Replacement

Hi, I had my old Medtronic after 7 years replaced in the UK via the NHS with a Boston.
I am informed on discharge as a day patient that I do not require a check for 12 months from installation. Not even a battery check, is that the norm now for this?
Peter

4 Comments

Re: Replacement

by kmcgrath - 2012-12-12 07:12:05

Are you being monitored remotely in some fashion as with a bedside monitor connected to a phone line? I get checked at least quarterly via Medtronic's CareLink device, which reads my ICD wirelessly and transmits the device's data via modem to my EP's office on a schedule that they setup. If not being monitored in some fashion I would think the annual checkup is a bit long.

Updates to comments

by PeterG - 2012-12-13 01:12:12

Thanks for the responses. On my Medtronic I had and still have a magic box for home checkups that I sent via phone line. What surprises me is after a 6 hour visit to have the replacement I went home.A couple of days later in the post was a letter with an appointment for a years time. So the Boston replacement must be a worry free job. The only concern is that my doctor has concerns that the pocket is still leaking and last week the nurse pulled out a stitch 6 cms long that was supposed to dissolve. So I am on a course of antibiotics.
Peter

Checkups

by ElectricFrank - 2012-12-13 03:12:20

They seem to be extending the time between checkups. It may depend on what the persons condition is. With my AV Block mine is either working or I would know it.

I need to check with them after the holidays. You reminded me that I haven't heard from them in 6 months or so. Mine just hums along and doesn't complain when I climb steep hills. I wish my 82 yr old legs would do the same.

frank

Ask for one if you're not happy

by IAN MC - 2012-12-13 04:12:04

Hi Peter I guess if you were doing perfectly well with your settings and these have not been changed in your new PM then you don't need a checkup.

If you want re-assurance that the new battery is OK then ask for a checkup . I find that, here in the UK, I can get a checkup whenever I want by ringing the clinic. Tell them that you have some concerns about your new PM and I'm sure they will see you.

Best of luck

Ian

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