out of time

Hi: I have a kappa 700 dr medtronic pacemaker for sick sinus. My doctor said theres only 2 months left with battery.I cant get the replacement for about 6 months. Has anyone waited to have it replaced. I have other health issues. thank you

2 Comments

batteries

by Tracey_E - 2012-06-03 04:06:17

Why can't you do it for 6 months? It's a very easy surgery.

Two months of battery life can mean a lot of things. First of all,it's an estimate which is usually a range rather than an exact date so we don't know if that's the beginning or end of the estimated time frame.

Second, there are two modes the pm goes into when the battery gets low. The first is ERI, elective replacement, which is like the gas light on your car. Everything still works normally but the light is on to let you know you're on fumes and it's time to hit the gas station. It usually stays in this mode for about 3 months.

After that, it goes to EOL, end of life, at which time the function is cut back, basically keeps you at a steady rate of 60bpm or so. It will still keep you safe but if you are dependent or have other issues, you may feel a significant difference.

You need to ask your dr what will happen in two months, and what the repercussions are of waiting 6 months. I am fully dependent with a very low underlying rate so I know I would not function well at all in EOL. I've always been careful to change it out as soon as I'm within a month or two of going into ERI. I'm on #4, btw. Did I mention replacements are super easy? If I get an early appointment, I'll be home fixing my own lunch.

battery change

by rosemarys granddaughter - 2012-06-03 07:06:20

thanks for the input. I have had this battery since 2003. Only pacing 14 % then. now pacing 45% of time because of ratedrop episodes and bradycardia. I am crazy tired lately and will call the cardiologist monday to get all the details. I try to ask many questions when im at the doctors but it seems I dont know anything compared to most of you in the club. I guess Ive got to get more info. I need a cervical spine fusion from a 2010 mva but I think I need the battery change first. also I may have a problem with my wires because I ripped them out 2 months after my initial implantation because of a skateboard collision with my teenage son. They re inserted them but Ive had lots of trouble with tachycardias ever since and trips to the er for heart attack symptoms that were related to irregular pacing. Im going to get detailed answers tomorrow. Thanks for the insight.

You know you're wired when...

Bad hair days can be blamed on your device shorting out.

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My pacemaker is intact and working great.