Change of Batteries

I was told at my last reading that batteries are getting low. Is the changing of batteries a big deal? What kind of recovery? I have a Lawn Care Svc....will I be limited in working?

5 Comments

Piece of Cake

by TwoCents - 2008-04-15 04:04:48

Howdy, howdie--Sorry I couldn't resist. My experience with a "battery change" was pretty uneventful. First of all the whole unit is changed out, not just a "battery". The leads are left alone unless a problem is encountered. Generally, provided there's no unusual circumstances, an incision is made where your original incision was made and the old unit is removed and the new unit plopped in. I was aware during the procedure and other than the antiseptic solution being darned cold I'd have to say I was pretty comfortable. Generally, the whole thing takes only a short time, the majority of the time is getting you prepped. You will be a little sore afterward, but Tylenol should cover that. I took it easy for a couple of days and was back doing my treadmill thing within 4 or 5 days. I did lay off the small weights I usually use. Talk to the doc about your lawn care activities, but all in all this should be a minor inconvenience. Best to you--Two Cents

Batteries included...

by Swedeheart - 2008-04-15 05:04:49

Hello TwoCents,

I am a newbie to the pacemaker world, on day 51 since implant. So I do not have personal experience with replacement yet. I have read several responses to topics about it however. I think for most folks replacing the pacemaker goes fairly well and isn't quite as hard on one's body as the first time around.

The considerations are the leads... and if they are still in good shape. Lead replacement is much more technical and takes longer. The only thing I have read about the PM replacement that is of any concern is that the general infection rate is slightly higher as a rule so the "risk" factor is up a few percent for that. Otherwise I think your work/movement will be determined by what your doctor says.

Good luck on your replacement ~ the good news is the newer PM's have much better technology and usually can provide you with more options and information.

Let us know how it goes for you! We'd all be interested.

Swedeheart

A couple of things to ask

by ElectricFrank - 2008-04-15 11:04:19

There a couple of things that I would check out with the doc.
Since you received your first pacer there have been some major improvements in them. Depending on the reason you have the pacer one of the new ones might have some features that would be helpful
The other which seems to be a contradiction to what I just said is to ask about the settings that will be used in the new pacer. One of the problems that often occurs is that the new pacer is left with the default settings from the factory. There is some justification for this with the first pacer when they don't have much to go on, but since yours has apparently been working well for you it would seem they should start with the same settings in the replacement. There have been several recent posts where the new pacer hasn't worked as well as the old one. When they complain the doc says to give it some time.
It is much easier to deal with the issue before the surgery than after.

frank

No prob

by uvagershwin - 2008-04-16 02:04:55

Hey, battery changes for me have not been a problem, so I hope yours goes fine!

Battery Replacement

by maryanne - 2008-04-26 03:04:15

Hi Howdie.....

Well I have had 4 replacements....my last one was a bit off an issue...but generally they are not...the procedure itself is very quick....a tad uncomfortable but quick. You should talk to your doctor about your level of activity post insertion...if you have to do heavy lifting....they say 6 weeks...that is because it takes the muscle and tissue that long to heal.....but talk to your doctor...tell him what it is you do...and what he suggests....I am an RN and was instructed not to life anything on my PM side for at least a week and then gradually increase the weight....so it's not the replacement that is the issue it's how long you need to recover and only you and your doctor know that based on your lifestyle. Good luck!!!

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A pacemaker completely solved my problem. In fact, it was implanted just 7 weeks ago and I ran a race today, placed first in my age group.