3 to 6 months left on PM

Just got back from PM check and doctor told me I only have 3 to 6 months left on battery in PM. He looked a little in disbeleif because I am only pacing 15% of the time.My PM is a Duel Chamber St Jude and have had it since June of 04. I feel it should last longer and so does the doctor. He said he will not put back in a St Jude which is fine with me..Has anyone else had short life out of PMs ?
Thanks
Don

8 Comments

Another PM

by janetinak - 2007-10-09 02:10:25

My 1st (Guidant) lasted 3 yrs & current Guidant looks like it will be a 7 yr battery. I'd like to get a zipper so do not have to have stiches but oh well. Never did hear why 1st only lasted 3 yrs, possible causes included lead placement. 1st lead taken out when got 2nd & EP says he placed my single lead in the septum (middle divider) of ventricle or I may have laid some calcium deposits on tip & interfered with connection or it might have been one of the Guidan recalls. This 2nd one has been a lot less problems since day one. they had a lot of trouble adjusting the 1st one. Hope this helps.

Janet

Faulty equipment?????

by auntiesamm - 2007-10-09 03:10:03

Hi Don,

I'm quite surprised at the short battery life, too! If I were in your place I would write a very descriptive letter to St. Jude and ask them what they intend to do about it. There has to be some recourse for the patient (consumer) when this piece of high-tech equipment that is pacing only 15% of the time should last several years. I think all of us regardless of brand of device have been told something like 5-7 years, up to 10 years depending on amount it paces. Putting everything in writing, whether on paper or via email, establishes a paper trail which I am a firm believer in. It has saved my bacon a couple of times! I have a Guidant Insignia that was installed in May 2006. In August I had an interrogation and am pacing 54% in the atrium, 100% in the ventricle which it has been since day one. I had 5.9 years left on my battery. Comparatively speaking mine should have less battery left than yours does. Something just isn't right here. I believe these companies all need to be held accountable and if we don't do it it won't happen. Sorry for rambling on but this just really makes me angry. Take care of yourself and God bless you.
Sharon (So CA)

Sent e-mail St Jude

by dsparks891 - 2007-10-09 05:10:55

First of all thanks too all of your comments. I went ahead and sent an e-mail to St Jude but have not heard anything back from Tech services. I really will be shocked if they return a e-mail and address my concerns.Anyway if I hear back I will post..Take care

Don

Reply From St Jude

by dsparks891 - 2007-10-09 06:10:12

Just got off the phone with Tech Services with St Jude.They will contact my doctor and request all information settings etc from my PM. Once this is done they will decide on what if anything they will do in regards to the battery life issue.Who knows just maybe they will make some type of arrangment to not only make it right by cost reduction for new PM and look a little closer at others with the same issue of batteries not lasting over 3 to 4 years at a slow rate..

Don

me too

by jennywi - 2007-10-09 12:10:37

You know what I have a St Jude also and was told the same thing last check up. I had mine put in 07/02/04. The pacemaker tech said the batteries had a short life and most arent lasting as long as they should.

I would call St Jude and ask whats up.....I paid a total of 20 bucks for my last pacemaker (thank you Kaiser) but I would hate to have had to pay a deductable and have it turn up only lasting 3 years

Not what I wanted too hear

by dsparks891 - 2007-10-10 01:10:29

This morning around 11am Tech with St Jude Called.
He recevied records on my PM from the doctor.Ater going over the records he stated that the battery life was correct. One of the things he said doctor had lower setting at 80 and that I was pacing 15 to 20%.Also he said the PM I have is a little smaller than some of the models and so batteries are smaller thus not lasting as long. I can say for a fact I will not have another St Jude
implanted this next time around.I will go back in Janurary to have PM rechcked and then set date for replacement. Just like everything its always a catch 22 past the buck etc..

Don

Good job!

by auntiesamm - 2007-10-10 04:10:41

Hi Don, This is an example of that "squeaky-wheel" gets noticed. Keep on them; what you are doing will no doubt help others. I for one will be very anxious to hear what they say and offer you. Pat yourself on the back. Sharon

Questions...

by auntiesamm - 2007-10-12 10:10:28

Hi Again Don,

Since you are no returning for a checkup until Jan. you have lots of time to do your research into pacemakers. Leave no stone unturned. I'm sure you will get opinions from many on this forum. I believe every pacemaker manufacturer is represented including one company in India. Ask all your questions - you know they will definitely be answered here. Good luck & God bless.

Sharon

You know you're wired when...

You have a shocking personality.

Member Quotes

I finished 29th in London in 2 hours 20 minutes 30 seconds which is my fastest with or without a device so clearly it didn’t slow me down ! I had no problems apart from some slight chaffing on my scar - more Vaseline next time.