Pacemakers are little electronic gadgets that are embedded under the skin to help manage the heartbeat. Most pacemakers are embedded to treat side effects coming about because of sinus disorders or blockage of the heart. Having this device should avert issues, not cause them. As a rule, that is their main function and they ought not altogether change or upset your life. If you take good precautions and visit your doctor regularly your pacemaker ought not affect your way of life in any negative way.
To implant the device a minimally invasive surgery is required. It does not take you long to recover after that. Some slight pain may be experienced where the incision is done but only for a few days. You may be asked to refrain from lifting heavy objects or any vigorous exercises for a few weeks. After a couple of weeks, the incision will have healed and there should not be any other restrictions.
Amid this underlying period, you should look for indications of infections or bleeding. This may include swelling, redness or increased pain. Do let your specialist know when any of these signs happen. Luckily, these complexities are rare.
You need to have the device checked from time to time. This is done to confirm it is still working and the battery has enough energy. Most times this can be done from home using a special device. However, you need to go to the doctors office at least once every year.
When the battery is low your doctor will recommend replacement. This happens after at least five years. This procedure involves detaching the old generator and inserting a new one. Other parts of pacemakers rarely need replacement.
It is important to know the precautions you need to take when you have this device implanted. Some people think that home appliances such as microwave ovens can interfere with pacemakers. However, this is not true. When it comes to other devices such as cellular phones there are precautions to take. Cell phones can affect pacemakers if they come within six inches of the device. This means that you should not keep them a phone in your breast pocket.
Though anti-theft detectors in stores can interfere with how pacemakers work, they are generally not a problem if you just walk through without stopping. Metal detectors in airports are also not a problem. However, security agents may want to scan you after you trigger the detectors. Remember to inform them not to scan near your device with their hand scanners. This is because the scanners have magnets that affect pacemakers.
Unlike household appliances, arc welders and chainsaws are powerful enough to interfere with the functioning of this device. You should avoid using such equipment. MRI scanners can interrupt functioning of pacemakers and under some circumstances even damage these devices. During an MRI procedure you need to take special precautions after discussing risks with the doctor. Other medical procedures to avoid include radiation therapy and lithotripsy among others. Ensure you discuss any risks with your doctor whenever you have any procedure to undergo.
To implant the device a minimally invasive surgery is required. It does not take you long to recover after that. Some slight pain may be experienced where the incision is done but only for a few days. You may be asked to refrain from lifting heavy objects or any vigorous exercises for a few weeks. After a couple of weeks, the incision will have healed and there should not be any other restrictions.
Amid this underlying period, you should look for indications of infections or bleeding. This may include swelling, redness or increased pain. Do let your specialist know when any of these signs happen. Luckily, these complexities are rare.
You need to have the device checked from time to time. This is done to confirm it is still working and the battery has enough energy. Most times this can be done from home using a special device. However, you need to go to the doctors office at least once every year.
When the battery is low your doctor will recommend replacement. This happens after at least five years. This procedure involves detaching the old generator and inserting a new one. Other parts of pacemakers rarely need replacement.
It is important to know the precautions you need to take when you have this device implanted. Some people think that home appliances such as microwave ovens can interfere with pacemakers. However, this is not true. When it comes to other devices such as cellular phones there are precautions to take. Cell phones can affect pacemakers if they come within six inches of the device. This means that you should not keep them a phone in your breast pocket.
Though anti-theft detectors in stores can interfere with how pacemakers work, they are generally not a problem if you just walk through without stopping. Metal detectors in airports are also not a problem. However, security agents may want to scan you after you trigger the detectors. Remember to inform them not to scan near your device with their hand scanners. This is because the scanners have magnets that affect pacemakers.
Unlike household appliances, arc welders and chainsaws are powerful enough to interfere with the functioning of this device. You should avoid using such equipment. MRI scanners can interrupt functioning of pacemakers and under some circumstances even damage these devices. During an MRI procedure you need to take special precautions after discussing risks with the doctor. Other medical procedures to avoid include radiation therapy and lithotripsy among others. Ensure you discuss any risks with your doctor whenever you have any procedure to undergo.
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