Pacing Clinic Checkups

Can anyone advise me how frequently one has to have a pacemaker clinic check up. For the past year I have had one every three months (last one May 2009) now they say it can be left for 12 months. I have had several 'episodes' since May and will probably ask to have another check up; but was just wondering if once a year is the norm.

Thanks

10 Comments

Checkup interval

by ElectricFrank - 2009-10-17 04:10:49

For the last several years I've been on 6 month office checkups with a telephone Care Link check in between.

frank

Every 6 months

by golden_snitch - 2009-10-17 05:10:25

Hi Tessy!

Here (in Germany) it's usually 3 months after implant, and then every 6 months. However, depending on the cardio or the clinic up to 12 months can still considered to be normal especially in patients who are not pacer-dependent. For ICDs it's every 3 months.

You should call your doctor whenever you have the feeling that there is something wrong with your rhythm or the pacer site. So if you have had "episodes" since May, give him a call.

Best wishes,
Inga

depends

by Tracey_E - 2009-10-17 07:10:22

What Inga said, call anytime something changes or you have an episode. I'm not sure what you're referring to by episode, but the pm will only hold a limited number of episodes in its memory so if you wait too long, it'll be gone.

I've always gone every 3 months but there are a many here who go every 6 or 12 months. My battery is getting low, so I'm going every other month now.

Episodes

by Tessy - 2009-10-17 08:10:14

I have had four episodes since May, and for one reason or another have not been able to get to the doctor. By episodes I mean very fast heart beat and also irregular heartbeat. I have a letter to go straight through for an ECG but last time I had an episode I was unable to get to the hospital.
Thanks for your replies, I will ring the Pacing clinic for an appointment on Monday. I am only on Aspirin so I probably will be put on other medication :(

Pm check

by seeker581 - 2009-10-17 09:10:12

Hello Tess
I have my pm checked every three months against possible batterie depletion.Barring any complications once a year would sound like the normal interval.The clinic would advise you if you needed more frequent check-ups.Good luck

Thanks

by Tessy - 2009-10-17 11:10:13

Thanks for all your replies. I think I will just ring the Pacing clinic for an appointment on Monday to make sure everything is being monitored and that the episodes that I have had are not threatening. My Cardiologist says I do not need to see him again. If I have any problems I am now suppose to let my GP know. Luckily here in the UK we do not have to pay for our treatment as we have the NHS, which we have already paid via National Insurance Stamps when we were in employment. It must be difficult if you have to rely on private insurance.

Hi,

by Gellia2 - 2009-10-17 11:10:15

I phone monitor every three months.

I am also supposed to go to the hospital pacemaker clinic for an interrogation and complete workup every six months, but after all this time with pacemakers (just past 34 years and had my 7th replacement July 2007!), I am a bad girl and very lax at going. As long as it's working, I'm working! :)

Your doctor should tell you the frequency you will need. My insurance company also dictates the frequency.

Best to you,
Gellia

fast

by Tracey_E - 2009-10-17 11:10:39

Your pacemaker can't stop it or slow you down when your heart goes fast on its own. It can only add extra beats- that's all it does. Irregular beats may or may not be something to check into. If they are pvc's, they're annoying but harmless and unrelated to the pm. Episodes will only show up on your pm report if it's something paced, it's not like an ekg that records every beat. Have you had a holter monitor? That's the best way to see what your heart is doing.

Have you tried a food diary? The fast/irregular beats may be related to food and over the counter medicatons. Caffeine causes episodes like that for me. Next time it happens, you might want to write down everything you've had in the past 24 hrs.

Yearly Checkups

by dlm - 2009-10-19 05:10:52

Hi Tessy

I am also in th UK and I have a check up every 12 months. I don't see the cardiologist, only the technicians. I have my pacemaker for post ablation heart block and am 100% paced in the ventricle, and have had it for 4 years.

If you cannot get an appointment with the pacing clinic, then contact your GP who should arrange one for you. It's always better to get checked out, even if it's for your own peace of mind.

Good luck

Diane

Thanks Again

by Tessy - 2009-10-19 06:10:05

Thanks TracyE I will keep a note of what I have eaten before I have an episode, did think it was coffee, so have cut right down on that, I only take Aspirin, but will now be more aware of what I eat before an episode.

ElectricFrank, We do not have a telephone Care Link in the UK that I am aware of, it would be helpful if we did.

dim Its reassuring that you go every 12 months. I have had four episodes of fast heartbeat and irregular heartbeat, since May two of them pretty nasty.

I have a new GP and have met him only twice so would be more comfortable having a Pacemaker test first then could go with result to him. Made an appointment this morning but won't be until 20 November and the receptionist said it won't be the full test, should have asked her what that meant!
Thanks for all your replies.

Teresa

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