Beeping pacemaker blunder

This is a response I got from Medtronic when I inquired about beeping that woke me up at 1AM on Monday AND after a 240 mile round trip to the cardiologist ofc yesterday, at the recommendation of their nurse practitioner, I might add.

I hope this information will help those who have current models of Medtronic pacemakers avoid the frustration and embarrassment that I still fell.

"Thank you for contacting Medtronic Patient Services with your question about the Medtronic Adapta pacemaker. The Adapta pacemaker along with all other current models of Medtronic pacemakers do not have audible capabilities. This device will not beep under any circumstances."

This was a learning experience for me and for the nurse practicioner.

6 Comments

Ummm....

by Grateful Heart - 2015-01-30 12:01:04


I may be missing something.

So what was the beeping that woke you up at 1AM?

Grateful Heart

beeping pacemaker

by trish - 2015-01-30 12:01:32

mine also beeps on occasion. I also feel shock like sensation down fro pm to heart, diaphragm and L shoulder when device paces. Also have paraeslthesia Left hand and arm . Many PVC still occur even on Rythmol. All I am ever told is Pm is fine. No adjustments have been made since traumatic placement one year ago. I am just tired of complaining as it seems no one cares. I am retired RN who spent nearly 50 years as patient advocate. Seems I have no one to advocate for me and am seen as a grumpy old crab. Trish

My recommendation

by WYknitter - 2015-01-31 10:01:55

Grateful Heart, the nurse practicioner suggested the sound was:

* my cell phone - no, it is never near the bedroom at night

*. my CPAP - no, I've used it for 10+ years and I'm fully aware of all its sounds

*. something in a dream, i.e. I imagined it - hmmm, maybe, but I also heard it when I was fully awake

Thanks, AngrySparrow for the Medtronic reference. I also saw it before I was directed to go to the the cardiologist's office. I contacted Medtronic support directly after I got home from the frustrating office visit with the nurse practicioner. The response I received (in my original post) confirmed what the nurse practitioner said.

Since Medtronic support told me directly (see original post) that no current Medtronic pacemakers (no reference was given to ICDs in the response because I specifically asked about my Adapta) have the capability of beeping, I do not know now what I heard.

Personally, I recommend everyone contact the manufacturer of their device or talk to their EP or doctor directly about possible alarms or beeping that make come from their device BEFORE such an episode in order to avoid confusion and frustration.

beep

by revelation - 2015-01-31 12:01:36

A CORRECTION. They told me mine would "not vibrate"

beep

by revelation - 2015-01-31 12:01:40

I have a different device---Boston Scientific. Mine beeped when it was time to change the device out. It would beep every 6 hours on the hour until I had it changed. Mine, at times would vibrate and sometimes it gives me a little shock. They told me that the PM would vibrate. But I know what I felt and watched it under my skin. So they can sometimes do more than, I guess, the maker of the device knows it can do. I don't know. I'm just one that is blessed with one. God Bless!

To convince yourself that you are sane

by IAN MC - 2015-01-31 12:01:49

enter "beeping" in the search facility. You will find loads of posts from people whose PMs do indeed BEEP.

Perhaps we are sane and the manufacturers aren't !

Ian

You know you're wired when...

You prefer rechargeable batteries.

Member Quotes

My eight year old son had a pacemaker since he was 6 months old. He does very well, plays soccer, baseball, and rides his bike. I am so glad he is not ashamed of his pacemaker. He will proudly show his "battery" to anyone.