Elective Replacement

I posted a few months ago, confused by something my rep said, that I would lose rate response when it switched to ERI. That didn't make a lot of sense to me and was not like my past experiences in ERI but sure enough, it switched modes and RR turned off. Some other things turned off also, but that's the only one I can feel, and then only at the gym. I found out I use rr a lot more than I thought! Working out has been quite the challenge because my rate doesn't get over 120 on my own, who knew. Getting my new one on Monday, my 5th. The new one will have a different kind of battery so should last closer to 10 years, yay!!!! I've never had one last more than 7, this one is 6 years, almost to the day.

11 Comments

Why?

by Grateful Heart - 2016-01-29 11:01:52

Why did you lose RR this time only? Is this a new feature with devices? Just wondering.

I still have my original device...a CRT-D for 7 years now....I told my EP I'm shooting for 10 years. ha ha
I don't see him often and at last visit with him, he asked me 3 times if this was my original device. (He performed the surgery and was surprised).

I'm not looking forward to replacement time since Murphy's Law tends to follow me. :-) I know you say it's easy but.....you know.

Anyway, good luck on Monday. I'm sure it will go smoothly for you.

Grateful Heart

Thinking of you

by searchingwoman - 2016-01-30 01:01:06

Tracey,
I will thinking of you on Monday sending lots of healing vibes your way. I see my cardiologist on the 10th. I anticipate my 4th replacement within in the month.
Take care...happy pacing,
Donna

David

by Tracey_E - 2016-01-30 01:01:16

I know it is two distinct modes with SJM. I thought it was with Medtronic and all the others but your ER sure sounds like what I've always thought was EOL/EOS

Knotguy, I was hoping for a built in ipod

Tracey

by IAN MC - 2016-01-30 01:01:36

Is it true that when you get your 5th pacemaker they put a zip on the incision site ?

Best of luck for Monday

Ian

Ask for the one with the latest software

by Theknotguy - 2016-01-30 01:01:53

Tracey - ask for the one with all the latest software. You know the programs for your athletics. Not to mention the latest bells and whistles. You might also ask if they've got the one you can synch up with your car.

Wishing you the best for your replacement on Monday!

Ian

by Tracey_E - 2016-01-30 03:01:17

I've been asking for a zipper since the second. Really would make it easier!

Good Luck Tracey!

by WillieG - 2016-01-30 12:01:02

Wishing you the best on Monday and hoping you do get 10 years out of your next device. Thanks for info on rate response in ERI. Fortunately I don't need it...only AV block for now. Curious as to what type of battery you will have that last so much longer. Is it still Medtronic? That is great! Wonder if all of them are lasting longer.

Take care! Wilma

Didn't know

by Good Dog - 2016-01-30 12:01:02

Tracey,
I have a Medtronic and you a St. Jude PM, so I expect that there are differences. You might remember that I was surprised when my PM locked-up at the end of October when I hit ERI. I could not believe that I would lose most functionality and it would only pace the ventricle at a constant rate of 60 bpm. I was beside myself, because I felt just horrible. I guess that isn't the case with everyone. I don't understand why, but apparently some people aren't bothered by it at all. Even the Medtronic Rep told me (while in the operating room) that while in ERI with only my ventricle being paced, that my heart is beating way out of sync. I can't believe with all the technological advances they've put in these units that they can't do better than that???
To me......it seems cruel for the PM manufacturer to do that to us. Maybe we should blame the health insurance companies (here in the U.S) for trying to drain every nickel out of the old one before allowing us to change it out.

In the past, my doc's have always made a successful argument with the insurance company to allow me to have it changed before it hit ERI. This was the first time with my 4th PM in 30 years that I hit ERI. If I don't die first, It will be the last. I will not go through that again.
Well, I know that you will feel like a new woman on Monday. So I wish you the very best till then. Hang in there!
Sincerely,
David

ER

by Tracey_E - 2016-01-30 12:01:07

Grateful Heart, I think it's new since the last time I was ERI which was 6 years ago. It went from DDDR to DDD when it switched to ER. I've never been EOL and I've never felt a change in ER before.
7 years is a LONG time for CRT,yay for you.

Wilma, it's St Judes. I don't remember but it's the make up of the battery that has changed. He said they started using the new type 4-5 years ago. I have no idea if it's just SJM or industry wide.

David, so far it hasn't switched to EOL, two more days so fingers crossed. In Oct when I went it said 3-6 months. When I went back two weeks ago, it had switched to ERI the end of Nov so I'm getting a little paranoid. It still paces ventricle as much as I need it, the only change is RR turned off so it's not giving me that extra boost when I exert. I agree, going into EOL is unnecessarily cruel to someone dependent. Knock on wood, I've never been there and hope to never be. I think a lot depends on the doctor and insurance. My insurance has never had a problem with making the change while in ERI (BS/BC).

ERI/EOL

by Good Dog - 2016-01-30 12:01:49

Tracey, I don't know if it is just inconsistent terminology, but when my PM locked-up pacing only the ventricle at a constant 60 bpm it wasn't at EOL. It was ERI. I actually looked it up on the Medtronic website to be sure. That was my point with the differences that may exist between manufacturers. That is also why I said that I thought it was cruel. The PM locks-up and none of the settings can be changed at that point. Hence; no relief until it is replaced.
That is an apparent difference (ERI/EOL) between the St. Jude and Medtronic.

In any case, it sounds like you are doing well. I too, have heard about the new batteries with longer life, but know nothing more about them.

Just think; You will be feeling great Monday afternoon eating lunch with your shiny new improved model PM.

I'll be thinking about you!

Sincerely,
David

Good Luck

by Daisho - 2016-01-30 12:01:59

Good Luck Tracey I've had my new Medtronic for 15 days now last one lasted only 4.5 years

You know you're wired when...

You can take a lickin’ and keep on tickin’.

Member Quotes

My pacemaker is intact and working great.