Amatuer Radio and ICD

[Reinhard]

I'll be getting an ICD implant the end of march. I'm also a Ham radio operator. ( easily spotted by the presence of antenna farms ). I was wondering if there are any other "hams" on this board with ICD's that can give me some advice.
I've already read some of the do's and don'ts and what to stay away from but I would like to hear some words of wisdom from other hams on their first hand experiences.
Thanks
Reinhard
KA2VTN

[Gary Ballard]

No problems..as long as you are away from the RF! No troubles for me 5 years...so far!

[Reinhard]

Thanks for the response. I've been using 2 meter mobile with a glass mounted antenna on the back of the car. I am kind of leary on using the set on high power ( 45 watts ), not knowing how the ICD leads will react to the RF field.
They tell you not to use the cell phone on that side and that is only a couple of hundred milliwatts.
Do you use your xmitter in the car and if so what bands?

Thanks

Reinhard

[LynnS]

Hi there,

I'm not able to speak to the discussion about ham radio and ICDs as I do not have and ICD, but I just wanted to let you both know that Tim and I are also amateur ham operators and live in Dayton, OH. Have either of you made it out to the Dayton Hamvention? Tim has went for many years.

73's,
KC8YEZ (Lynn) & KC8MOP (Tim)

[Reinhard]

Hi

No, I've never had the pleasure of traveling out to the Dayton Hamfest. Perhaps someday I'll make it out there. A lot of Hams I know go there and say it's great.

I know there is a doc (cardiologist ) somewhere here in NJ that has expertise in ICD's as well being a Ham. Perhaps I can locate him and pick his brain.

I checked with Guidant and the answer I received is the standard one in regards to magnetic fields from saws, drills, etc. Although this is also an electromagnetic field, It is a little diferent that the field generated by transmitters.

I'm just leary on using my radio on 2 meters and 440 in the high power mode while driving and having a bolt of lightning shoot out my ears. LOL

73's
Reinhard
KA2VTN

[NoCrash]

I'll have to dredge-up whatever it was I was reading, but I remember reading something from Medtronics that told me that using my VHF marine handheld would be OK providing it is held on the opposite side from the ICD. That handheld is a 3 watt unit.

Perhaps you can get a more definitive response from Guidant if you ask for a limit in W/cm**2? Then you can work out the power level at the appropriate distance from your antenna.

Good luck and let us know if you get an appropriate answer from Guidant!

Rob