Pacemaker check update

I just had my 6 week pacemaker check.

Battery life predicted: 2.3 years. Pacing in my left ventricle 30% of the time.  And the device is struggling with autocapture so is using a higher voltage than it needs.

Autocapture turned off and capture level set manually. Interval between the atria beating and the ventricle being paced extended to allow more time for a natural beat. 'Better for your heart if you're pacing less as well as for the battery.' Battery life now predicted: 8 years.

No phone app for my model of pacemaker. 'Turn the monitor off if you like and do a manual transmission if you're concerned about any symptoms. It will only transmit once a year unless it detects something unexpected, and we're  going to see you once a year anyway.' Apparently it would be 18 months but the transplant team across the corridor will want to see me at least annually and the device team are happy to schedule me around the transplant team's diary.

So, all.good.

 

 

3 Comments

Amazing update

by Gemita - 2023-09-05 06:30:44

Hello Atiras, thank you so much for the update.  Who would ever think we are reading the Update of a heart transplant patient when we read comments like “Turn the monitor off if you like and do a manual transmission if you're concerned about any symptoms. It will only transmit once a year unless it detects something unexpected, and we're  going to see you once a year anyway”.  That sounds more than good to me, doesn’t it to you?  Wonderful results, so far.

I note that they are giving your own heart (did I just say your “own” heart) more time to beat without intervening with pacing to strengthen your new heart and prolong battery life.

Please take good care Atiras and I send my very best wishes as always 

My own heart

by atiras - 2023-09-05 07:51:43

Gemita, I do think of it as my own heart now. It's as much part of me as my old one was -- and much more use :) 

You’re amazing 🤩

by Lavender - 2023-09-05 21:31:38

I only have a pacemaker. I don't have a whole new heart. Reading your back story on your bio makes me know what an incredible person you are! You've been through so much! I'm astounded that you only need yearly checks. 
What a journey!!

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I just want to share about the quality of life after my pacemaker, and hopefully increase awareness that lifestyles do not have to be drastically modified just because we are pacemaker recipients.