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

You know you're wired when...

You need to be re-booted each morning.

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