Is it ok to be shocked if you have a pacemaker?

[mimoo55]

Hi,

My husband has HOCM and had alcohol ablation last Nov. and is doing great. He had to have a pacer implanted. We were wondering if he ever needed to be shocked, is it ok having a pacemaker? Also, I am planning to get a medicalert necklace for him and wondering what all needs to be on it.
I would appreciate any input.
Thanks,
Paula

[Sarah]

hi

i can't answer your first question--you need to run that one past his doctor.

however, you can call medic alert (see medicalert.org for their number)and they will tell you what the bracelet needs to say and get it all sorted out based on his diagnosis and pacemaker, etc.

take care,
s

[Lisa Salberg]

I am sorry but I do not understand the question - can you please rephrase it?
Lisa

[Linda]

Paula, The pacemaker is not a problem. I'm assuming you are asking about an external defibrillator being used. In a case like that, the user of the defib unit is trained to not put the paddles or pads directly over the pacemaker. The medic alert bracelet/necklace will identify this for him, but also, the scar and feel of the pacemaker will be obvious, esp if he is lying flat on his back. Hope this helps, and of course, if it's not the answer to your question, as Lisa said, just rephrase your question. Linda

[mimoo55]

Linda,

Yes, that is what I meant, sorry I didn't make sense. That helps.

Thank you,
Paula