Feeling tired before box change

Does anyone here ever feel very tired or short of breath when their pacemaker battery is almost finished ?

4 Comments

EOL

by Tracey_E - 2014-03-31 01:03:19

Sounds like your pm changed modes and is in end of life mode. In this mode, it cuts back function and only gives us the bare minimum. It usually paces at a steady rate of 60 or so, so if you use it all the time you will feel it right away. Call and ask to be seen.

when to replace

by Tracey_E - 2014-03-31 07:03:20

There are two modes at the end. ERI is the first, elective replacement mode. It's fully functional at this point, compare it to the gas light coming on in the car. It lasts approx 3 months. EOL lasts approx another 3 months, but it has limited function. Instead of recording everything and responding to our every need, it paces at a steady 60 bpm. Some insurance requires EOL before they'll do the replacement.

Dizzy, sounds like you are ERI, which means it's getting low but still working fully. Have you had it interrogated to see what the chirping is and how much time is left? My dr has always managed to get mine approved by insurance before it goes EOL but some are more stubborn than others so I've always chosen my time as soon as it goes ERI. I'm on my 4th now.

Thank you :)

by pbal - 2014-04-01 06:04:00

Thank you, all of you for your replies! I knew I was getting tired very quickly but everyone, including my doctor, kept telling me that the pm will continue to pace to the full till the end and that they thought I was having a psychosomatic reaction since I knew it was nearing its' end and had to be changed. I am about to get a new one pretty soon and I can t wait now because it is very hard to go through my hectic life with the little energy I have everyday.
Dizzy, you should get yours checked right away but from my limited knowledge, I think that two years is too soon for a box change and since you say that you are feeling ok, than perhaps it is chirping for some other reason.

EOL

by MsM - 2014-04-03 12:04:18

My little buddy CRT-D started buzzing in the middle of the night last Thursday. It's been 5 years in June that I got the implant and life has been good so far and not one shock. At last check-up my EF had increased to 65%. Now, little buddy's battery is running out and I can feel a difference in how I feel, being a bit tired and a little SOB, and when I spoke to my doctor today he said that those feelings were normal, but will ask him more about it when I go see him next week. In the near future, hopefully I will qualify for some financial assistance ( missed getting insurance) and I will go for my first replacement. Hang in there pbal!

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