Question about low battery

I was told in Feb. 07 that my battery had 9 mos. left on it. Then the tech. person cut something off that extended its life. After that I have slowly been losing strength and ablity to walk very far. I was walking 1/2 mile a day and am not able to do that anymore.

Then one month ago, I noticed that I seemed to be getting weaker and weaker. I can't walk anywhere much at all, without feeling like I am climbing Mt. Everest. Then 1 1/2 weeks ago, I went further down and have an appt. scheduled for this Friday.

Is this just a battery problem? I have not heard any "beeps" the way some people say you have to hear when battery is out could it still be out of life?

If anyone has any low battery info. it would sure ease my mind and make me a little more knowledgeable going in to the Dr. I have had this pacemaker 5 years with no complications and it has worked great. No problems.

Thanks for any help you can give. Knowledge is power and I want all I can get.

7 Comments

no

by jessie - 2007-11-07 04:11:17

i was told that the battery just doesn't stop working. if you feel badly get a hold of your dr. like right away. ifyou start feeling like before p.m. there is something wrong. do no wait go now jessie

Thanks for responding!

by NH - 2007-11-07 05:11:28

I appreciate both the responses I got and am so happy to have found this support group. I hope in the future to be able to post and help others with information.

Take care,

NH

low battery

by Susan - 2007-11-07 05:11:30

Hi NH-
This issue came up recently and I responded then and I'll be glad to share my experience again. I just had a battery change. When the battery got to the Elective Replacement Indicator mode, the pacemaker does indeed begin to conserve energy until a replacement happens. I noticed it for I had a harder time getting though my usual exercise routine. I was aware that my battery was getting low because I was having monthly checks on it but when the ERI mode kicked in, I could really tell it. In my situation, the rate responsive feature shut down thus my heart rate didn't increase upon exertion. I don't know how all brands of pacemakers handle this but I had a St. Jude model. And, even with the ERI shut down on the rate response, the battery is still good for another 3-6 months.
Susan

Hi NH,

by Gellia2 - 2007-11-07 09:11:19

Welcome to the group! My experience was similar to Susan. When I went into ERI I certainly could tell. Even going up the stairs had me out of breath. It sounds very much like what you describe. I had a Medtronic. I also was having monthly telephone checks because my pacemaker does not beep. Not all do. Have you taken your pulse to see if it is at it's lowest set rate (usually 60bpm)? This would be an ERI indication.
I'm glad you have an appointment with your doctor. It sounds as though you will need a battery replacement sooner rather than later. Best of luck to you!
Gellia

Low Battery

by NH - 2007-11-10 12:11:46

Well, again I want to say thanks for your comments on my low battery question. I went to the pacemaker Dr. yesterday and was told I was ready for a change out. I go in this Wed., 11/14 to have it done.

It was a low battery and ready to be changed and not my heart.

Just wanted to give you an update. I have a St. Jude pacemaker and have had for 5 1/2 yrs. with no probs. I asked for another St. Jude. My theory is don't mess with success.

Thanks for the support and to God for answering my prayers. The tech. told me that my Christmas wishes were going to come true, I was ready for a changeout. Improvements have been made and they now have pacemakers lasting for 15 years. He said in my case, 98% use that it would probably last 9-12 years which is a big step up for me.

Take care,
NH

Low battery still

by relax221 - 2010-10-07 08:10:59

My St Jude is still at 2.52 a year later and the doctor just told me I'll probably be good till May 2011

pacemaker change

by sfrank3 - 2013-02-11 10:02:32

I am scheduled for a pacemaker change on Wed. I also have been very tired and when I walk, I noticed that going up a small hill or up stairs, it was a real effort. Also my pm is set for 70 bpm but it only was only registering at 58-60 bpm. I have never had a change out before. Is three days too much to take off work? I am not sure what to expect. I am an RN. thank you,
Sylvia

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