Syncope Symptoms before Pacer Replacement

HI: Going through the month to month pacer check until I hit time for replacement. Starting to get some major syncope issues (burning chest, dizzyness, night sweats).

Does that mean I'm nearing replacement time?

Is this what other people felt when they went through this?

Note that I'm on an old Guidant and it's known for not being 100% accurate on battery life, thus the month to month checks.

Thanks!

8 Comments

End of life

by Tracey_E - 2014-01-02 06:01:44

It sounds like its time to replace, at least call and ask to be checked. Is your heart rate going up? Pacing at a steady rate (usually 60) is a classic sign it has switched mode.

Thanks!

by japandata - 2014-01-02 07:01:40

I had an appointment to check tomorrow (it's been going on for 8 months now).

Great advice about the heart rate. I'm still a steady 55, but it could be that the voltage has gone to a default. I get dizzy and then a burning feeling until I drink heavy on the water. Being highly hydrated really helps.

I didn't realize that the unit might reset to a default. I just thought it would shutdown logging and other nonvital tasks. My doctor just said that when it goes toward end of life that I'm going to feel really crummy. I guess he was right!

Thanks!

EOL again

by Kreth - 2014-01-02 09:01:51

The night mine went EOL I felt like my heart was a milk shake. I just took deep breathes and tried to stay calm through it. Try not to worry. I have my 2nd Nascar May 22, 2013. another 4 years until the next one. Kreth

Eol

by Tracey_E - 2014-01-02 10:01:16

It shuts down pretty much all the extras and paces at a steady rate. Good luck getting scheduled quickly. If this is your first replacement, it's super easy. I've had 4 now.

Time For PM & Battery Replacement

by SMITTY - 2014-01-02 10:01:21

Hello,

This is based on my experience when the battery on my Medtronic had to be replaced.

When the battery power reaches a certain level known as EOL (End of Life) or the PM goes into ERM (Elective Replacement Mode) or called a VVI (I don't know what that one stands for) there is enough battery power left to safely operate the PM for at least three months.

You will know when the EOL, ERM, or VVI level of battery power is reached as the PM shifts from being an on demand PM to a full time PM. As a full time PM it will make your heart beat at a constant 65 BPM, regardless of what low setting yours may have. When this happened to mine I knew it without a doubt. The low setting on my PM 80 and one morning I got up with a constant heart rate of 65 with some irregular beats thrown in for good measure. It got my attention immediately.

While it was not painful, it was very uncomfortable, enough so to cause me to call the dr. office ASAP. I was told to it was probably a low battery and to come in for a checkup. The low battery was confirmed and I was scheduled for a new PM the next day.

Good luck,

Smitty

Thanks for the EOL Advice!

by japandata - 2014-01-02 10:01:25

Thank you guys!

I've had this one for nearly 11 years, so yes, it's my first replacement. Not scared. Just another part of the adventure.

I wish they wouldn't call this "End of Life", though. Seems so morbid.

Thanks, Smitty!

by japandata - 2014-01-02 11:01:31

Wow. I just checked my heart beat and it's 65, up from my normal 55. You are right!

It feels like it going up and then down, like it's in some between phase. THAT definitely feels gross.

This is probably why I need so much water lately.

Thanks again, to everyone. A little knowledge does calm the mind.

Final Followup

by japandata - 2014-01-03 03:01:52

Thought you would like to know that I went to the doctor and nothing. The night sweats, the changes in heart rate, the dizziness -- nothing showed on the equipment. And I've still got a little battery life before I enter replacement phase.

Pacemakers definitely keep life interesting.

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Your pacemaker interferes with your electronic scale.

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