - - I'm not saying this because of the warnings that they give you, but because I have my ICD re-programed by these pieces of machinery and it can change the timing of the pacemakers small shock that is used to keep the heart beating at a given pace and with a ICD unit it can also re-program the the setting for the "Big One" to either go off at a lower rate or not go off at all - - - So yes - - be very careful and do some research on the subject.

 

Have an anti magnetic unit installed. I know that back before watched had batteries if you have a cheap watch on it would either run backwards or quit running all together when you ran rev poll.

 

What!!! Of couse it is time to teach the grandkids to weld!!!
This whole hot rodding thing is about family and friends when we get down to it!

I think you will be amazed at how proud you are of the "not up to par" welds your grandkids will make. I bet you will point to those "not up to par" welds with more pride than the best weld you ever made!

It's important to teach the grand kids everything, so put down you welder at least until you teach them everything you know!

 

Just a bit more info for ya,

My dad has a pace maker and defib.
Went with him to the hospital for a procedure. They were going to turn off the defib part but didn't have the correct programmer.

They placed a large magnet over the implant to deactivate it.
Apparently it's got a magnetic read switch inside.

Best wishes and be careful out there.
Thom

 

There is only a few rhythms (Or dysrithmia/arrhythmia)that can be cardio inverted. No rhythm or nor cardio activity can not be shocked. It may have been working fine, he was just unlucky enough to be unshockable.

Be very careful of false experts, the 'should be OK' WILL get you killed. Oddly enough, last monday we had a gentleman bought into work by the Ambo's that had been shocked while working on a 6 volt motorcycle system. He had (Notice I said HAD) an internal defib, the shock was enough to shut off the device. He died.

Just shielding something will not work, remember the human body is conductive. It insulate it sufficiently you need to cover ALL of the body, limbs included. So the torso/led coat is pointless.
Not only will the EMF affect it, direct shock will too.

Doc.

 

Like I was saying, false experts. You realise that if someone took your advice and died as a result you are liable?
Please ignore this fool.

 

Good going there Doc - it's best to take heed of warnings when it deals with your heart and the devices that are there to help it. If EMF's re-program the ICD, it may be rendered useless or not recognize a signal and deliver a wrong shock. You have to remember that along with blood your heart is also pumping oxygen to the brain and all your muscles - not enough O2 - things don't work right !!

 

Having had open heart surgery in January '08 to repair my Mitral valve and having gone into atrial fibrillation and needing to be "shocked back" to regular rhythm three times since then I would just like to say how much risk are you willing to take.

Might as well put the old 45 to the head and say it might not go off and pull the trigger. If your cardiologist says don't weld, take his advise. Living and letting someone else do the welding is far superior to checking out just to be able to say you were doing all of your own welding right up to the end.

Got my "second birthday" and looking forward to seeing my grand daughter grow up into a beautiful young lady.

 

I understand where your coming from, however when you have built things your whole life its a bit of a bitter pill to get down. Talking to a Medtronic Tec, says to make a few small spots spark, get on the remote and call in, they can tell if any thing happened while doing the "Bad Thing". My Dr says go ahead and try it. But is not really on board with it.
Thing is my best friend has one and welds all the time with no effects.
Newest devices have remote transmitter to send ekg to monitor while you sleep or stand next to device. This is where the magnetic waves come into the picture.
BARRESSE'

 

Point taken.......just saying that there are options and risks to consider. I figure that if it comes down to living or checking out, I'm willing to farm out some processes for longevity and exercise caution.

I don't have a pacemaker at this point, but want to know all of the potential risks and options should I need one in the future.

 

Well - I have to do my remote every month and they have called me in a few times for irregular rhythm and readjust my ICD - once after replacing my alternator and another after visiting my old work [we made large generators for places like gas stations and other bldgs.] May have been just a coincidence - but it was enough for me - Better safe than DEAD

 

AMEN!! For those of us who have gotten the "second birthday", I would think most would agree with you on that.

Once you have the "bonus time" added to your game clock, ya tend to want to make the most of it.

 

My stepdad had a pace maker installed. The Doc gave him the same info, but also gave him a paper from the mfg. and told him "if you have any specific guestions contact them, they have all the answers". That was the safest way to handle it.

 

Hello Contact made, they read line for line out of a booklet they gave me at the Hospital on "tools"................covering their ***'s.
BARRESSE'

 

Do what you are told if you want to live… simple really. I have know guys that decided to tough it out and are now dead.. died of stupidity. Oh I have had 2 open harts so have had to face my mortality.. I think any day I’m standing up right is a good day.

 

I'm posting on this thread just so that I receive any furtheer posts on it by email notification.
I don't have a pacemaker or fibrilator (sp?), but just 5 weeks ago had an "ablation procedure" on a nerve inside my heart in order to attempt to stop a problem called "supra ventricular tachycardia" wherin my heart for no apparent reason decides to take off and rev up to 140-165 beats per minute. Was told the next step if this ablation didn't work was a pacemaker. I sure as hell hope the procedure I had is successful, especially after what I'm reading here in this thread!
Dave

 

I'm on my 4th pacer (since age 15) and I've never been told to stop. Actually getting a new one this year (#5). The Doc just said if I feel funny to stop welding. I had my dad do some welding and I had no probs being near it. I did it and had no problems. It really all depends on your condition and the age of your device.
I get mine changed every 5-6 years and the only thing I've been told is ABSOLUTLEY no MRI, no visits thru Hoover Dam, no major magnets near my pacer. I know for my own personal preference I can't use a chainsaw or engine weed whacker. Oh and working on an engine is no prolem for me either.
Anyway, you can go to the manufacturers site and see what they say. Again tho, it really depends on the condition you're in and the age of the device. If you feel weird during/after using them.....stop using them.

 

Amen.......I get up in the morning and check the obituaries, if I'm not there it's a good day. Walk outside and see sky and gr***, not dirt and roots, it's a beautiful day!!

Made 63 this year and looking for many more.