Looking for information

I went for my annual device check and have learned my battery life is four years. I have only had my PM for 14 mos. I am 100% ventricular paced. I am not aware of what percent I am atrial paced. I have episodes of atrial tachycardia which I take Flecainide. I am a bit concerned that I have used over half of the "battery life" in little over a year. My f/u appointment w/my cardiologist is in July. Should I be concerned? The device nurse didn't seemed to be. Any input/comments would be appreciated.

1 Comments

battery life

by Tracey_E - 2015-03-06 09:03:44

Some people get 10 or more years, but the average is more like 6-7. You haven't actually used half the life. Each time it's checked, they get an estimate based on the settings at the time. Change the settings, the battery life instantly changes, sometimes drastically. Even then, it's still just a guess and not very accurate until the last year. Percentage pacing has little to do with battery life. It works all the time, whether it's pacing or not. Which bells and whistles we use, how much juice it takes to get your heart to beat, your safety margins all affect battery life.

I'm on my 4th. Once they said it would last another 12-18 months but it lasted almost 3 years. Another device they thought 6-12 months but a few weeks later it was time (a lead was bad that time, it went from bad to worse and killed the last of the battery life. that's not normal!). I've had this one 5 years, the last 2 checks have shown 12-18 months so who knows. Changes are super easy. It's nice if it lasts longer but it's no big deal if it doesn't.

Long way of saying don't sweat it! The estimated life is normal, sudden changes in estimated life are normal, changes are easy.

You know you're wired when...

You make store alarms beep.

Member Quotes

I'm 35 and got my pacemaker a little over a year ago. It definitely is not a burden to me. In fact, I have more energy (which my husband enjoys), can do more things with my kids and have weight because of having the energy.