Disconnecting the PM

I have had a PM for 2 years now and am still having issues with it, every setting is good for a few months and then it acts up again.
Recently, it starting pacing on its own, even when I was just relaxing. Luckily it did its dance when I was in for my check up and they saw it all on the screen... I had not been able to explain to the doctor what was happening, but knew it was not normal.
After couple of calls to the company, with no response, and being 4pm, my Cardiologist had left for the day, since the RN unable to figure out the reason for the trigger, we decided to disconnect the PM, as she was not able to stop it from pacing.
BTW, I dont use the PM, as per charts, I have used less than 1% in last 2 years.
I am curious, has anybody less disconnected or removed the PM and if so, what are the pro and cons???
would apprecial any feedback.
Bombay gal

4 Comments

Removal

by ebfox - 2012-12-21 10:12:15

Hi Bombay,

I had mine removed on 10/31; my original need was due to thorascopic maze surgery, my sinus node was non-operational for about 14 days. It came back to life and I ended up having the pacer for a little over 10 months, however it was not pacing me for at least 5 months prior to removal.

You need to talk to your EP- if the darn thing has something wrong with it, that needs to be fixed (do you have Rate Response turned off?)

If indeed you have no need for it, I have read that some people turn it off and leave it in (thinking that they will need it again at some point). My EP did not want to do that, he said it's either on or out-

Less than 1% in 2 years, I believe I would try to get him to remove it-

Best of luck and happy holidays,

EB

Get another EP

by ElectricFrank - 2012-12-23 01:12:22

The either IN or OUT statement is simply an indication of his stubborness rather that medical knowledge. It makes a lot of sense to keep it implanted and off for a while to see how you make out.

Even with less than 1% useage you could still need pacing. All you need is to have a 1 minute burst of brady for instance to pass out. If this 1 minute only happens once/ month or so it could be shown as less than 1%. I hope I'm making sense.

Of course there is the extra $$$ the EP would make if it was necessary to install one again.

frank

_Pacemaker removal

by doucettemary - 2012-12-27 11:12:22

I to was told by my cardiologist that since I don't use my pacemaker that when my battery needs changing he will remove the pacemaker; but leave the leads. I have complete heartblock. I had problems when I had to have t he pacemaker removed and put on the other side. I am concerned about having it done but as it is down the road I will wait and see

thanks...

by bombay gal - 2013-01-06 03:01:11

Thank you, all.
ElectricFrank, you make complete sense.
Actually, you were the first person with the sugestion to increase my limits when I had the the implant 2 yrs ago and was having a hard time adjusting to it.
and you are still guiding me,thank you and God Bless you, dont know how I would have coped without you all.
the doctors are not much help, as we all know.

You know you're wired when...

You take technology to heart.

Member Quotes

I am 100% pacemaker dependant and have been all my life. I try not to think about how a little metal box keeps me alive - it would drive me crazy. So I lead a very active life.