Medicare and replacement pacemaker

On Friday I will be receiving my third pacemaker. Just like the first time the remaining life of the battery determined that replacement was necessary. The major difference this time was that I was informed that my insurance, Medicare, would not cover the cost if it was changed "too early"....Therefore, I have been having it checked every 3 to 4 weeks for the past 3 months. My last check up, 3 weeks ago, I was told that it was time for a replacement. At that time, I mentioned being fatigued more often and quick. It was then I was informed the function that provides pacing to keep with increased activity will not work, and that normally the device has approximately 3 months left... I can't help but wonder what is the situation for replacement going to be like 6 years from now.....?

3 Comments

I don't know Ron

by Grateful Heart - 2014-04-30 11:04:56

It's scary and not getting better. We can only hope things will turn around in a couple of years.

Good luck on Friday. Hope you haven't been too uncomfortable these past few months.

Grateful Heart

Thanks for your comments

by ronbluewater - 2014-05-01 10:05:56

Thanks for the comments regarding my pacemaker replacement......it is truly appreciated.

I am unaware of the optional replacement mode....? I will look into that......

I could not agree more; "everyone needs to speak out". Your reply was spot on! Every paragraph...!

Regarding voter representation ..listening to needs... etc. I believe Socrates, if he was with us, could give us a thumbs up!

Pre replacement

by JDoherty - 2014-05-04 03:05:47

I appears I too was having shortness of breath & fatigue way more than normal right before the replacement was done. I didn't know that it was not pacing at optimal mode. That might explain why I felt so bad before.

You know you're wired when...

You have a high-tech ticker.

Member Quotes

I had a pacemaker when I was 11. I never once thought I wasn't a 'normal kid' nor was I ever treated differently because of it. I could do everything all my friends were doing; I just happened to have a battery attached to my heart to help it work.