Pacemaker setting changes

Just got back from my annual check up. (I do carelink on a quarterly basis). Have had my pacemaker since October 2013. I think the Doc was somewhat surprised today that my battery life is showing 3.5 years. So he changed the voltage in one of the leads which seemed to be using a lot of power (this particular lead is in the back of the heart and he mentioned maybe having to re-position the lead at the next battery change). He also turned off the rate-response and he lowered my pacing from 70 to 65. He did say that if any of these changes cause ANY issues, let him know immediately and he will have me back in ASAP. BTW, I have the highest respect and confidence in my doc. Question, if my battery life is at 3.5 years (down from 5.8 years at the last annual checkup) when do we start thinking about replacement? Would it be when the battery is at one year, 6 months, a year and a half? I thought I would have more time to ponder this, but 3.5 years battery life just does not seem that long right now.

Thanks,
Ron

1 Comments

Battery Replacement

by BMcIntosh - 2015-01-15 04:01:50

Insurance won't usually pay for a battery change out until it's reached ERI (Elective Replacement Indicator). The company still garrantees it for 3 months after that, so it won't go dead on you. He may have you increase your visits, or better still, keep a closer eye on you through the Carelink network.

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