Pacemaker replacement

I have a Medtronic Sigma pacemaker for sick sinus implanted about 12 years back. Now the voltage is 2.63 V and battery status Ok with minimum 1 month and maximum 8 months estimated status. Should I wait for the ERI indication to come for replacement as it can give me bit longer time to prepare. The doc says can replace it now. If anyone can advise please. Thanks

2 Comments

battery life

by zawodniak2 - 2017-11-05 19:16:14

Personally, if your insurance will pay for it now, I would go for it--check with them... 

                          Rodger

when do you want to do it?

by Tracey_E - 2017-11-05 22:15:20

My doc has always let me choose. Once I waited til summer break because my parents take my kids for a few weeks. Once the battery took a last minute nose dive (bad lead that we'd been keeping an eye on) and I coincidentally ended up in the hospital for something unrelated so I asked to please have it done while I was already there. The other two times, I chose a Friday when I didn't have a lot going on the following week. There's no rush at this point so you can decide what works for you. Once it gets to ERI, in theory you have 3 months before function starts shutting down and you can feel the difference, so you have a nice cushion.

One thing not to do is fear it. Replacements are super easy, nothing at all like the first placement. 

You know you're wired when...

You’re a battery-operated lover.

Member Quotes

I am just now 40 but have had these blackouts all my life. I am thrilled with the pacer and would do it all over again.