PR Replacement

My first post, as I just stumbled upon this group. I am 49 years old. I had SVT for many years in my teens,and underwent three ablasions. The last one knicked my aorta, giving me heart block. I did ok, until I was pregnant with my first baby. At 17 weeks pregnant while in church, my heart stopped and passed out. The EMT's were able to get me back and able to monitor my heart while enroute to the hospital, so they were able to see what was happening. 

I had a pacer and lead change in 2014 due to a faulty wire. I'm now at "one month" remaining on my current Medtronic. I have never heard the terms used here "elective replacement mode" so that's new to me. How would I know? I began sending monthly transmissions 2 months ago, requested by Medtronic instead of scheduled by my Dr. I was told 2 weeks ago I have one month left. I would have asked about the ERM if I knew about that. So, am I to assume my one month left is up to the ERM, or until it's depleted?

They always ask me if I"m having symptoms, but I am always unsure if I'm actually having symptoms, or if my 49 year old body I keep trying to work like its 20 just starts to revolt. My tech always seems so annoyed with me, because I call after I send a transmission. I want to know what it say, and they certainly don't call me! So, getting information from her about timeframes is slim to none.  

I am a planner, and my job gets really busy in the summer. I'm trying to have an estimate to tell my employer when I'll be out of work and for how long.

4 Comments

welcome and sorry you found us

by new to pace.... - 2024-06-13 14:55:25

While you are waiting for the others to help with your questions.  You might use the search engine on top click on what looks like a magnifing glass.   Also click on" learn" that has terms etc.

After my quartly remote transmission i call the pacemaker clinic an ask for the log events, and summary.  That tells me all i need to know.  If more is going on the cardiolgist will call me.

Do you have an EP doctor? No need for the person's name.. Have you been seening a cardiolgist at least once a year?

After you have your pacemaker replaced is much easier.   You should not be off of work.  Unless you have complications.

I am not a medical person, so these would be some of my concerns if i ever get there.

new to pace

reply

by BionicWomanCop - 2024-06-13 15:48:42

Unfortunately, my pacemaker tech is less than helpful. She won't call me after a transmission, and when I call to check it takes days if she even calls me at all. 

I am in Law enforcement, so I will likely be out of work for a few weeks. I have to be "fit for duty" and if I can't lift etc, I can't be at work. 

modes

by Tracey_E - 2024-06-13 16:20:37

Most of them have two modes at the end. In elective replacement, it's still fully functional and this lasts about 3 months. Most insurance won't cover it until it gets to this point. After that, it goes to end of service mode, which means it paces at a steady 60bpm. This also lasts about 3 months.

Usually when they say 1 month left, that means until elective replacement, so you have a 3 month cushion to get it replaced while it's still fully functional. 

If your rate is going up appropriately, odds are good you have not switched to the mode with a loss of function yet. We are safe in EOS, but it doesn't feel good if we pace a lot. 

If your leads are good and they are just switching out the device, you won't have any of the lifting restrictions you had last time. Recovery should be a lot faster this time. 

thank you

by BionicWomanCop - 2024-06-13 17:51:30

That makes sense. I am paced almost 100% of the time. When I work out, my watch indicates my heart rate is going up appropriately, so I'd assume I'm guessing I"m not to EOS. Thanks for explaining it that way!

 

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Yesterday I moved to a new place in my mind and realized how bad I felt 'before' and the difference my pacemaker has made.