ICD, magic bands and rollercoasters

[ellataylor]

Hello,

I had an ICD implanted 2 months ago and we are heading to WDW in June.
We have always used Magic bands in the past but I have read the advice on the Disney website that says you should keep ICDs 9inches away from an ICD. I don’t trust myself to remember to always remember to maintain a safe distance! I was wondering what the alternative might be because even If I used my mobile I would still have to go close to the magic band scanner?

Also the manufacturer of my ICD says not to ride electromagnetic rollercoasters. Would anyone have an idea of where to find out which rides are electromagnetic? I am not keen on major rollercoasters but enjoy ones like barnstormer or SDD.

Thanks in advance

 

[lanejudy]

I don't have experience myself, but there are a few past threads that have discussed ICDs. You might find some helpful info here.

https://www.disboards.com/threads/trackless-rides-with-an-icd-s-icd.3868203/
https://www.disboards.com/threads/new-evolv-scanners-and-implants.3816772/
https://www.disboards.com/threads/wdw-and-rides-with-an-icd.3710810/
https://www.disboards.com/threads/pacemaker-safe-rides.3688453/
https://www.disboards.com/threads/disney-with-an-icd.3561001/

 

[Emmagic7]

Hello,

I had an ICD implanted 2 months ago and we are heading to WDW in June.
We have always used Magic bands in the past but I have read the advice on the Disney website that says you should keep ICDs 9inches away from an ICD. I don’t trust myself to remember to always remember to maintain a safe distance! I was wondering what the alternative might be because even If I used my mobile I would still have to go close to the magic band scanner?

Also the manufacturer of my ICD says not to ride electromagnetic rollercoasters. Would anyone have an idea of where to find out which rides are electromagnetic? I am not keen on major rollercoasters but enjoy ones like barnstormer or SDD.

Thanks in advance

I have an ICD too and I have not had a problem with the magic band. I took it off to sleep to keep it away from my shoulder and I didn’t have any issues with the rides. I didn’t ride rock n rollercoaster because it straps you down over your shoulders and I didn’t want to jostle the device.

 

[ellataylor]

Thank you so much for your replies.

I spoke to the manufacturer of my ICD who extended the distance I should stay away from the magic band and the magic band scanners to 35 inches!
But they weren’t clear on what the risks were, one person said it runs the ICD battery down and another said it can turn the ICD off. Clear as mud. I then emailed Disney‘s disability services around 2 weeks ago to see how I could avoid the scanners, but they haven’t responded. Only 19 days to our trip with no clear answers

Emmagic7, it’s really reassuring to hear that you have had no issues. Thank you.

 

[Emmagic7]

Just like an iPhone keep your magic band away from your ICD. Strong magnets over the site and radio frequencies are a no no for me. I have an I phone 13 they have strong magnets inside. I have not had any problems because I don’t lay the iPhone on my upper chest area.
As long as your heart condition permits enjoy the rides. There are groups on Facebook for people with ICDs you could join and ask others.
I am curious to see if the new magic bands have any restrictions.
I arrive in 11 days!! Enjoy your vacation!!

 

[Emmagic7]

I scan into rides with everyone else with my magic band. No issues. You might have an issue if you placed your ICD site over the scanner but no one would ever do that.

 

[MinnieMSue]

my mom told them at security to the parks and they wanded her except around where the device was. It didn't take long. I think I took her bag in through security with me. She wore the magic band but kept it away from device area too

 

[SueM in MN]

lanejudy already posted links to some past threads that should be helpful

This is what WDW says about magnetic fields on their website, about 2/3 of the way down on the Disability information . It’s not very specific, is probably what you would get from emailing Disability Services.

Magnetic Fields​

Common equipment, such as electric motors and radios, that produce electric and magnetic fields are utilized extensively throughout the world and also within our Resorts. These fields are generally no greater than you would experience in any urban environment or may be exposed to through common household appliances such as vacuum cleaners and hair dryers.
If you—or any member of your party—has questions regarding the above, you may speak with a Guest Relations Cast Member for details.

 

[ellataylor]

Thank you, thank you for everyone’s help with this. It’s all new to me, new diagnosis and sudden need for an ICD which only happened in Feb this year, having planned this trip over a year ago! I think I am probably overthinking things but it’s all been a bit of a shock. I’ve even contemplated cancelling just because it all seems quite overwhelming but on the other hand I have definitely learnt that life can be too short in the past year.

Trouble is I have a S-ICD which unlike the traditional upper chest position, has been placed under my left arm towards my back. So I am thinking it could actually come quite close to the magic band readers if they are on the left side. I have visions of having to walk backwards past the scanners!!!

my mom told them at security to the parks and they wanded her except around where the device was. It didn't take long. I think I took her bag in through security with me. She wore the magic band but kept it away from device area too

This is good to hear that they have an alternative at security check, thank you.

Just like an iPhone keep your magic band away from your ICD. Strong magnets over the site and radio frequencies are a no no for me. I have an I phone 13 they have strong magnets inside. I have not had any problems because I don’t lay the iPhone on my upper chest area.
As long as your heart condition permits enjoy the rides. There are groups on Facebook for people with ICDs you could join and ask others.
I am curious to see if the new magic bands have any restrictions.
I arrive in 11 days!! Enjoy your vacation!!

I hope you enjoy your vacation too! Nice to know there will be another fellow ICDer at WDW around the time we are there!

 

[ellataylor]

lanejudy already posted links to some past threads that should be helpful

This is what WDW says about magnetic fields on their website, about 2/3 of the way down on the Disability information . It’s not very specific, is probably what you would get from emailing Disability Services.

Magnetic Fields​

Common equipment, such as electric motors and radios, that produce electric and magnetic fields are utilized extensively throughout the world and also within our Resorts. These fields are generally no greater than you would experience in any urban environment or may be exposed to through common household appliances such as vacuum cleaners and hair dryers.
If you—or any member of your party—has questions regarding the above, you may speak with a Guest Relations Cast Member for details.

This is useful to read about the magnetic fields, it sounds as though the rides will be safe enough. Thank you!
Now I just need to get my head round the magic band scanners.

 

[Emmagic7]

Thank you, thank you for everyone’s help with this. It’s all new to me, new diagnosis and sudden need for an ICD which only happened in Feb this year, having planned this trip over a year ago! I think I am probably overthinking things but it’s all been a bit of a shock. I’ve even contemplated cancelling just because it all seems quite overwhelming but on the other hand I have definitely learnt that life can be too short in the past year.

Trouble is I have a S-ICD which unlike the traditional upper chest position, has been placed under my left arm towards my back. So I am thinking it could actually come quite close to the magic band readers if they are on the left side. I have visions of having to walk backwards past the scanners!!!

This is good to hear that they have an alternative at security check, thank you.

I hope you enjoy your vacation too! Nice to know there will be another fellow ICDer at WDW around the time we are there!

I have an ICD-a lead broke and I now also have an SICD. They left the ICD in place because I didn’t want to pull the leads out because it’s high risk and they put the SICD in. I haven’t been to Disney with the SICD but I’m not worried about the scanners they will be far enough away I’m more worried about it bumping it on the rides. I’ll have to lean more on my right side and let my arm protect the site. I hope toy also have a great trip!! I also agree, enjoy every day and live life to its fullest!

 

[Jtrem]

Your situation sounds very similar to mine. Planned our trip July 2021 and early this year had a S-ICD implanted (wishing we went last summer instead). We go in a week and still trying to figure out what rides can do. I’ve been through airport security since so know what to do about that but been getting mixed message from doctors vs Boston scientific about the new trackless rides. Remy and MMRR seem very tame but with the magnetized floor not sure if should go on or not. Has your doctors given any indication on if those ok?

 

[ellataylor]

I’m afraid I have yet to get a definitive answer as well. My dr said it should be fine, Boston Scientific say to avoid rides that use magnets, but couldn’t tell me what the risk is. I presume it’s a risk of switching the ICD off as electrophysiologists use a magnet to do this. I emailed disability services at Disney to ask which rides use EM, but 3 weeks later there is no response.

I wish I could get a clear answer one way or the other. I’m not bothered about the rollercoasters, but will be sad to miss ROTR, MMRR and Remy.

Can I ask if you are fully recovered from the surgery? I am still getting significant pain and spasms in the muscles around the device. My dr said this is normal 4 months on, but I was originally told it would only take 6 weeks!

 

[Emmagic7]

I am just at the tail end of my trip. I have a few more days to go. I have an SICD. I rode most rides that I wanted to ride including guardians of the galaxy(which is awesome).
I turned my body away from the device on the bumpy rides so I didn’t hit the device, it worked well.
At the airport I showed my Boston scientific device card and told them I had a device. The patted me down. I told them I could not have the wand used in me as it has strong magnets.
At Disney I walked briskly through the metal detectors with no problems. I just can’t linger in the metal detector.
I big ones I rode were: big thunder mountain, 7 dwarfs, guardians of the galaxy, Remy ratatouille, frozen ever after, soaring, flight of passage, Everest, kali river, tea cups, pirates of the Caribbean, rise of the resistance, slinky dog, star tours, millennium falcon smugglers run, magic carpets of Aladdin, splash mountain, Peter Pan, small world….
The ones I did not ride:
Space mountain- I’ve done it before and I didn’t love it, not smooth enough for me.
Rock n roller coaster- I still have an ICD implanted in my left shoulder area that does not work to shock me anymore but works as a pacemaker since one lead broke. I didn’t want to have pressure on the side from the seats strapping me in.
Tower of terror- I couldn’t get an early enough lightning lane or I would have done it.
Go and have fun!! Live your life to its fullest!

 

[ellataylor]

Thank you Emmagic7 for your feedback on your trip. It’s so reassuring to hear all that you have done with no issues.

The last year has definitely taught me to live life to the fullest and I am very excited to fly out tomorrow for our trip!!

I hope you have had an awesome time and made some fantastic memories