Battery Usage

Is it normal for battery usage to fluctuate ...I'm tested every 3 months..originally averaged 96% , then 70%, then 55%... now, 13%...Is that normal?...A little nervous...

6 Comments

If this is over 1 year ....

by MartyP - 2018-03-23 18:47:09

It doesn't seem normal to me.  What did your EP say at the last visit about the 13%?  What is the level of your pacing?

13% Pacing

by Geri - 2018-03-23 18:53:54

They said everything was normal... but we're angry that I asked for the number...

Thanks, Marty!

Some fluctuation is normal, but ...

by LondonAndy - 2018-03-23 19:27:58

It is only ever an estimate as to battery life, so some fluctuation is to be expected.  However, if their readings are correct that does seem a dramatic drop for yours, and I think worth a second opinion with a different EP. 

But don't think it will just stop!  My Medtronic is an "Ensura DR MRI EN1DR01", and I have had it about 3.5 years.  At the initial test, I asked the technician how I would know if it was running out of battery.  I am currently checked only once a year, so obviously the first step is that they would increase the frequency of checking.  But he also programmed it into "End of Life" mode - ie if the battery was close to running out, what would I feel?  He said to walk cautiously down the corridor, and I felt as if my heart was heavy.  The device can stay in that mode for months I think, and functions like rate response would not work.  He then reset it to normal operation again.

Anything else would be speculation on my part, so I won't guess and somebody else may have clearer ideas, but you are right to be concerned - just don't panic!  The fact that they didn't like you asking questions suggests to me that somebody is insecure about their pacemaker knowledge.

13% battery

by Geri - 2018-03-23 19:33:22

Thank you, Andy!

Thank you, Robin!

by Geri - 2018-03-24 07:04:23

I tend to be very sweet about everything...but I like what you said!... and will try it very soon!...

Battery Usage

by Geri - 2018-03-31 20:09:06

Well I "nicely complained" about the lack of information and politeness from my monitoring center...Will be seeing my surgeon this week and find out more..My latest usage is 14.7%...

You know you're wired when...

You can hear your heartbeat in your cell phone.

Member Quotes

I'm 35 and got my pacemaker a little over a year ago. It definitely is not a burden to me. In fact, I have more energy (which my husband enjoys), can do more things with my kids and have weight because of having the energy.