Pacemaker battery replacement

I was at my EP for my check and he told me that my pacemaker has been on backup since June. We thought I would have at least 6 months left, but since I have a total heart block and am pacer dependent I have to have it replaced immediately. I had been feeling kind of run down and had SOB, but I blamed the heat. I am pretty active, a runner and swim daily, and have a houseful of kids and dogs, so I've had to push myself to get everything done. Now my family feels very guilty and wants me to just relax for the next 4 days. My thought is that I've been running like this since June so what's another 4 days. Will I or have I been putting an unnecessary strain on my heart and should I just relax until the procedure?

4 Comments

On backup

by ElectricFrank - 2011-08-06 01:08:05

My suggestion is to let your body tell you what to do. Pushing it or becoming too sedentary neither is good. Even on the safe mode you should have a 65-80 or so heart rate depending on the pacemaker.

You should recover pretty rapidly from the replacement. No need to pamper the leads. Just give the incision time to heal.

If you want to loaf around let me know and I'll change my post to tell you that is is very bad to take care of kids and dogs, and that you need to be cared for! LOL

By the way if your current pacer has been working nicely before the battery mode, tell the doc you want your new one programmed to the same settings at implant. No need to go through the tinkering with settings again.

best wishes on the replacement,

frank

I am in the same position

by janetinak - 2011-08-06 01:08:05

as AV node ablation & 100% dependent I am in Elective
Replacement since July 4th. I called PM company & have 90 days & get it done 8/23. My rate response is off & pulse stays at 70 no matter what I do so get SOB too. I am doing my routine which includes pool but now I just stretch, walk & sit on a noodle & exercise my knees (replaced) with biking. So the bottom line I would suggest is take it easy but do your life & try to not get SOB.

Curious..

by kevinuncc - 2011-08-06 01:08:15

Jane,

why is your rate response turned off? Also, what unit do you have? Thanks!

Kevin

Hi Kevin

by janetinak - 2011-08-06 03:08:29

I have a single lead Boston Scientific (Guidant) that has been in place since May 2003. As I understand it, the rate response is off so as to conserve battery for the 90 days. It really is not much of a problem for me as I am not too active (mtn climbing, running, etc) are out for me due to my arthritis. Thanks for asking.

Janet

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