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?

 

 

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

 

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

 

Hi Howdie
I just had a replacement pacemaker about a month ago and two cents is right. The prep takes longer than the replacemant itself. Taking the old pacemaker out felt like someone had their foot on my shoulder and was pulling for all they were worth(scar tissue I guess)but it wasn't painful. I blurted out "what are you doing" and in an instant they gave me more medication. It took approximately ten minutes and then bedrest for two hours and then home. Pretty much a non issue.
Good luck---you'll be fine!
Bond

 

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

 

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

 

I've had a pacemaker swapped for a pacemaker/defirillator, and I've had a defibrillator changed. When the put in the first defibrillator, they didn't get the settings right, so within a weak I received 3 massive shocks in repetition, and 3 more after I arrived at the ER in an ambulance. Something I hope you never experience. Then, after my defibrillator swap-out, my first interrogation showed something was wrong. They had to rip out the staples and tighten a nut on a lead screw. For months after receiving that PM/defib, I had dizzy spells and felt weak because they had my device locked at a pulse of 72...instead of setting in so that it would respond to exertion. The device I have now is one of those with the faulty battery and it is going down fast. I've only had the device 1.5 years and I am scheduled to get a replacement in August. Yes, my experience has been tumultuous, but since I'm what my cardiologist calls "graveyard dependent", I really don't have any choice but to play the game.

 

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!!!