Is a portable heart monitor Muktzah?

amother

Wed, Nov 18 2009, 5:04 pm

My cardiologist hooked me up today to a portable heart monitor which I'm to wear for a month shock

I wear it around my neck on a lanyard, under my clothes, & there are 3 electronic leads stuck on my skin on those things they use in hospital, like for an EKG. If I get an attack I have to store the info by pressing a button & then phoning it through to the technical people. I have to wear it 24/7.

My DH says I can't leave the house on Shabbos. I'll go insane: I go to Shul every week. IF I get an attack I could wait to phone it through till Motzoi Shabbos, but I would have to store the info so they can see what's going on.

Has anyone had this situation & asked a Shailoh? I want to be told I can wear it out the house Wink

(I know I'd have to store the info if I get pain on Shabbos.) I will ask the Rav, but I don't want to be housebound for a month. Before I get to him (he's not available right now) I just want to know if any amothers have any information.

Thanks.

amother

Wed, Nov 18 2009, 6:11 pm

My husband had a chemo pump and was allowed to leave the house no problem. Definitely ask! I'm not sure what the issue would be about leaving your house. Why would it make a difference if you stay home?
Diabetic with insulin pumps can leave their house also...

amother

Wed, Nov 18 2009, 9:06 pm

there's no eruv where we live...I'm not sure if it's considered carrying. I put a call in to the Rav but he's not available till tomorrow. It's OK, still plenty of time before Shabbos!

Rodent

Thu, Nov 19 2009, 1:44 am

I had this exact question! Mine wasn't for as long but was put on by the cardiologist on Friday afternoon and we had no eruv. I had arranged to eat out and had nothing suitable at home even. I was given a heter and allowed to go out. The rabbi did say, however, that it would have been preferable that I not if I had had the appropriate stuff at home.

Still probably better that you ask your own rabbi since you had more notice to prepare food etc.

amother

Thu, Nov 19 2009, 9:03 am

Just spoke to the Rav...he asked if it was an alarm or a monitor & said it's fine, I can go outside on Shabbos & he gave me a beautiful Bracha. Thanks, girls, for your comments.

abismommy

Thu, Nov 19 2009, 9:18 am

Glad it will work for you, and I hope your dr. gets to the bottom of the problem.
Just as an aside, I have a friend who wears an insulin pump. She can do whatever she needs to on Shabbos with the pump & her blood glucose monitor but for the rest of the family, unless it's an emergency, these items are muktzah and they are off-limits.
Refuah Sheleima!!