3x Generator change

Hi.. I am a 29 year old female. I got my first pacemaker in 2002 at age 15. It was inserted sub pectoral Due to my age so its not in the usual site.  In 2011 I had my first generator changed and this week I had my third. I am worried about scar tissue and how much my body can handle knowing that I will continue to need generator changes for the rest of my life. I have tried to search for research/information on how many batteries has one person gone through, etc but to no avail. Does anyone have any information of this that they could share ? Thank you!

3 Comments

Scar tissue

by Tracey_E - 2017-03-17 15:47:49

Mine is buried also. When I was on #3, it started getting achy sometimes. Not bad, but after years of not knowing it was there, I could feel it. When I got #4, a plastic surgeon cleaned it up, removed scar tissue and rebuilt the pocket.  Once I healed, I didn't feel it again.  

Batteries and Leads

by LAB - 2017-03-19 23:22:25

I am 63 and had my first pacemaker when I was 13 years old. The technology in the last 50 years has been amazing! The first generators lasted only two years. I have probably had at least 12 generators. I have 5 leads, three are old and non compatable with the newer generators. Scar tissue has not been a serious problem. I have adult children and wonderful grandkids. Through the years the generators life span has continually increased..2  years,  5 years, 7 years and the one I have now is going to last 11 years! I believe they will continue to perfect and increase the life span of all pacemakers...who knows maybe even rechargable...wouldn't that be amazing!? Live each day to the fullest.

Leslie

 

50 years of pacing wow!

by RachB - 2017-04-07 04:44:49

Hi Leslie

Its really inspriring to read your posting I had a pacemacker fitted 2 weeks ago I'm 45 and have  a 17 year old daughter and it does make you think about you own mortality my grandparents lived into their 90's and I want to see my daughter get married and look after my grandchildren too.    Here's to the next 50 years and not too many battery changes then!

Thank you so much

 

Rachael

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