Interest in the changed life

Am facing the inevitable soon - is there any data on how long a pacemaker will last?
The usual brief but aggravating lightheadedness has returned & I will be facing the Cardiologist later this month with the decision to proceed with the implant. A second opinion informed me that my difficulty was Sleep Apnea related - the Sleep center at the VA found no reason for further testing & sent a foam wedge to elevate my sleep position... had to DC the same as it was most uncomfortable & added "0" to my rest.
Is there still any reason to hold off with this implant - I am 72 with 35+ #s lost this past year & still exercising regularly every other day for 1-2hrs - my diet is sodium free (for the most part) & I work full time as a Counselor.
Any suggestions will be appreciated.
dgschlae

2 Comments

I guess I understand your question

by janetinak - 2013-08-06 02:08:11

you want to know how long a PM lasts, right? I think it is very individual depending on settings & how much you are paced. You might look under the "Search" button on top right of this page for previous discussions. My experience is that my 1st PM had a lead problem & only lasted 2.5 yrs. My last one lasted 8.5 yrs. My current one I got in Aug 2011 & has 5+ yrs left. That is a generalization that techs can read on the computer. I was told that for a few yrs & then slowly started to go down in time. I am paced 100% & have been since I got my 1st PM. Hope that helps.

Am sure that others will share their experience. Good luck with your decision. One thing I'd like to add is that I am sooo glad I got my 1st PM as I felt lousey before I got the PM.

Janet

Confidence building

by dgschlae - 2013-08-09 10:08:17

My last Dr visit was unsettling as the office manager took me aside to determine my commitment to services with him... Had just finished a 2nd opinion & now, the Cardiologist takes issue with the purpose stated as "continuity of care" though it should have been "2nd opinion" - Dr appeared to hold his professional stance despite my bewilderment re a possible dismissal from his practice.
I had anticipated scheduling PM implantation despite the 2nd opinion as their conclusion led me to a disappointing sleep study response. My Cardiologist is renown in our area & is known for his professionalism as careprovider & surgeon - I have high regard for him despite an unfortunate response by a 2nd opinion (VA). I will be armed with her summary as 2nd o... next visit, again fully intending to proceed with the PM implant ASAP, trusting nothing further rises from the summary causing further antipathy. The 2nd o... was an option mentioned by my Cardiologist apriori ... & I followed thru - the VA being quite slow in documentation does play a part in presenting a late needed summary. My visit will be T:8/27 & I would like to be there without anxiety or being the target of further misunderstanding.
Hopefully all will go well.
dgschlae

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Your pacemaker receives radio frequencies.

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