monitor to check pacemaker at home

Does anyone have a monitor where you check your pacemaker at home and you are connected to a monitoring site? I have one but as of yet have not had the courage to use it. It has been 3 years since my pacemaker was put in and I still fret about certain things. My pacemaker works all the time and I'm still leary of it stopping. I think, no I know, that is why I have not used this machine. The tech told me it was just to check the life of the battery, but as I read the instructions, the last step said "and now we check to make sure your pacemaker has gone back to its original settings." That scared the crap out of me to think that I could change the settings or possibly cause it to stop working. If it doesn't work, then neither do I. Any thoughts? Thanks

6 Comments

I have one too

by Paul_B65 - 2012-07-16 05:07:35

I have a medtronic monitor that sends information to my doctor. It just collects data and doesn't change anything. Only the doctor can do that. I assume yours must be the same. Mine collects data every night when I sleep and makes sure everything is ok. From time to time I transmit information just to make sure its still up and running. I wouldn't be afraid of using it, I'm sure your doctor would not have given it to you if you could change or stop your PM from working.

PJB

Pacemaker Phone Check

by donb - 2012-07-16 06:07:29

HI, I have a Medtronic Phone check every 3 months where the hospital can determine my PM's condition. Applying a good sized magnet over my PM site actuates the circuitry into a test mode which changes my heart rate. This tells them roughly what the PM's battery condtion is. If no HR change takes place it means the battery is near end of life and my PM needs replacement (SOON). I've had 4 PMs' over the last 20 years with my 2nd PM expired & I didn't even have any effect.

A few years ago I learned to live without mu PM as it eroded and had to be removed. It took 2 months for my HR to drop below 60 whiloe at rest. Actually it got into the high 20's and lots of skips & it was time for my 4th PM. I must mention I have 2nd degree electrical block & have developed Atrial-Fib over the years (inherited) . I contol this with beta blockers & my PM. I'm now 80 years old & doing well.
donb

monitor

by kiml1123 - 2012-07-16 10:07:30

Hi, I have an at home monitor, it checks every week automatically. It sends the Dr. My info, if I had any ''episodes'' or issues. I answer questions on it weekly, same questions very time.
I go every six. Months to see the '' pacemaker clinic'' and the tech checks it, adjusts it if needed . Tests it, makes it go fast. And checks the battery life. Nothing '' major''.
Really, nothing to be afraid of...
Good luck. :-)

SUPERSALE

by jessimay - 2012-07-17 10:07:22

Did you call them and ask for the M-link? I really don't want to go into office every 3 months. I can't believe this day and age digital phones don't work.

monitor

by SUPERSALE - 2012-07-17 12:07:16

i have medtronic monitor and i don't have no landline phone i bought m-link from medtronic it cost 10.99 plus tax that send all data to the doctor by using celluar phone tower i hookup my up every 3 month when doctor want it


medtronic carelink monitor it come with all dvd viedo and book to read and to use it it come with everything you need phone cord power outlet/ battery ,

medtronic send it to use on ups or fed ground


when i got my monitor i called my doctor let do a TEST
when i done with the TEST pacemaker doctor called me it went great ... i be ready for my 1st tramiterin september

M-link

by SUPERSALE - 2012-07-18 08:07:21

I Called medtronic and i asked them i have carelink home monitor i don't have no landline phone what should i need

i order m-link from medtronic it cost 10.99 per month plus tax 11.45 i want i need to check it at my home every month all i have is celluar phone .. m-link work on celluar phone tower

carelink home monitor my doctor order this for me it is free

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