pacemaker change

Hi

Just wondering if anyone else here is in a similar situation to me.

I was really poorly in 2002, my heart failed and i was on ICU. Dialated Cardiomyopathy was the diagnosis i was given. Leter that year i had two ablation procedures performed but to no success. I actually ended up with burns on my back - has this happened to anyone? I then had my pacemaker fitted. I work in a hospital and see my technician around quite regularly, on thw wednesday i asked when she thought i may need my pacemaker changing and she said my type of pacemaker lasts 10 - 15 years. I had my check up the day after and was told i would need it changing in the next month. Should i be worried that my pacemaker hasnt lasted as long as most?

Also, i have a huge fear of it being changed - Does anyone know exactly what they do? Im terrified :-(

2 Comments

pacemaker change

by Dave Bishopstone - 2008-07-28 04:07:49

Hi Freshfemale,

Shouldn't worry too much - pacemaker battery life is not an exact science. I was last checked in February 2008(pacemaker seven and a half years old) battery life was then said to be fine and given the next annual appointment. Couple of weeks ago got strange sensations in heart area - had pacemaker checked and discovered a sudden battery depletion - am due to have it replaced within the next few weeks.

Changing the pacemaker is easier than initial implantation, assuming the leads are still OK, so don't get too alarmed. One tip if your settings have served you well in preceeding years, make sure they replicate them on the new pacemaker.
Good Luck

Dave

Thanks

by Freshfemale - 2008-07-28 07:07:58

Aw, thanks for that. Makes me feel a little better. Its a bit worrying that the battery can just go down like that, lol, but i work in a hospital so if anything goes wrong, im in the right place i suppose.
I think im having mine changed with in the next month. I dont know why im so nervous as i have been through alot worse when i first got poorly lol strange that i werent scared then but i am now lol typical!

Anyway, thanks for getting bk to me and good luck with your future pacemalers!

Marcia

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