HELP

My pacemaker is getting ready to end it's battery life. I have a call in check up on Thursday, but yesterday I got super weak, started getting different chest pains than usual, and my chest feels heavy. And I know it sounds word but I swear I feel my own heart beat. I'm debating if I should just wait until tomorrow to call in or go to the ER today. I've had a couple false alarms and I really don't want this to be an another false alarm and have to pay for an ER visit. Any advice?

3 Comments

? but I am new here

by wjs1954 - 2014-02-09 04:02:28

I would think doctor must have emergency number or 911, do you really want to chance it for $$?

Do you really ...

by donr - 2014-02-09 08:02:12

...have to pay for false alarms? That is about as chintzy as you can get! That makes it YOUR responsibility to determine what is wrong w/ you.

What kind of false alarms? Exactly like this?

The stress of the fear of being a false alarm does NOT help your situation.

You have to make the decision, but it really sounds like an ER type thing.

Don

It's okay!

by cheshirealice - 2014-02-10 03:02:09

I was told I had about 6 months until my pacemaker ran out of battery. I scheduled my appt for 6 months later and when I came in they said it had died 3 months earlier! It had never alarmed or vibrated like they said it would. Whhhhhat???

So here's the deal, your "main battery" will run out of juice and then there is a back up battery that will last, guaranteed by the manufacturer, 3 months. I noticed when my main battery died because the back up will automatically pace you at a higher rate which is intended to make you notice it. (I went from 50 to 65bpm) So yes, if you feel like you can feel it that might be the reason why. Don't panic, it's okay but you do need to go get checked and schedule your next replacement!

Best of luck,
Erica

You know you're wired when...

Your device makes you win at the slot machines.

Member Quotes

This is my second Christmas with my pacemaker and I am so happy to be with my family.