Pacemaker shock

I have a Guidant Pulsar -Max2 -Model 1280 at 24/7 pacing 100%.
Last night while just on the couch I felt a electrical shock in the direct area of the pacemaker.Almost like a hand held buzz shock.I felt 2 more in the next five minutes not quite as severe.Felt it again about a half hour later less severe and then no more.I have 7 years going on the pacer with the same batteries.I have been feeling very weak about the last 6 months.
Boston rep says there is about a year of battery left,how can that be when I have a battery that is good for 5 years and am going on 7, and I pace all the time.
Does any of this relate to anyone else...
Thanks for any response....................

2 Comments

PM self check?

by ccmoore - 2008-11-11 03:11:03

I have a St Jude ICD, and it has a self diagnosis check every 24 hours if something is out of specs it will buzz like a cell phone or one of those restaurant ‘your table is ready buzzer/flashing lights’. The number buzzes and duration of each is adjustable. Mine is set to repeat the buzzes on 10 hour intervals.

If your device has that feature maybe something is out of specs, whatever that means. I would suggest having it checked by a tech. They should be able to tell why it buzzed.

During a ICD check the tech set off the buzzer to let me feel it. And it feels a lot like a cell phone on vibrate held to my chest.

Later,
Charlie


Buzz

by ElectricFrank - 2008-11-12 01:11:04

Sounds like you might be getting some kind of warning signal. You might call the Guidant support line and ask them.
As for battery life it is only estimated and depends on what features are turned on and the pacing voltage you are set for.
In any case it needs to be checked on soon. Your feeling weak is a sign of something.
Also, be sure to get a copy of the pre and post programing report at your next session. This is critical to keeping them honest as well as understanding your settings.

frank

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