I don’t know what the rest of you have for iPhones, etc. but I just got a new one the other day. I got the iPhone 14 Pro.
While admiring the case that my customer service rep had, she showed me the card holders that sticks to the giant magnet. I had NO idea about that being part of the outside of my phone.
I am sharing because I got a pacemaker just a month ago. Obviously those of us with one should be aware. They warned to keep the phone away from us, but I am curious how much more damage could happen with this is part of the case
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DawnTX
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I don’t know much about PMs but had heard people have to stay away from magnets! This might sound stupid but, is this consigned to the PM only or whole body (by this I mean, could an iPhone be carried in a shoulder bag or hand held back on the opposite site of the body to the PM? Also heard you have to stay away from microwave ovens? Is this meaning someone else has to cook it for you? Is it just limited time next to them - these are genuine questions not joking (having a few neurotic worry days) so do excuse me if these are really ridiculous questions
I know you are not kidding and they are not silly questions. When it comes to a cell phone, they say to keep it on the opposite side of your body. It should also be at least 3 feet away from your pacemaker. The same goes for the other things as well. they say don’t hang around the store with a detection at the doorway just passed through it normally don’t let anyone make you stand in that area. Going through the airport again you don’t stand right under it and they will usually hand pat you down. If you have someone not smart with the hand scanner, leaving it near your pacemaker, make them stop. They need to know how to do their job, but don’t assume they do. It’s your heart so take charge But be nice I would hope in the UK and other places they do as they did here with me and immediately issued me a special card. It has all of my information regarding my pacemaker parts, etc. if something were to happen to me, they need that information. Plus it has my doctor And his number on it as well as the clinic that has 24 seven for us. Most are MRI compatible however, that being said does not mean that the hospital equipment is compatible with you. Anyone considering to do something like an MRI must contact your doctor first and again that information is on the card . I have been trying to figure what to do with the card. Right now I have a clear business card envelope that sticks to my phone and keep it in there. I think I will make some copies. I also have my emergency info in my phone under health and on my medical ID necklace
Just like a fib being confusing many of the rules still are better to P play and safe than sorry. The phone really bothered me though. If you put it in a case that will be blocked but some people just cover the front so that it does not shatter. My new phone is very hard metal unlike the previous.
going forward with pacemakers, they are also getting better in fact, the new ones, if affected by a magnet will only drop your heart rate so low say about 82 and when you move the item way, things will go back the way they should. Now remember this is in a perfect world. Always protect yourself if somethings not right speak with your doctor if you can. I just thought it was very careless of Apple to have an item. Such is this and seemingly completely ignore people with heart devices. To me it is a lawsuit waiting to happen. Having a new pacemaker, I have some old habits to break. One of them is setting the phone on my chest if I am laying down and have to talk to somebody or whatever for a moment. For whatever reason, even though I am right, handed everything lands on my left side.
this old dog can learn new tricks, but I didn’t say she was fast lol
Good advice thanks, are iPads/watches magnetic too like iPhone? Also the wireless AirPods (the ear phones) ? And I knew about airports but never thought of supermarket door theft alert barriers!! Which then made me think, what about the tags on clothing in the aisles - often very little space due to hundreds of rails crammed together all having tags on while you’re browsing them. Obviously I don’t have one right now thankfully & hopefully never but, someone could do with inventing a personal device, like a pager or signal to your one that maybe pings or buzzes to alert you when too close or been near magnets too long that could cater for hidden magnets too! Xx
that would be a great idea. Something that would let you know. As I mentioned the newer ones are set up so they will put your heart rate at a particular number. It is not dangerous for you and it will bounce back. Your doctor also has the way of resetting if required. there are many dues and don’ts but the list is getting less. They also sell phone covers. I don’t know how close most people get to a microwave, but mine is nowhere near my chest because it is up over my stove. As Bob mentioned, there are precautions using tools. If you work in an industry around machines, you obviously need to have it all checked out. Hopefully it doesn’t cost anyone their job because they can no longer be around this stuff. I would be surprised if there is no list on this site, but they can also be found elsewhere. I went onto the MEDICAL site of the makers of my pacemaker and with the model number, etc. I can read exactly what is what. Many of the things I would never be doing anyway but any individual with a pacemaker needs to check things out for their personal safety. When I was in uniform, my phone was in my pocket, but always in my right pocket anyway. I know I did see some thing mentioning ear phones but I do not use them so I can’t tell you exactly what it said. Suddenly there is a lot of new info to read and learn about.
Gumbie-Cat put the Apple link on - ot mentioned the little ear pods. My microwave is my head/shoulder height - at barely 5ft tall most stuff is hard to reach but obviously can’t have hot stuff too high! I use long BBQ tongue to get cans out of the second shelf in cupboards 🙄 😆
I have had a pacemaker for two years. Microwaves do not affect the newer pacemakers. They used to be an issue. When I had an MRI, the rep from Medtronics showed up to turn off the pacemaker until the MRI ended and then turned it back on. There are warnings out about the new phones like you have. Call your pacemaker company and ask them. They are glad to answer any of your concerns.
I also have Medtronic’s and yes the reps are excellent. I have a 24 hour hotline as well as being monitored 24 seven from the hospital. I actually go in Wednesday to see my AP. He is going to change my p.m. from 80 to 70 heart rate if everything else checks out right. Unfortunately, I seem to be having some sort of issue. I’m not sure if it’s part of the healing or not but again Wednesday I will get answers. My p.m. actually has MRI stamped right on it but my card specifies anyone considering any type of testing of me must contact my EP first. As I mentioned previously, it’s not the pacemaker. It’s the quality of the equipment being used. They don’t all have the newest.
also, do not linger too long in automatic door ways, same reason, can't go through the airport security equipment, convection cookers and more, if in doubt read up on it because these are not silly questions at all and you do need to know what to avoid.
thank you so much for this, things the ordinary people never know or even think of - me included. Not at that point and hope never to be but time will tell - thanks again have a great day x
I have a PM & yes the advise is to keep any magnetic type devices away from it. Generally speaking needs to be about 12cm away so things like mobile phones you are advised to use in your right hand instead of left. Must admit took me a while to break this habit. Other devices like microwaves etc are relatively safe to use I've had no issues at all. I did stay away from buying a iPhone as after some research it seems it apple use a lot of magnetic parts in the phone in comparison to Samsung etc.
Security checks are ok too just let them know you have a PM. Instead of walking through they will use the handheld device & walk you round. I was asked to cover my my PM with my hand whilst they carried out the check.
I carry a PM card with me all the time which has all info on it so yes same in UK too.
Thanks for that info - talking of airports, does a pacemaker bump up the cost of medical holiday insurance? Also can you still drive or is it up to your consultant like with AFib etc x
Yes unfortunately finding suitable travel insurance is a an absolute headache & very costly. As soon as you say pacemaker or your awaiting an ablation they say we can't cover you. A very small number of specialised insurers do even then it came down to a choice of just 2 companies!
Driving wise it is dependant on how symptomatic you are and the medication side effects. I don't drive so not an issue for me.
Can I ask the sort of cost they throw at you if they will insure you, not been abroad or many years, was hoping to go either this year or next depending how I am?
Do you advise any particularly good companies you’ve found? X
I ended up going with All clear getting an annual cover for £1300. It is extortionate amount in my opinion but I wanted peace of mind that God forbid something happened I wouldn't be stuck finding ways to pay for medical treatment.
Also look into cover your Bank can provide I managed to get my parents covered through their Bank at a fraction of a cost. Although make sure you read all the small print as some Banks it seems don't pay out under certain things and have so many exclusions.
It did make me realise on a philosophical level that health industry has turned into such a money making area. Really actually saddened me.
You are very right. Just about everything in the medical field. Seems to be about money. You can see the difference in hospitals as well. The one I go to now because of my doctor seems like the poor relative. I am almost proud of them that they seem to make cuts in areas to stay within budget. The first hospital when I moved was like going to a great hotel with all the bells and whistle’s. The one I use now is immaculate and has new equipment etc. they have what they need to take care of us but if you’re looking for perks, you have the wrong place. I’m not going to live there, so I’m OK with the things they are cheap with. Lol they give new meaning to hospital food such as two slices of bread with one thin deli slice of turkey. I also had some thing else that I thought was chicken however, it turned out to be a pork chop lol the same with breakfast I am not sure if I had grits or scrambled eggs 🤢😵💫 What does stress me out is my co-pay on my insurance. They are like guards at the gate and you must handover $325 before they start your paperwork. Maybe that does not sound like a lot but last month I was back-and-forth four times. I think medication prices are sinful. No one should have to be sick because they cannot afford medication. Last year it was horrible about getting insulin. I don’t need it but for those who do it’s very sad. The same with chemotherapy. A friend of mine had his wife getting chemo and when the calendar flip for the year and she went in to get her treatment, they suddenly wanted $20,000. They are an elderly, retired. Couple many of us are retired on fixed incomes. I do not understand that they will give insurance to people who don’t work because they don’t feel like working at Cetera and they get their choices of insurance. Then those of us that have worked 40 years or more and pay it into the system. Still struggle. Most of the insurances are pretty good. It depends where you live though as it goes by the county, not the state etc. Many times I believe that once we stop working, they don’t consider us important anymore because we are not giving them money all the time and producing. People should feel proud at all. They gave to the country for so many years but instead, they make us feel like beggars at times. Now they are threatening again how they will run out of money for our Social Security system, and our Medicare system. I know that all of you here have similar problems and what really breaks my heart is watching my new friends on here waiting for a procedure that they need now, not 18 months from now
I can imagine that it will be hard to get used to keeping devices a certain distance away. (Got my Apple Watch on and holding my iPad.) This link gives info on the distances support.apple.com/en-us/HT2...
My iPhone 12 is on the list too. Don’t have a pacemaker and it might never be in my future, but I always hold my phone to my left ear, prop my iPad up on my knees etc, so there would be a lot of changes! Though at least a short distance is ok - not like the induction hob, where you need to keep 2 feet away whilst in use.
Some of the Macs are on that list. Though I think they mainly use magnets in the closing mechanism, and the bit that attaches the charging cable. I imagine that, to a large extent, they are covering themselves. These won’t be very powerful magnets.
I would really need to be more aware if ever need a pacemaker. Caught myself this morning, chin on left hand, with my watch exactly where a pacemaker would be 🤣
The head of my pacemaker Dept once told me that the hand held security devices at airports can do far more damage than walking through the screens, always insist on a "pat down" manual check. I think it's induction hobs that can do the most damage.
thank you I pretty much have the information. I was just surprised because I was sitting there doing the transaction and if not for a little chitchat between us, I would not have been aware of the big magnet inside the back of the phone. Of course if you use anything with a magnet to attach to it, that might block it for you, but I will be getting a heavy duty case anyway.
My other I phone was about to quit I think which is why I got this one lol it was a really good deal and the prices have gone down. I must admit I am very dependent on my phone now everything seems to be done on apps or text. I feel for people that have a little knowledge of how to do any of that because it seems like it’s becoming a necessity. When you call a business, they do everything in the recording to push you to their app or website. Very little respect for those of the older crowd. I enjoy computers so I don’t mind all that much. In fact, my pacemaker has its very own app. The clinic can call me if they are seeing something not right and ask me to send a transmission right from my phone. I am told to keep it running in the background and they monitor 24 seven. It also has additional information on it including educational. I would suggest in the future anyone that has someone getting a pacemaker to please help them if they need it when it comes to technical. It appears to be the way of the future.
They had a great deal that is how I got it. Honestly, I would never pay those prices. I changed my carrier and went in with my cousin on his which is T-Mobile. I am in a rural area and this is one that works the best where I am. It is only $12 a month to get the new phone. My SE has been quirky. I think it was just going to be a matter of time before it died. Yes, the camera is the part I was very interested in.
Speaking of interest, Apple has changed the charger cord. Previously mine had USB wide on one end and small for the phone end. No, it is tiny on both ends. Anything to try to make us buy more parts. My old charger works just fine on it. FYI. They no longer give you the charger block. You must buy that separate and not even a cheap pair of earbuds. Speaking of which, I think I saw something about earbuds and pacemakers also. I will have to look for that again.
Yes, the charging cable change has caused quite a few issues for people, but it seems that some kind of worldwide agreement occurred, one that Apple, in the end had to bow down to. Previously the cable was what was called a “USB-A to Apple Lightning cable”; now it’s a USB-C to USB-C cable. One benefit is that the phone can be charged more quickly using it.
Yes Steve, but what I found irritating is that I have surge protectors at home where the USB plugs right in without the need of the block. No not only do you need the charging block but you need the new one. It is what it is when I got my new service and phone they gave me a $200 visa card so the block and also the screen protector was paid out of that. There’s always a gimmick just like they’re always coming out with new phones whether we need them or not. The only reason I got one is because the one I have has battery and other issues from day one plus it was the SE which is much smaller and second generation. The price of the phone has gone down to $700 as well and I got 400 off of that trading in what I was using. Unfortunately, we really need a good phone these days because everything seems to be done that way from paying bills, etc..
I really have not played with it yet. I am looking forward to learning more about the camera or the cameras however, that is considered. Thank you. I think I know who to go to with my tech questions. Lol my new friend Steve.
Our mains electric sockets also have the “wrong” USB sockets / connectors on. I expect I’ll change them eventually but for now we use the bigger USB also still. The smaller USB-C connector can charge the phone in a much shorter time, I gather.
I got my PM just over two weeks ago. The best thing to do is to look at your PM manufacturer’s website. They all have a full list of do’s and Dont’s That will give you accurate information.
absolutely as you and I have discussed. It gets overwhelming so the best thing I found was pick out the things that I am never going to be doing or near to leave more room in my head for the important parts.
one thing that surprised me was standing there a running car
Induction hobs and any strong manetic fields. I'm not allowed to do anyTig or MIg welding since having my PM but can watch my boys doing it from a safe distance.
Regarding phones , PM or no it is best to keep them away from your heart. Never put in shirt pocket for example and if wearing a jacket keep in right hand pocket. Thought this was common knowledge?
One thing I was surprised about and again I think of people who do it for a living, and how it would affect them are cars. They tell you not to stand close to a running vehicle.
I wish I were an inventor maybe somebody out here is. They sell material on Amazon that protects you from all kinds of radio wave field etc. Why doesn’t somebody develop a simple patch to be worn over our pacemaker. My question will it work and cannot be over the insertion area or must the leads , etc. also be protected. I guess that would be a plus about the wireless PMs because we have to remember it’s not just the little insert on our upper left but it’s connected down inside of us.
Last Monday I was engine testing on the dyno and manually adjusting igniton timing as I have been doing for 60 odd years with no issues so can't see how cars can affect people.
You can't always see the source of an electrical field. Back in the day, there was a concern about radon particles being attracted to the electrical fields of overhead EHV cables, and I checked the field strength inside and outside a children's nursery. The nursery was fine, but walking along an adjacent public pavement, I was measuring field strength that was in excess of the recommended limit for pace makers. I knew that there was a buried 132,000 volt cable below the pavement. There was no indication of the presence of that field.
It seems like the new ones are being made to handle more from the outside. My pacemaker is MRI compatible and is stamped that on the outside of the p.m. itself along with instructions and information on my card. That being said, any type of testing needs to be run by my EP. It is not the question of the pacemaker. It is the question of the age of the hospital equipment that may not be compatible with our p.m.
I feel like I am on Star Wars or somethings ducking. Laser beams, left and right lol not knowing where danger comes from. The every day things should not be a problem. I think the key here is not to linger around. Possible problem areas.
Many years ago due to increased use of computers the building where my office was had to install a new substation, which ended up under my office. This rendered traditional CRT computer screens unreadable due to shake from the disturbed magnetic field. IBM provided us with then new and experimental LED screens which were not affected but many of the staff were worried about the possible effect on their health. I had to call in experts to measure it all and they to took me outside into Southampton Row and showed me that the readings on the pavement were far higher that anything we were experiencing. It was just the random way the cables were attached that created the disturbed field. It obviously did me no harm as I fathered two healthy sons whilst working there. lol 😁
Moving along a few years, ago there was much debate here about keyless entry cars and one lady claimed that her Nissan affected her pacemaker and the company had to dissable the device. Despite some investigation I have never been able to discover if this was commonplace or even true.
On the same major construction site as the EHV cable in the pavement, one of the electrical switchpanels caught fire. As it was a section that housed power factor correction gear that used inductors and capacitors, it was a fair chance that the electrical supply had gone into resonance. I could not feel an effect (good job as MRI and CT scanners would be problematic), but it made the electrical engineer I was with, very uncomfortable. Sure enough, checking the values of the inductors and capacitors (capacitor values change the longer they're installed), the calculation showed it had become a resonant circuit, with zero impedance at the point of resonance. It wasn't me being clever. At home I was designing tone circuits for my guitar, and I wound the inductors to suit.
IPhone 13 Pro Max, husband iphone 14 plus. Pm leaflet says keep at least 6” away and do not hold to left ear, other than that usual about induction hobs, airports etc xx
I am aware of the dos and don’ts. What I was surprised at and thought I would share with people is the fact that Apple does not really make the information about the magnet available. It is strong enough to hold your car keys. FYI I just think there should be consideration for people with heart devices. They put warning labels on everything else. Why not this? Perhaps a peel off sticker on the back of the phone where the magnet is.
It is not a just a case. It is the actual phone. I will be putting it in a case anyway, and they sell them with protection. I was impressed at the fact that this new phone is very well-made. It is heavy metal. The phone I just got rid of was the SE and felt flimsy compared to this one.
Cool, mine is the 13 Pro, and is not mag, but has an available mag case with card slots, but I really have no need for it. My license, insurance, debit and credit cards are already entered into my Apple Wallet, Never even thought about the possible issues with pacemakers.
I never thought of it either and it’s not just the case I will be placing it in a case anyway so that should block it. It’s just surprising that with so many people with heart issues and different types of devices that they would not address this to consumers.
Ya, seems odd to me as well, but I’m sure there is much info on the Apple FAQ site about these concerns. I highly doubt a massive company like Apple would miss a critical and obvious detail.
the magnet I speak of is fairly large in the center of the back of the phone strong enough to hold a set of keys I guess. Amazon and others sell cases that can block it. It covers a large enough area that it is a bit hard to avoid. Unless you have something on top of it. I have no doubt there are magnets everywhere around us but this being so popular just seemed odd that there is, nothing mentioned unless it’s in small print somewhere. Because I have a new pacemaker obviously I’m paying more attention to things I never would have before but I certainly don’t see any type of warning on the box about this device.
Sorry I’m not getting into politics here talk to your president about selling out to China. Everything is smoke and mirrors to the point who knows where things come from. I found the two tin cans and a piece of string don’t really work for communication bye-bye now.
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