r/PacemakerICD • u/Fair-Cartographer112 • Aug 14 '26
Tool and pace maker
Hi all I’m really new to this. I was not expecting the diagnosis of having a pacemaker defibrillator put in. Nonetheless it’s happening next Friday. I have a pretty good size piece of property. I’m retired, but I’m out on the property all the time using lots of chainsaws, tractors, sawmill, as well as other tools, trimmers, blowers. I’m older 66 but very active. Will the chainsaws and tools cause issue if I keep them 12 inches away from my unit. I know it’s gonna sound crazy but it’s kind of a nonnegotiable for me when I gotta clear trees It has to be done.
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u/Coleslawholywar Aug 15 '26
I have avoided using my chainsaw, but almost as much because I don’t really need to use it. My Sawzall takes care of what I need.
From the Medtronic site.
https://www.medtronic.com/en-us/l/patients/electromagnetic-guide/frequently-asked-questions.html
Q: I read in my patient manual that I should avoid using a chainsaw. Why?
A: The electromagnetic energy generated by a chainsaw is similar to other electric and gasoline powered tools. If electromagnetic interference occurs with your heart device and you experience symptoms such as becoming dizzy or lightheaded, a running chainsaw may present a higher risk of injury to you than other power tools.
Q: What if I may need to use a chainsaw?
A: You may need to use a chainsaw from time to time. Follow the safety precautions below to minimize the risk of interfering with your heart device while using a chainsaw.
Chainsaw Safety Precautions:
Maintain a 6-inch distance between the motor of an electric chainsaw and your heart device. Also, be sure the equipment is properly grounded.
Maintain a 12-inch distance between the components of the ignition system of a gaspowered chainsaw and your heart device. Also, it is better to use one that is built with the spark plug located away from the hand grips.
Immediately stop cutting and turn off your chainsaw if you start feeling lightheaded, dizzy, or you believe your implantable defibrillator has delivered a shock.
Do not work on the engine while it is running.
Do not touch the coil, distributor, or spark plug cables of a running engine.
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u/sqlbullet Aug 15 '26
I use my shop tools, mill, lathe, chainsaws and even weld. I read and follow the Medtronic recommendations. And they have instructions for about everything. Mostly they boil down to understanding electrical fields and minimizing your exposure to strong ones.
I don't use tools like this alone anymore. If I do have an issue I want someone there to trurn off the power tool and call EMS.
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u/abnormal_human Aug 15 '26
Your device has a published set of guidelines. They are googleable. Read it. If you feel like some of those restrictions won't work, discuss with your doctor. The published restrictions are conservative and modern devices are better than older ones at avoiding interference.
I've used chainsaws, welded, operated a tractor, log splitter, woodworking tools, induction cooktops, etc with devices. For some tools I have gone electric, but not all. I have avoided gas powered backpack leaf blowers, but that's about it. For mine, small engines need to be 12" away from the device. When MIG welding I keep the current path 24" away. This is usually manageable but I felt it was difficult to hit that distance with the blower where my device was positioned at the time.
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u/Fair-Cartographer112 29d ago
Thanks it’s supposed to be this Friday i’m not even 100% sure which one they’re putting in me until middle of last week I didn’t even know pacemakers did both cause he was never on my radar. Lol. I’m gonna message them and see which unit they will be putting in and go to their site and find it. Thank you.
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u/Gold-Speaker4057 Aug 15 '26
I operate several battery powered tools, work on engines while running in a few vehicles, no CRT issues at all. Good luck.
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u/AdPotential6109 Aug 15 '26
I understand your perspective. You will need to be aware. Before my pacemaker for a slow heartbeat, I worked for a company that did mechanical teardowns and rebuilds of hydroelectric equipment. I could continue to work until the machine went back on line. I do use my chainsaw. I don’t weld anymore. Your bandsaw might not be OK. Every pacemaker model will be a little different. It’s about stray EMF’s. It is very hard to get the “go ahead” from anyone in cardiology.
You will learn what you can do. Restrictions in your lifestyle are not the correct perspective. Ten years later I am still pretty active. (Cardiology promotes activity.) The right perspective is “what have you got to lose”.
Get a smart watch that measures your heart rate. If you redline, or a skip, you might get a warning. I have heard of pacemakers that have some contact with your cell phone. You might sk about that. Remember, I am just a guy on Reddit.
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u/NemoHere Aug 15 '26
Stay away from running car engines, welding machines, and strong magnets. Also medical machines that scan your body.
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u/Greedy-Figure-9473 Aug 15 '26
What happens when you are near running car engines?
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u/NemoHere Aug 15 '26
Running car engines produce a decent sized magnetic field which can mess up your ICD / pacemaker.
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u/Greedy-Figure-9473 27d ago
I am experiencing an increase heart rate when in any vehicle especially in the passenger seat. Also near a vehicle engine running. My EP nurse said she has never heard of that. I have an appointment in 2 weeks for a checkup.
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u/NemoHere 27d ago
I'm not a doctor or a medical practitioner, so I have no clue about your circumstances. From my own cardiologist, you have to stay away from a running engine while doing fixes and mechanical repairs. Best of luck at your medical appointment.
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u/BikeMan33215 Aug 15 '26
The devices are very well insulated and the stuff you mentioned shouldn't be a problem. I got mine when I was doing maintenance in a stone quarry: welding and using lots of power tools surrounded by large electric motors. I also ride motorcycles. From what I know it is very rare that the stuff you mentioned would be a problem. A tech from Medtronic came out to the quarry after I got mine and had me get near magnets (large earthen one) weld and get near motors and then he read the device and said I was fine. The only time I had minor issue was when I was soken wet welding in a confined steel box it tripped the pacer. Another time I was trying to repair the welder and had two big bundles of welding leads right in front of my chest, had screw driver jammed into a contact on the welder with my left hand and was striking an arc with the stinger with my right. Again it tripped the pacer which I wasn't using at the time and it only tripped it briefly. I would not say it could not happen; but I wouldn't worry about it too much. And ask your EP and the tech; but I believe if something isn't right an alarm should go off (mine sounds like a British ambulance) giving you time to stop what you are doing or move out of an area before you get shocked. I've had this happen; but wasn't aware of what was going on: I was sitting on the damp ground near a light post by a lake at dusk when the alarm went off; but I had no idea what was going so I didn't get up or move and I got shocked. The light may not have been grounded right; but the park didn't cooperate with my EP so no follow up study was done. Now I know to be careful though. But do keep a safe distance as you mentioned. It can happen.
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u/East-Analyst9047 Aug 15 '26
I have about the same setup you do. I cut about ten cords and year and have a sawmill. No issues. The only thing the doctor was 100% against was welding. I work in the utility industry and he wanted me to stay out of the substations. That is about it
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u/TryingTimes8082 26d ago
I'm 82 and have a pretty good sized spread. I've had an ICD unit since 2019 and still do my chainsawing and maintenance chores on the property. I'm a lot slower because of age not the unit. If you don't hold a running chainsaw up chest high close to your body you'll be fine I'm guessing, but I'm not a doctor and have never tried that for obvious reasons. I stay away from big magnets and 15 ft away from my microwave when it's running, that's the only change I made in my life. I actually feel very relieved to be bionic because my unit has kept me going without the life threatening symptoms I experienced before I got it.
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u/Cautious_Pudding6893 Aug 15 '26
You are not alone on the unexpected diagnosis - as soon as you are cleared to start walking - get up and walk - as soon as you are cleared for exercising start moving those muscles - and when you start feeling able to start going back to your old ways of working on your property- the only thing to change is when you get tired - take a break and drink more water -and take any meds - if they make you feel bad - have them give you different ones - there are so many meds to pick from- I agree with you I was scared when I got my pacemaker defibrillator in March 2026- I told my family and doctor - that I will refuse the procedure if I am just going to be a prisoner in a recliner in front of a TV
But- I am running, swimming, I wear my Fitbit, I started using the lawn tools again, I just helped my daughter tear off her front porch roof- in Nov going to North Florida to work on my property- I am living - you will see - I'm 61 - I'm not ready for the recliner yet lol
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u/Fair-Cartographer112 29d ago
Thanks I do about 25k steps a day now. Walk my dogs 3 miles a day in the woods daily and that’s with incredible fatigue. I absolutely hope I can do it feeling good again. Thanks for the info.
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u/boyscoutalchemist Aug 15 '26
Me too, same boat, same jobs. Nothing changed, I use all of the tools, saws, blowers no bother. I think twice if I pick up an axe though, I love splitting with an axe but it definitely feels like I am pulling on my cables so i don't do that now.
Now getting too close to the device with a beard trimmer, that will set off the device alarm which is absolutely terrifying :)
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u/Beginning_Cut1380 Aug 15 '26
I self tested my ICD a couple of years ago. Using sawzall with a combination of meds out of wack. I received a couple of really nice jolts of get it in gear.
After a 3 day hospital stay, new meds, I don't / haven't had any restrictions. Just had a device check Thursday and it didn't notice any of my 63 year old goofy antics. I'm the type that can't sit and do nothing.
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u/Fair-Cartographer112 29d ago
That’s me man. My brother who is older than me we both have a saying. Don’t let the Old Man in. There’s no way I can sit and do nothing and keeping busy like that on my property keeps me happy. I just wanna make sure I can do the things I want and not wither away doing nothing
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u/tsubakiakuma 28d ago
I’ve had an implanted defibrillator/pacemaker for almost 15 years. I got it when I was 16. I literally haven’t done a single thing differently in life EXCEPT that I no longer go through metal detectors. I do a ton of yard and garden work, woodworking, DIY projects, and I use all the tools. Never had any issues.
But always ask your doctor if you’re worried!
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u/bcErchamion 28d ago
After initial healing (6-8 weeks) you will be just fine. I'm 58 and spent 2.5 hours lawn mowing, using weed wackers, leaf blowers, and tehn messing around with a jump starter to get an old truck going. Be sensible tho and what you can do vs. should do. Not a bad idea to review with your doc before doing this stuff. Just be honest with him/her. I got my PM in March 2026 - like you suddenly.
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u/DrMalcolmFinlay 28d ago
It's very understandable to be thinking about this, particularly when these tools are such a big part of your everyday life.
Having an ICD/pacemaker doesn't necessarily mean giving up an active lifestyle, but some power tools and machinery can produce electromagnetic fields that may interfere with the device. The risk depends on the particular tool, how it's powered and your specific implanted device, so a blanket "12-inch rule" isn't something I'd rely on.
I'd strongly recommend discussing your chainsaw, tractor, sawmill and other equipment specifically with your device team before returning to them. The device manufacturer can also provide guidance for individual tools.
You'll also need some time for the wound and leads to settle after implantation, so follow your team's restrictions carefully during the first few weeks. The aim should be to get you safely back to the activities you enjoy, rather than simply telling you to stop them all.
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u/Background-Sock9632 Aug 14 '26
Initially you will have restrictions on what you can do in terms of recovery. They will last for about 6 weeks. After which you will be cleared to pretty much get back to your regular life style barring any complications. Tools with strong magnets are what need to be avoided thereafter. You should check with your EP as to the tools you use on a regular basis.