Signs Please (Pacergirl)

Hi All,
just as a matter of interest... I wonder reading pacergirl's /Susie's demise (battery life) ...if the members that have had their battery changed ... would like to comment on how long their's lasted plus their % of pacing... but I do stress "a matter of interest" also did you have any symptons.
Peter.N

6 Comments

PM Battery Change

by NH - 2008-06-21 06:06:02

I will respond as I have had my PM changed out in Nov. 07.

My PM lasted from June 02 until Nov. 07 and I am paced at 99%.

I began to have some symptoms of extreme tiredness and lack of energy in Sept. 07. My EP had put me on a 2 month check-up schedule as he told me my battery would be used up by early 08.

The week before I was to go to the Dr., I felt really bad and so I called and asked to move up my appt.

I went in on a Friday and after the check was run, I was immediately scheduled for the following Wed. to have the change. It showed that my battery was completely used up and I needed an immediate change. I was sent directly from the Drs. office for my blood work and chest XRay.

When I describe the symptoms, it was just a feeling of being very tired, no energy and not able to even walk in a store without breathing very hard. I knew that something wasn't right.

I hope this helps and will provide info.

Take care,
NH

Pacer Longevity

by TwoCents - 2008-06-21 06:06:55

First one lasted 6 yrs., 9 mos. 100% paced in atrium, 40% ventricle. No symptoms as pacer was replaced when it hit Elective Replacement, because of the remoteness of where I live.

A matter of interest :-)

by pacergirl - 2008-06-22 12:06:42

Yes, maybe my pacer is in the lowest settings.... from what I have been reading it very well might be.

No worries, as I intend to call the doc on Monday morning. It could turn out that it is indeed a "matter of interest"... I'll tell him (the doc) that Peter has an inquiring mind :-) hee, hee.

Hope you have a great day Peter N. It has been a beautiful day in Kansas.

Battery lives

by Dave49042 - 2008-06-23 08:06:59

I have had 14 changes since 1971 . in the early days the old ones lasted about 18month before i had last one in 2006 the one before it lasted 9years one month and I am 100%
Dave

Battery Life

by ju - 2008-06-23 12:06:51

Hi Peter

I'm 37 and am about to be sent in for battery No.4. I'm just waiting for an appoint now. I'm gonna ask to keep this one actually, and I'm gonna make it into a pendant for a neclace. Nice talking feature don't ya think !!!!!

My batteries on average have lasted me 7.5 years. I have a dual lead pacemaker, and the %age of their usage both differs. The one leading to the bottom of my heart is only used about 15% of the time, whereas the top one is used around 60% of the time.

I've been informed by my pacing team that its the extraction of the data they are able to obtain from check ups drain a fair amount of the battery life too.

Ju

Any other Signs?

by Snix - 2012-09-12 11:09:26

So I'm at 8 years and 8 days.

Two days ago I had a severe dizzy spell that lasted for 5 or 10 minutes. Had a minor spell yesterday evening. Again lasted 5-10. Reminded me of episode that promoted getting the PM in the first place.

A couple of times in the past few months I've felt a big "thump" as though my heart stopped for a second and then slammed back on again. (I'm sure that's not what happened, but best way to describe it.) Is this maybe what people mean by "feeling" their PM pace? Or should I be more worried?

Without insurance since '08, so no check ups for me!
No lectures please, I'm well aware of the risk, but it is what it is. Just looking for others experiences.

You know you're wired when...

You have an excuse for gaining an extra ounce or two.

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.