Lucky Number 7

My 7th pacemaker was implanted on Monday, November 9.  The procedure went well and I'm now taking it easy at home.  My leads were good so just my device was replaced. I'm 100% dependent and have been paced since 1978.  All of my devices have been Medtronic and my lastest model is an Astra.  

My last device was 8 years old. My clinic has been following me closely for the last 6 months or so and decided to replace it when the battery life got to 3 months,  I thought they were cutting it close!  

I'm a little sore, stiff and tired.  I'm taking antibiotics to prevent infection and tylenol.  I slept well last night even if I couldnt sleep on my left side as I nortamlly do.  I went for a short walk this moring and will gradually increase my activities and hope to get back to gym in a few weeks.

I'm grateful for pacemaker technology and my cardioligy professionals.

7 Comments

Wow 7th pacemaker !

by Gemita - 2020-11-11 17:03:18

Hello Admin,

So nice to hear from you and to know that pacemaker 7 went in safely. Do they use the same site over the years or have you had any major site changes?  Has it always been plain sailing and infection free since your first implant?   I am on Medtronic number 1 and hope to have one or two more implants before my EOL!!  

I really hope the new pacemaker exceeds your expectations in terms of longevity and performance.  Does the Astra have any special features, programmes ?  

Recover well and stay infection free and enjoy your new technology

 

awesome

by dwelch - 2020-11-12 05:27:55

Im on number 5 the only way to catch up would be to swap them out faster...keep on ticking.

Follow-up info

by admin - 2020-11-12 10:24:08

My original pacemakers were implanted in my abdomen.  This was because the units were as large as a hockey puck and as a child would have been too big for my chest.  In the late1980s, my site was changed to the traditional chest location. The same site has been used since then.  Knock on wood, I have not had any complications or infection.  I did require a new ventrical lead in 2012 becasue the old one wore out.  I've been very fortuante and thanks to my pacemaker can live a "normal" life.

1978

by PacedNRunning - 2020-11-12 15:06:46

Amazing!!!!!!  I think they were invented in 1972? Something like that.  So great to hear!!

 

 

7th pacemaker!!!

by Gemita - 2020-11-13 17:18:42

That is incredible to think the same site has been opened/used since late 1980s Admin without problems. It gives me hope that when my battery fails, a new device can be placed in the same pocket without major trauma.  You have indeed been fortunate and that is really reassuring news.

glad it went well!

by Tracey_E - 2020-11-16 11:13:11

And it's always good to hear from you :o)

hey there

by robocoplady - 2020-11-30 16:52:36

hey blake way to go....because of covid i have been cancelled twicebut think i can go next monday. you might remember me as jessie god bless you and your family

You know you're wired when...

The mortgage on your device is more than your house.

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I have an ICD which is both a pacer/defib. I have no problems with mine and it has saved my life.