Pacemaker

c crane · BBQ Fan Joined: 20 Mar 2007 Posts: 156

Does anyone weld that has a pacemaker? I just got one--the nurse said I shouldn't use one but she didn't even know what a welder was. Some instructions say it is ok if 2 ft. away but don't say if that is the welder or the leads.

k.a.m. · Posted: Feb 07 2014 Post subject:

Bypass the nurse and consult your doctor. He knows what he put in you, he also knows your situation and he probably has had this conversation before. For every pro there is a con if you search this on the Web.
Be Safe. Wink

_________________
Always remember slow and steady wins the race.

Hybrid Cooker

c crane · BBQ Fan Joined: 20 Mar 2007 Posts: 156

Dr. doesn't really know what a welder is either---and just wants to cover hiss ass, so not much help.

k.a.m. · Posted: Feb 07 2014 Post subject:

TrailerBuilder · Posted: Feb 07 2014 Post subject:

Seriously!?!? Is the doctor who doesn't know about voltage and a pace maker your heart doctor? He sounds more like a proctologist to me.

Why would you chance this? This makes about as much sense as knowing that galvanized gives off poison at a certain temp but you go ahead and cook on a cooker built out of it and feed a group of 100 because you don't think it will happen to you.

No matter how much you love a hobby, there isn't one worth chancing your life. There is a lot of info on the web about this, research, research and then research some more and then get in touch with a real doctor. 2nd chances probably not a choice here if the 1st one goes south.
_________________
X2 Finished Build
Disco Time
Fire Pit

Wreckless · Posted: Feb 21 2014 Post subject:

I started out with O/A. Kinda a beyotche but the hey?

AndrewT · Newbie Joined: 08 Jan 2013 Posts: 60

I have had a pacemaker for 14 years (well, two pacemakers - wore the first one out) and weld without issues. I was told when mine was installed in 1996 that ham radio and arc welding could affect it, but that it would only fail to "on"; I'd feel it, but it would not be damaged. Your mileage may DEFINITELY vary; I'd contact the manufacturer of your pacemaker.

Best of luck!

Daddeo · Newbie Joined: 09 Feb 2011 Posts: 64 Location: NE Oklahoma

I have a pacemaker/defibrulator. I was told that I should use a 115 volt machine rather than a 210, and be careful. At first, I swithed to O/A to be safe and really enjoyed that. O/A is certainly more of a challenge; its more artistic and you certainly get a better feel for the "puddle". I wound up buying a Hobart 140 Handler because its much faster and I'm just a hobby welder, usually welding 1/8th or less. I think the O/A experience definately improved my welding skills and I've never had a problem with my hardware (defibrulator). The literature I read never cited an incident, but the possibility of an inciedent and always with the higher voltage machines. You should get a DR opinion, though. Use good gloves and don't cut corners on lay out.

c crane · BBQ Fan Joined: 20 Mar 2007 Posts: 156

Had my first checkup on my new pm last week--dr said that it would be ok to weld that the warnings were more for defibulaters. By the way after "going down" 4 times in the last 2 1/2 years and they finally figured out why, I feel better than I have in several years

Maniac · BBQ Super Pro Joined: 02 Oct 2010 Posts: 2433 Location: Pa

Great to hear all is well Exclamation

_________________
RF Smoker
20" disc
uds