Neurostimulator vs. Induction Cooktop

This may be a silly question, but I have to ask it in order to sleep tonight.

I've recently ordered an "induction" cooktop for our new kitchen.

It's in and ready to be delivered.  I am holding off delivery for the following reason:

My doctor has recently suggested a trial for a neurostimulator.  After trying just about everything he and I can think of to reduce my lower back pain, I am willing to give this a try.

However - I am concerned that the induction cooktop we've ordered might cause some kind of adverse reaction with the neurostimulator.  My doctor's office is closed of course, until Tuesday - but I am not sure he'd know what an induction cooktop is anyway.

So - I am hoping that I've come to the right place.

Will an induction cooktop cause an adverse effect on a neurostimulator implant?

Thank you in advance,

Boxie

This is directly from my patient manual, for the Medtronic Restore implants - page 162, to be exact:

Household items -- Most household applicances and equipment that work properly and are properly grounded will not interfere with the neurostimulation system.  The following equipment is safe, if you follow these guidelines:

*snipped irrelevant listed items*

Induction range: Keep the neurostimulator away from the burners while the burners are turned on.

On the table listing  the possible adverse effects for various categories (on page 27), it lists "momentary increase in stimulation" and "device turns off or on" as the potential effect for the household items identified on page 162.  

Hope that helps.     

Boxiebabe,

In my opinion, I think it means stay away, as in really stay away.  That's my plan, although I'd love to have an induction range! The reason I believe that is because with other things in the patient manual, it's more specific.  For example, the section addressing power tools says to keep the motor of the tool at least 4 inches from the neurostimulator; for salon hair dryers, dental equipment, and various laser treatments, it says you must turn the stimulator off and keep the equipment motor/generator at least 6 inches from the neurostimulator implant site, leads, and extensions.  But for the induction range, it says to stay away, with no specifics to compensate for being near the range when it's turned on. 

If I were in your situation, I would hold off on the range until you decide whether or not the neurostimulator is going to be a permanent part of your life.  By the time you're that far into the process, you'll be able to get more specific information from your doctor and implant representative based on where and how your permanent implant would be placed.  I have a friend that has a Boston Scientific implant and every time we go shopping together, she gets jolted by the security systems at several stores, while I never feel a thing.  Even though we both have neurostimulators and they work basically the same way, they're very individual and the seemingly small differences can have a major impact on how the implant handles external interference.   

Hope that's helpful

Post Edited (BionicWoman) : 9/1/2008 4:38:50 AM (GMT-6)

You're welcome, Boxie.  Having gone through the whole implant process, I completely understand the uncertainty.  It's an emotional rollercoaster, with the added feature of feeling blindfolded at the most inopportune times!   I've been through many surgeries and treatments and I can honestly say, the SCS was, by far, the most emotional journey because of that uncertainty and the variation among the reasons for the implant, the different brands, and different types of placement. 

Even when I was able to find a support system in my area, every time I'd ask someone a question about their implant, the answer either began or ended with "but mine is for --insert different problem or implant location-- so yours will probably be different."   There were many times I found myself laying awake in bed at night, wondering how one thing or another would effect the stimulator and many times I just wanted to grab someone and shake them while screaming "WHY CAN'T YOU JUST GIVE ME THE ANSWERS?!?!"

Of course, acting on that impulse is probably the best way to flunk the psychological exam.