Rate Response Boston Scientific S606

I have a Boston Scientific Altura 60, S606 DDDR Pacemaker instralled 29Nov 2010. Last regular interrogaiton 4/11/20. Was told I had 3  mos of battery left. What I could see of the monitor showed the battery indicator way  to the left either in the ERT or EOL range; I am not an  MD, and I could not see it well enough to be sure but it was way to the left, and the electrophysiologist said 3 mos. In April I began walking 2 - miles per day up from 1-2 miles; in June began swimming 1000 - 1,200 meters per day.

I was scheduled for a re-check August 5; a scheduler called and said they had a conflict and would have to re-schedule for September 21. I said NO, as I was concerned about EOL for battery. They then checked and said August 19. 

Well, I have had the followng symptoms, and want to know if anyone else has had a similar experience and can offer advice:

1) swimming: I can only complete 50 mtrs. at a time. First 35 or 40 feel great; then arms start to give out, then legs, then out of breath by 50. Must rest about 2 minutes, then repeat the same sequence until I have completed about 1,200 mtrs. all freestyle.(pre pacemaker used to go 3,000-3,500 or more intervals etc.).

2) Tried walking today. Felt very tired and winded from the start and my pulse rate would not go above about 55bpm walking up a slight incline. Complete 1 1/2 miles and bp was 131/65. pulse 50 bpm right at the end of the walk.

Can't get in to see MD any sooner than Aug 19 they say; does anyone know if these symptoms could be a result of the pacemaker battery life, or the settings?

Spent most of yesterday on phone with the clinic, and was told they were swamped due to Covid 19 and couldn't offer any more help. Is there any way to get an interrogation from an outside party? Help! 


1 Comments

yes

by Tracey_E - 2020-08-01 15:02:28

It sounds like you switched mode and are EOL/EOS. It'll be good like this for approx 3 months, they do not suddenly stop working. Take it easy until they can get it changed out. We are safe when this happens but when we pace a lot, it sure will slow us down. Make sure the clinic is aware you switched modes and are symptomatic. It's not an emergency, but it should get you bumped up in priority. 

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Member Quotes

My eight year old son had a pacemaker since he was 6 months old. He does very well, plays soccer, baseball, and rides his bike. I am so glad he is not ashamed of his pacemaker. He will proudly show his "battery" to anyone.