Places, things to avoid, can a latest pacemaker last 20 years, a doctor said so

what my doc just told me

by bluevelvetcake - 2018-07-29 18:33:37

I'm 43 and just had my 6 week check up.  He said the way I use mine now (which is less than I probably will use it as I get older) I will need probably 4 to 5 battery changes in my lifetime and probably 2 to 3 lead changes. He said the battery changes are no big deal but he dislikes lead changes as there are far greater risks. He told me that was one of the biggest drawbacks getting a PM at a younger age (and I'm stil considered younger than average) is the lead replacements. When you are 75 you probably won't ever get a lead replacement due to wear and tear.  He never mentioned I'd need a whole new pacemaker. 

Thanks bluevelvatecake

by GS - 2018-07-29 21:58:20

Thanks, I want to know if we can switch on to leadless pacemaker in future if one develops so? 

things to avoid

by Tracey_E - 2018-07-30 12:46:09

There aren't many things to avoid, live your life and don't worry about it! Big magnets closer than 6" from the pacer, that's about it. I don't do roller coasters with magnetic brakes. I've probably done anything else you can name that's questionable lol. My doctor is not at all conservative, he told me not to worry so I don't. 

I answered your leadless question on the other post. Unless technology in the leadless devices changes, probably not, but who knows. They've made amazing changes in the last 20 years, who knows what they'll come up with next! 

My newest battery is 2 years old, battery life is still 10+ years which makes me super happy.  If you ask they can tell you your expected battery life, just know that every time they change the settings, the number will change again because it's just an estimate based on the settings at the time.

I got my first in 1994 at age 27, am on my 5th now, and max life so far has been 7 years. I had one lead go bad, when that happened they had to crank up the juice to get the signal through so that battery only lasted two years. Got a new lead at the same time as the new battery. So I now have 3 leads- one original working, one original capped off, one new one. Next time one goes bad, I'm out of room so they'll extract and start over. Average lead life is 15 years but they can last many years longer than that.

They replace the whole box, not just the battery. So when we say battery change we really mean new device. 

new devices

by Tracey_E - 2018-07-30 12:50:20

Getting a new battery is super easy. Last time I was home by noon, stopped for lunch on the way, answered some work emails, then took a nap. One before that I left for vacation less than week later. While it's nice to have them last a long time, it's not all bad getting a new one because we get all the latest technology. 

Thanks, Tracey

by bluevelvetcake - 2018-07-30 16:07:31

I didn't know that about replacing the whole pacemaker when they switch out the batteries. 

I am nervous about the leads and infection. It is in the back of my mind with a bit of worry.  I'm glad people like you have gone before me and so graciously share your experiences. It does help the nerves :)

infection

by Tracey_E - 2018-07-30 17:07:05

In this world with antibiotic resistant infection strains, I think all of us have that worry in the back of our minds. However, the odds of getting an infection are very very small. 

Glad to help! There was nothing like this when I was new and terrified, so  if my experience can help ya'll adjust more quickly, I'm happy to do it. 

Thanks Tracey

by GS - 2018-07-31 00:03:43

For your answers. my average pulse has been at 46 with 36 going in night. Max went to 69 with paused of 1.7 sec when I had the pacemaker. So, can it affect my pacemaker dependency prolonging thus the battery life?

Also, there were things like I could hear my heart beats as if my heart was pulling out blood with double pressure. Then there was increased PA pressure. So, a pacemaker works there? 

Also, I want to ask about leads not functioning after some years. Like it is done in my right shoulder. Can we then shift the pacemaker to the left clavicle?

Also, the doctor said in future, I would need a single chamber pacemaker due to my heart conditions? 

GS

by Tracey_E - 2018-07-31 09:15:28

How much we pace is actually a very small part of how long the battery lasts. How much juice it takes to get the heart to respond, the bells and whistles we use, the safety margins we need, condition of the leads all have more impact than how much we pace. Pacing enough to feel good is more important than trying to eek out a little more battery life. In the grand scheme of things, a year or two one way or the other doesn't matter. There is no good or bad amount of pacing, whatever it takes to feel good. I pace every beat. 

Average lead life is 15 years. Sometimes they don't last that long, sometimes they last 20 or even 30 years. Most of us have room for at least one more so that's what I did when a lead went bad, capped off the old one and they added a new one. My other original lead (1994) is still in great shape. They can also remove and start fresh or move to the other side. 

I have no idea why you would eventually need a single chamber. You already have a dual chamber? Did he maybe say CRT, which is a 3 lead? If heart function drops, they can add a third lead so both ventricles are paced and it forces them to stay in sync which can help with function. 

Hi TraceyE, sorry

by GS - 2018-08-11 23:51:29

I have a dual chamber but my doctor said I may need a single chamber in future. I will ask my programmer to tell me where my pacemaker is headed.