pacemaker rate concern
so for a week my pacemaker that is set at 65-66 has not increased in rate when i exercise with power walking my dog and steps making me short of breath. It is 12 years old this month and im thinking i need a replacement?
I have called my cardiologist for 2 days with message and today went to my primary for this, blood work all normal and my dr sent a message to cardiologist. Am i over reacting to this issue . Obviously my cardiologist must think i'm ok.
i am changing drs regardless and have an appt in oct. Guess i won't take any strenuous walks.
3 Comments
push them
by Tracey_E - 2024-08-28 09:45:04
It sure sounds like it's at end of service and has switched modes. An electrophysiologist might be a better choice than a cardiologist. When was your last device interrogation? I would call the cardiologist office and insist on an appointment.
The time to be seen is NOW
by Gotrhythm - 2024-08-28 15:44:03
I concur with everything the others said.
My previous pacemaker lasted 12 years. Replacement was scheduled and then had to be postponed. Unfortunately during that time, it went into "end of service" mode, and did what you are describing. It did not feel good. It wasn't an emergency because at that point, replacement had been rescheduled.
You need to be seen, and seen right now. Some time is left on your pacemaker, but you don't want to push waiting for replacement until it is an emergency.
It might be well to call the new person you're going to in October, tell them what is happening and ask to be seen sooner.
You know you're wired when...
Youre officially battery-operated.
Member Quotes
99% of the time, I totally forget I even have this device.
A powerful magnet may be your best bet
by crustyg - 2024-08-28 07:26:38
Unless you have had it disabled, almost all implanted PMs etc. have a neat feature that allows anyone to determine the remaining battery life. Place a magnet over your device and it will switch to a rate that is an indication of the remaining battery life.
For example, my Boston Scientific Accolade paces at 100BPM when there's more than 1year remaining, 90BPM when less than 1year and 85BPM at explant time - when the device may well have stopped providing Rate Response. I've just tried it with two different magnets - works a treat.
Help us to help you and fill in your bio: Device Manafacturer, Model etc. (*not* serial number).
Unless you know that your device is the Extended Life (==bigger battery) 12years would be unusual. Even if you have the EF model, 12years *may* be close to replacement time, and lack of Rate Response would be a warning that your device needs to be replaced NOW.
In your shoes, once I'd established that your EP-doc isn't away, ill or dead, I'd be looking for a new EP-doc. They need to respond to your calls asking if your device might have gone into end-of-battery mode.
If you have reports from previous interrogations you should have some idea how close you are to the edge.
Best wishes.