Time for a change it seems

Hi there,
It's been a long while since I've used the site for support and encouragement but, when in need, here I am again hoping that someone may help me better understand my situation.
I had a St Jude's pacemaker implanted in 2007. In December 2013 I was told the battery life was 9-15 months and that it would need checking again in three months time. I've been again today and it's down to 6-12 months battery life - as expected. I'm to go back again in three months. The staff are great and I have no complaints. I do wonder though at what point they may decide the next pacemaker is needed. How close to the wire re battery life do they go is what I am wondering? I'm pacing at 65-68% of the time for a heart block and the pacemaker is set to "kick in" when my heart goes below 50bpm.

If there is anyone out there who has been in this, or a similar, situation, I'd really value hearing of your experiences.

X

2 Comments

depends

by Tracey_E - 2014-03-11 07:03:29

Doctors vary. The give us a range because they don't know exactly what's left, just approximately. At the end, it will go into ERI, elective replacement mode, which lasts approx 3 months. Everything works normally, it's like the gas light in your car. After that is approx 3 months of EOL, end of life, which is when it cuts back extra features in order to conserve the last of the energy. During EOL,it paces at a steady rate, usually 60 bpm. Those of us with block feel this immediately. It's safe but doesn't feel good! I've always had mine changed while it was still ERI so I've been able to plan it when it was convenient. Some insurance requires EOL, some drs habitually wait for EOL.

It sounds like your usage is consistent so there's a good chance in 3 months they will tell you 3-6 months. I would pick a date at that time and do it. Try to avoid EOL if you can.

Elective replacement - ERI

by Shirley - 2014-03-15 12:03:56

I had my PM implanted in April 2008, after 3 months of having little strength to get out of bed, to complete heart block. Because I have SVP ( superior vena cava) in my lungs, my PM was done epicardial in my lower abdomen.
At my check up in Nov 2013 I was told I had >1, less than12 months left. Since I am reliant 100% & also due to its placement, I was told they would monitor me every 3 months going forward & replacement before next Nov.

I had my next check up this month (March) & was told I now have >5 months, less than 12 months from Nov 2013. I have been placed on non emergency replacement list. If it has not been done by. 3 months, I need to go back to be checked again.

I understand your concern as I feel like a gas tank that is very low on gas but the red indicator has not come on yet! They say I have nothing to worry about & I am sure they are right but I also have started many of the same systems/ conditions as I went through before getting my PM. ( dizzy spells, very weak & tired). Nobody believed me then & as I got weaker & weaker until I spent 3 months in bed, too weak to get up. I fainted a few times & my energy level went to zero.

I am so grateful for this wonderful device & have been enjoying 6 very active, happy years. I am sure that once you & I have our new battery we can relax once again.

I hope this helped knowing it seems to be the norm or at least for you & I.

You know you're wired when...

You participate in the Pacer Olympics.

Member Quotes

One week has passed and I must admit that each day I feel a little stronger.