Can you weld with an implanted cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)?
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- Опубликовано: 29 июл 2020
- This video is a quick update of what's going on around the shop, as well as my first attempt at welding with my newly implanted defibrillator. My doctor's advice is to NOT weld, but I'm gonna give it a go anyhow...
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April 19th 2021, just before my 20th birthday. I got an ICD implanted. I had just got my welding certification, and to hear I couldn't weld anymore was devastating.
Being pissed off and irrational, the first thing I did was weld when I got home.
Nothing happened, I've been chastised by some relatives and friends, causing me to stop. That was with a 1976 lincoln 225 ac stick machine..
My divice is Medtronic brand. I don't know what yours is, but I assume that brand is standard. Google says I should be unaffected under 160 amps.. which seems perfectly okay to be able to weld a lot of things.
Here's the twist. As of june 28th, I had a septal myectomy.
I'm still recovering, but feeling a lot more like a 21yo should.
However the eggheads wanted me to keep the device.. but my dumbass has other plans. I'm eager to put a floor pan in my dream truck, and finally finish it up..
So I'm in the market for a decent mig machine..
Like you said, I don't think I want to be on this earth if I can't work on cars.
So we'll see how this goes. I'd rather roll the dice and have my life back, than regret not rolling those dice.
You're video has given me some hope. Thank you
Sorry to hear l this man. I still have had zero issues welding, mostly mig but I have done some stick welding as well. My first device was a Medtronic, but when I had it replaced they switched to a St. Jude device. From my understanding, the only real risk to welding with the device was that it could shock you, (which is totally NOT fun if you haven't experienced that yet...) or perhaps not operate correctly if needed at the time of welding. For me, it was worth the risk to see if I could continue welding. I hope things work the same for you, but I have to of course recommend that you listen to the advice of your medical professionals etc as your situation is probably different then mine. Thanks for watching and best of luck to you. 👊
Excellent! I'm gaining a lot of confidence from these comments. I just got a Pacemaker and need to build a lot of equipment for gold mining, etc. Bless your heart and courage🙂
Really hope you are still doing well with your implant. I can't imagine how I would be if I was told that I am not supposed to weld. Good luck and God bless. 👍😎
So far so good!
Wishing you the best Brad! The easiest way to do a box side is to grind along the edges (the bedrail, taillight and front lip) and peel it off in one piece. Did my Dad's F150 that way and it was the best repair instead of patching and mudding. Take care.
Thanks for watching Glenn!
Bet you get alotta new following now!!! Congratulations on winning the 57!
Yep, the followers are stacking up. Hope you're one of 'em. Thanks for stopping by!
@@MontanaGarage yup, already subscribed,and watched several vids,keep on keeping on
I asked my doctors prior to having an icd to not to take away my happiness, welding, working on cars, electric motors, magnets i.e. MRI best of all target shooting to release anger management . After the last part . He made happy . Lmao
Thanks for watching. So are you still able to weld as well?
Your giving me hope! I'm facing upcoming ICD implanting and don't want to give up on welding, plasma cutting or high energy ignition system on the race car that literally makes the hair on my arms stand up when near the coil while tuning. Absolutly will listen to Doctor and device manufacturer. Thanks for sharing the real world experience.
Yes, listen to the doc and device manufacturer for sure as all cases are not the same. Personally, I still have not had any issues with welding or being near/messing with the ignition systems. I have not tried any plasma cutting though. Good luck with the procedure, and hopefully you too can continue playing with cars!
@@MontanaGarage Thank you for the info. You have a new sub and enjoying your content!
@williesweetjr8713 Thank you Willie. I really appreciate that.
Excellent stuff 🙂 I just got a Pacemaker and the Doctors terrified me about welding. I'm a Welder... Sheesh! I also mine gold and always need to weld equipment. You've given me a new hope. Thanks for sharing your experience 🙂
Thanks man. Good luck with being ale to continue welding. Still no issues for me, but as always please follow the advice of your doctors!
@@MontanaGarage, read my post.
My first shock was a couple of days after it was installed.
I didn't know WTF was going on..is like someone is beating you with a baseball bat. The shock was pretty strong. I called the doctor that installed the defribillator and had to go to the hospital and be hospitalized for observation.
They checked the defribillator and the reason that I got shocked due to my heart arrythmia my heart stopped and got shocked.
Am better now just gotta follow doctors orders in activities.
God bless you 🙏
Stay safe and be happy with your welding.
Glad you are doing better. I've been shocked twice, and yeah it is pretty strong. Knocked me right to the ground both times. Thanks for watching and stay healthy!
I had a ICD fitted nearly 2 years ago for the same reasons by the sound as you, if my heart goes too fast or too slow it'll give it a zap.
I was told not to weld, be too near a running engine etc etc talk about a kick between the legs.
I still work on my cars but recently I got a 3rd gen Camaro which needs ALOT of welding typically 😂.
Sadly living in the UK great American v8 cars are few & far between plus they fetch alot more than you lucky guys can pick them up for.
I'm so tempted to get another welder & just get on with it but knowing my lucky I'd get a zap off it 🤔
Thanks for the comment. Yep it's definitely a kick in the pants when you're told you can't do something you enjoy. For me, it was something that was worth taking a chance and giving it a go. I guess I got lucky, and the welding doesn't seem to affect my ICD. I can't say it'd be the same for you, so best to follow whatever your docs say. Hopefully you can find someone else to take care of the welding, and you can keep working on that Camaro. Good luck, and thanks for watching!
I have the same device and I am a welder a lot of tig and mig welding haven't been shocked yet!
Sweet. Still no issues here also. Thanks for watching!
I was told that, since I have a pacer defibrillator, if I'm welding or near someone welding, stay at least 4 or 5 feet away from the machine. So, I'm using long enough cables to stay away from the welder machine. I've never had a problem with any type of welder, magnetic motor or microwave even electric tools.
I even had a project that involved 100 pound pull super magnets and never had a problem.
Good luck with your 57..
Thanks for watching Hoss. I have never had a problem either, not on wood. Hopefully that continues. I need all the luck I can get...
@Montana Garage hi what brand icd? Boston, medtronics, or st josephs?
i brought an EMF protection jacket that knocks out all the EMF and works very well. Can use chainsaws all day weld all day no issues
Never heard of the EMF protection jacket. I'll check it out for sure. Thanks for watching!
I have a pacemaker with defib. I have heard and researched about this topic a lot. From what I could find the welding unit is what you need to stay away from most as that’s what makes the em field that cause problems. However, there is still a smaller em field created at the weld point of contact. All that said I am no doctor or specialist so I agree “at your own risk”. On another note they do make ‘em blocking material and shirts so better safe than sorry. I also weld some but I keep it at short bursts and give time in-between welding
Thanks for watching. I remember seeing info about the em blocking materials but haven't tried them. I agree with the "weld at your own risk" assessment, but for me I have still been welding and have yet to have any issues, hopefully that continues.
@@MontanaGarage what device do you have? Boston or medtronic, if you mentioned it i missed it. I got a defib in 2014 and have only done a couple welds, very short duration, 2 feet away. But I hear from anyone who has one and welds has never had an issue, only the docs saying it could be a problem. How close are you to the puddle and or machine when you weld
@@jeremysumpter8939 Thanks for watching Jeremy. I had a Medtronic originally, and now have a St. Jude I believe it is called. I have welded a ton with both, and never had any issues personally. I used to be more worried about getting away from the machine, etc. but to be honest I don't pay any attention too it any longer, and just weld as if I didn't have the ICD. This is only my experience, and my advice is to always listen to the docs as everyone's situation/circumstances can be different.
Besides being a Welder, I am also a Computer Programmer and a Robotic Welding Techie. Around computers, I wear a "Static ground", wrist strap. That draws the electricity away from me and computers and sends it to a Ground. With EMF, I'm thinking a "Grounding Pad" or a grounding wrist strap may also be protective... Hmmmm... They are supposed to block EMF... I'll see. I just got my pacemaker on June 26, 2023...
Congratulations on your newest 57! I got an implanted defibrillator/pacemaker in 2010, replaced in 2020. I was told to avoid magnetic fields, such as being under the hood of a car with the engine running, welding, etc. as well, because it can temporarily shut off the unit, make it shock me or reprogram it. Thankfully, I have never been shocked by it. Having friends and relatives in Montana, I'm curious about where you are located, in a general sense (I'm not looking for your address or personal type information).
Hi Dennis. Thanks for watching. I was told the same about working on cars, etc but have never had an issue. So far the old ticker is still ticking. Being shocked is no fun at all, so hopefully you can keep your no shock streak alive. I live in Belgrade, which is southwest Montana about 90 miles north of Yellowstone Park.
I’ve had my ICD for almost 2 years now…cardiologist said welding wouldn’t be a problem, so I jumped right back in the saddle…so far mig and arc welding seem to be fine. Little more nervous about tig welding. I’ve been shocked several times for other reasons, and absolutely loathe the thought of it happening again, so I’m going to take my time.
I am glad you are still welding also. I haven't ever tried TIG, so I can't say if that would be fine also. Seems like it would, and I hope to get a TIG set up soon. I have also been shocked and agree it is no fun at all. Thanks for watching and here's to no or heart issues!
I have a pacemaker and was told not to weld. Well I’ve had only one interaction. Teachers across the hood on my tractor to grabe something and got to close to the engine. Didn’t realize what was going until after. Set down called my dr he done a telecheck everything was fine. I just received and was told not to run a chainsaw and ran one of those for years no effect.
Thanks for watching Matthew. Did you get shocked when reaching over your tractor? I have never had any issues working around the distributor/electronics in vehicles, but have been told it can happen. I am still welding with no issues also. I haven't heard about the chainsaw warning, but have done that a tiny bit too. Good luck with the pacemaker, and I hope you stay in good health.
my dad recently had to get an icd an he’s been sad since the doctors said he can’t weld, i’ve taken up welding classes so i can learn an do any welds he needs done
Sorry to hear that. It is truly a bummer to find out weld anymore once you been doing it, and need to do it. I know I was not happy when they told me the news, which is why I did a bit of research and took the risk to try it. Not saying your dad should do the same thing, as all situations are different and listening to the docs is probably the way to go. Still no issues regarding welding for me though. That is awesome that you are leaving to weld to help him out! Thanks for watching and good luck to both of you.
Watching this video because I have a Medtronic heart defibrillator implanted also and told by doctor to not weld or use chainsaws etc. I’ve been welding and fabricating for over 10 years but last 5-6 years I was caring for my ill mother who has recently passed and I’m looking for work now but I haven’t welded since I had the device put in back in 2018. I was given a round magnet that will shut off device but I’m not sure how I want to have it on me like taped on me or sew into a welding coat or something. Haven’t been shocked by mine yet but I’m not sure how an employer will even feel when I go for an interview and I have to explain to them. I would have never put this in me if the doctor told me everything about it before hand especially when my profession is welding. Tig welding in particular.
Sorry to hear about your mother and your heart issues. I still do a lot of "hobby" welding, and have had zero issues, both with the Medtronic I started out with, and now with the St. Jude device I have implanted now. I assume all devices and all heart conditions are unique, so definitely follow the advice of your medical professionals. I was also initially told not to weld, but saw a few instances where people did, so one day I just pulled the trigger and hoped for the best. It was scary at first because I have been shocked by this thing, and it isn't pleasant. I was told or read somewhere that welding could cause it to shock you, but a bigger concern was welding could keep the device from working in the event you need treatment. I've had enough "episodes" with my heart, that I can usually feel anything that my device would need to treat, so I am not too concerned about the device not working while welding. For you or others, that may be a concern to consider. Again, I advise you follow the advice of your doctors. Best of luck to you.
I have a lvad left ventricular assisting device along with icd and the magnetic field is why u shouldn't weld. My lvad if on my shoulder shut mine off and it also kills the battery life. Also brought me bk to life 4 times. And when I got shocked 23 times it was while they were replacing the LVAD due to it malfunctioning. I reframed a home by myself, weld do soldering so know ur not alone in the Big beautiful State of MT as u have neighbors just like u but different in so many ways lol keep welding neighbor
Thanks for watching. Sorry to hear about your heart issues. It sounds like you're still doing what you gotta do too which is great. I cannot imagine getting shocked 23 times, hopefully you weren't conscious. I've only been shocked by mine twice, and I can say it was not pleasant. I'm still welding over here, and no known issues so far. Fingers crossed it stays that way. Have a great day and best of luck with the ticker neighbor!
From what I have been told, the field produced from welding that interferes with the pacemaker is reduced if you keep your ground clamp as close to where your welding as possible, along with keeping the pacemaker at least 2 ft. from the point of welding, I haven’t tried welding yet since I got my pacemaker so I’m not speaking from experience, just research……I don’t have a defibrillator, just a pacemaker, so I’m not sure if the theory applies!……good luck!
Thanks Jeff. I have heard the same. Keeping the defib 2 feet away from the weld can be a challenge, at least for me. I have yet to have any problems, and do a fair amount of mig and a bit of stick welding. Good luck to you as well.
Biotronics said that the 16,000 amps from the resistance Welder when the trigger is pulled only sends 2 % to the head of the gun but 2 % isn't 0 and you can't resistance . Only reason i mentioned this i don't see anyone with a defibrillator mention anything about resistance welders . Don't chance it apparently grr to mig weld a quarter replacement and have to do all the grinding sucks
Sorry to hear you're going through this. I mostly do mig welding, and have no experience with a resistance welder. I still have had no issues with any welding I've done. Hopefully it works out for you as well. Thanks for watching.
I got my ICD in 2019. I been so scared to get back to welding. What’s the voltages on your machine. I been doing some research and came across your video.
Thanks for watching. Sorry to hear about your heart issues. I continue to do a lot of "hobby" welding, and have yet to have an issue. I mostly do mig welding, with the machine plugged in to normal 120V outlets, but I have also done some stick welding which required 240V. I was super scared to try at first, too but had read where others had continued to weld, so I decided to give it a go. For me, it has worked out. I assume all devices and all heart conditions are unique, so definitely follow the advice of your medical professionals. Good luck to you.
Is there any gloves and rubber shoes any recommended ideas on safety thank you man
I don't personally do anything special due to the ICD. I just weld as normal, and it hasn't been a problem for me yet.
I got a Medtronic’s pacemaker 3 weeks ago. I cannot accept the idea that I can no longer weld, so I bought a 12” x 24” think sheet of lead, a couple of leather aprons and some Velcro. I am going to make my own EMF shield (like the dentist uses.) Can’t weld my ass!!! There is always a way!
I hope it all works put for you. I started with a Medtronic and now have a St. Jude, and still have had no issues welding with up to this point. I always suggest following the advice of the docs and professionals though. Good luck and thanks for watching!
God I hope ao cuz I am!! Keeping it real in MT
👊👊👊
I hope you are still welding
Yep, still welding with no issues here Robert. I have done mig and a bit of arc welding, but no tig yet. I hope to learn tig, so hopefully that doesn't cause any issues either.
Sucks i can't use a resistance welder or ark but i can mig accordingly to biotronics so I'm going to keep welding
. They gave me documentation to stay 10 feet away from a resistance welder lol now unfortunately i will have to mig weld my repairs or mig weld and have a coworker do the resistance welding for me , Auto body is my life and the resistance welder is to the point on OEM repair manual this sucks
Bummer. What is a resistance welder? Is that like the big spot welding machine?
@@MontanaGarageit's a welder that's 3 phase air electricity and coolant to the tips it replicates the factory spot weld when u pull the trigger vise scrips slid on the ground from magnetic waves with 16,000 amps
I've got shocked 6 times in a row Holly shit wish they had warned me it's like being kicked by a mule. I have a medtronic icd they said if I weld it can turn my device off so it might not work when I need it. But if you need to weld have both the cables wrapped round each as far up as you can to shorten the emi or emp field and have it on the lowest setting you can.. 🤔 I've not been near one for a few yearsruclips.net/video/9_dl8ANjdx8/видео.html
Yeah I've been shocked twice. It is not pleasant at all. Still no issues while welding though. Thanks for watching and commenting!