Backup mode

I am 79 years old. I have had a pacemaker for almost 20 years. In my younger days, I had two replacements without difficulty. On Sept 17th, I visited my cardiologist. He said that I had two years on my pacemaker. I am 100 dependent. In less that a month, I was in backup mode and didn't know it, In all my visits I was never told about backup mode. I wasted three weeks before finally realizing it was my pacemaker. I was told that you have 3 months on on backup. It will be two more weeks before I get a replacement. I feel like due to my age, I am expendable. I have a medtronic dual chamber. Although in backup the top is not working. My concern is AF, which I have shown sign of having.

2 Comments

Backup mode

by Good Dog - 2015-11-12 07:11:06

I just went through what you are experiencing. I also have a medtronic dual chamber. You are correct in that it is pacing only the Ventricle. It is in VVI mode (Ventricle paced, ventricle sensed; pacing inhibited if beat sensed).
As such, I felt terrible while in this mode. However, as they told me; you are safe.
You are not expendable and you should't feel that way! You should at least try to push them to do the replacement sooner. I didn't have any luck, because my doc was out-of-town. I had to wait a week.The replacement is a piece of cake and I felt like a new man when I received it.
I wish you the very best!

Sincerely,

Dave

backup mode

by Musicheart - 2015-11-17 01:11:01

Be strong and positive! I just went thru it and with them getting the wrong length of time left also. I did change brand of pacemaker from the medtronic this time for other reasons and am a LOT happier with what they are telling me about how it goes out of battery power. I was dependent on mine and it not only went into battery saver but was not working correctly. By the time the ambulance got me to the hospital I had a pulse rate under 20. If you are not having major complications, you should be okay. Just stay positive but be proactive.

You know you're wired when...

You participate in the Pacer Olympics.

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I, too, am feeling tons better since my implant.