Timetable for checks for a new pacemaker

What is the normal schedule for PM interrogations when a new device has been fitted for the first time?

I know this will vary from country to country, and according to condition. I have a PM and was it checked one day after implantation, then after 4-6 weeks, then after 6 months. A good friend at another UK hospital had to wait 9 weeks to get her first check, and only then after a stream of emails and phone calls. Her PM needed adjusting because she was showing signs of PM syndrome.

Needless to say, she's switching hospitals to hopefully somewhere more organised. So has my checking schedule been over cautious, or just standard protocol and was friend's hospital rather lax in getting this first check done? I'm 100% PM dependent, she's not.

4 Comments

Difficult to answer

by IAN MC - 2012-08-26 09:08:03

Hi Sometimetmad ... like you , I am in the UK and check-up times seem to vary from hospital to hospital . The policy where I am ( Bucks ) seems to be an initial checkup after 2 weeks, then a check-up every 3 months in the first year after implant and , I believe, it changes to every 6 months in the 2nd year.

Having said that, I have a checkup whenever I want one and i've had several in my first year. I strongly recommend that you :-

i) strike up a good relationship with the EP who does the checkup
ii) get their direct telephone number
iii) get their agreement that you ring them whenever you feel that you need adjustments to the settings.

Any systems, or protocols are not adhered to if you strike up good relationships. They enjoy seeing people who have a genuine interest in their PM and its settings.

Best of luck

Ian

variety

by Tracey_E - 2012-08-26 11:08:30

Ask 10 of us, you'll get 10 answers. No two drs are alike. It's determined by your dr's preference and your insurance. I've heard of patients who didn't go back for a year. Mine was checked the next day, then a week later, then every 3 months unless something comes up in between.

All different

by jane32 - 2012-08-27 05:08:19

I had my first check the day after implant, then was due next one in 6 weeks, but it was nearly 10 weeks before I had it. Then I had another 2 checks 6 months apart and now it is yearly. I am in New Zealand where we don't have to worry about insurance as our health care is all included in our taxes. We did choose to have private healthcare when we were both working but now we are retired it is too expensive, and we still get the best care.

Near end of battery life checks

by ElectricFrank - 2012-08-27 12:08:25

Sometimes they will have the checks closer together when predicted battery life goes under 1 year.

This is where the Medtronic Care Link phone check has been great. It makes it easier and they are less reluctant to agree to a check when it doesn't require an office visit.

My schedule now is an office check yearly with phone checks every 3 months.

frank

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