Pacemaker

Anyone that has a battery replace in their pacemaker, please let me know what you went thru. I don't understand what they do to you . I know it is an out patient thing. Thank you.

6 Comments

easy

by Tracey_E - 2013-06-20 08:06:30

I've had 4 replacements now, nothing to it! If your leads are in good shape, all they do is go in the same place, pop out the device and disconnect it, test the leads, attach the new one, close. Recovery is just the incision, most of the restrictions the first time were the leads. It's all scar tissue this time, no leads to settle in, no new pocket to be sore. If I get an early appointment, I'm home fixing my own lunch. I've gone on vacation within a week twice.

Thanks everyone

by ibebkm15 - 2013-06-21 06:06:02

A different doctor will be replacing the battery because of ins., but it is going to be done as an out patient. My life on my battery is 7 years, never have had any pain at anytime, even when they first put it in. I should have about a year and half left, but I was just thinking about it and wanted to hear from other people that knew what it was like. I will ask them a lot of questions before it is done. I have been doing great since I have had it. thank you all for your comments. It helps me and gives me peace of mind.

communication

by Hope - 2013-06-21 07:06:01

Hi! Having read your bio, you have a positive, thankful attitude for living after your scare. You seem to have great confidence with the medical care you have received in the past, so please have a discussion with your particular care prior to your surgery. If info is not volunteered, then ask. It is important for your physical recovery and peace of mind. Ask about the device, the procedure, possible complications to watch for and recovery instructions. Everyone here is ready to share experiences and knowledge, but with that being said, open communication with your own medical care is necessary for optimum care and health. Hopeful Heart

Battery

by ibebkm15 - 2013-06-22 03:06:55

My doctor told me they were just going to replace the battery not the whole thing. By listening to other people it sounds like Medtronic is the best brand. Like I said before, I didn't even have pain when they put it in. But I can take a lot of pain. Sunny, you were lucky to to have the rep there. I go to Truman Hosp. in KC and I will go there to have it done, but a doctor from St. Lukes will send a doctor over to do it. At least that is the way it stands now. Everyone has gone thru more than I have. It was when they went in to check to see if I had a blockage (I didn't) I died on them for the 3rd time and that is when they put the pacemaker in. I had trouble with my heart rate for a year, one time I went into emergency and it was 240. They keep me overnight and I was fine the next day. In that year I passed out alot, but I had a cardo doctor that wasn't that good then. Things happen for a reason and with God's help I am still here. I am 68 now and single with no family, (good fiends), so I have to be alright. Anyway I don't like other people taking care of me. Being an only child I am use to it. I keep talking on, thank you for your information. Everyone has made me feel better. It will be awhile before I have to have it done, but it was on my mind and now I am at ease about it. Thank you so much and hope all of you get along great. Bonnie

2nd replacement

by sunny@heart - 2013-06-22 10:06:37

Yesterday I had my PM replaced... it was probably the easiest heart procedure I have had , either that or I am getting used to these procedures. They gave me an IV antibiotic, then some medicine to help me relax, I could feel the shots the Doc gave in the area to deaden sensation of pain , and did not feel any pain at all; I could feel the doc pushing & tugging as he removed the old pm, but not the stitching up process. And then it was over! There was a Medtronic rep in the OR to adjust the settings & test the new pm . I have some vicodin to take for pain, but it is more of a dull ache than pain. Much less traumatic than the open heart surgery to repair my mitral valve...
so glad you found this site & can learn from so many others who have been in your shoes... it helps to alleviate our fears to learn what to expect, I think!
Sunny

Replacing the battery?

by Enrique - 2013-07-11 11:07:55

I understand that they remove the pacemaker with the old batteries, and then they implant another pacemaker with fresh batteries. I never heard that they keep the old PM and put new batteries in it.

Am I wrong?

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Member Quotes

I have a well tuned pacer. I hardly know I have it. I am 76 year old, hike and camp alone in the desert. I have more energy than I have had in a long time. The only problem is my wife wants to have a knob installed so she can turn the pacer down.