Most Recent Messages in Batteries & Leads

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Medtronic PM "safe mode"

My history: 16 yrs ago I had a couple blackout episodes after strange deja vu-like sensations, one in hospital ER, where it was discovered that my heart slowed down then stopped for up to 10 seconds, before restarting. Doctors never gave me a reason why. Of course they insisted I have a PM implanted to keep myself conscious if another episode hit. So they implanted a Medtronic Sigma 300 DR and set the low rate for 50bpm, and 40 when sleeping. It's been great for all these years, and I'...

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Leads twitching above PM. Thoughts?

Hi PM friends!

The leads above my PM (under my collarbone) have been twitching off and on for the past few months. I'm thin so this is easily seen (and felt!)  It's not a shock-type sensation, more like an eye twitch.  I took a video with my phone to show my EP, who said "it's just a muscle twitch."  I sorta already figured that out, but I'm wondering what might be causing it.  Any ideas out there? (Got my Medtronic dual chamber for 3d degre...

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Pacemaker and lead replacement

I received my first pacemaker on May 1, 2010 after being diagnosed with a 3rd degree AV block.  September 2015, my pacemaker reached its end of life and required replacement.  About 6 months after the replacement an issue developed where my pectoral muscle over my pacemaker started to beat like a heartbeat, around 10 beats then stop.  This was happening maybe once or twice a day.  I told the Dr. of what was happening and he just thought it was just a minor muscle spas...

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3rd surgery. In 1 month

 I have my pacemaker implanted January 26 because my heart stopped. At my two week check up it was determined that my ventricular lead was not functioning properly. So I had to have another surgery and they replaced the lead with a new one and adjusted the atrial lead.  Two days after that surgery my heart was beating all over in my chest went to the doctor and it's determined the atrial lead doesn't work. So tomorrow I will be having my third surgery in one month!...

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faulty lead

Has anyone had a lead go bad?  I just found out, a lead in my PM may need to be replaced, or, more likely have another one inserted.  I got my PM and leads (duel) in 2009, so it is well implanted in the heart wall.

 

Thank you

 

Anthony Bowler

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Ive had so many pacemakers Ive lost count

Hi all, 

Im 57 years old and had my first pacemaker implanted at age 15 (in 1975) due to 3rd degree congenital Heart Block, so I basically didnt beat much faster than 50 and that was pushing it...  The day my pulse dropped to 19beats they figured it was time to do something about it...  Fortunately by then you didnt have to carry your pacemaker around like a suitcase and they had reduced the size from a tobacco tin to a pretty hefty paperweight with 4 watch batteries in i...

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HOME JUST NOW

HAD MY REPLACEMENT 3 LEAD P.M. TO DEAL WITH CONGESTIVE HEART DISEASE. IF MY LEVELS IMPROVE MAY NOT NEED DEFIB RIGHT NOW.ONE THING,,, I RECEIVED FENTANYL AND HAD A HORRID REACTION.THAT' S ONE DRUG I WILL NEVER HAVE AGAIN. SO RESTING UP FOR A FEW DAYS JESSIE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

&nbs...

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How do you know?

Okay, I have been reading these posts about lead displacement...how do you know if your lead gets displaced?  I am only three weeks out, but was told last week I could resume "normal activity",  which I assumed meant putting my arm over my head, and all of my other normal activities.  I haven't started working out yet though and am hoping to be able to do that this week.  However, I don't want to start working out if it increases my risk of lead displacem...

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EP needs to change lead to atria

Hello there. I had my Medtronic dual lead pacemaker implanted 7 months ago and yesterday my EP told me he needs to change the lead to the atria. My symptoms are continuing palpitations and a pounding sensation even though the voltage is at minimum.  EP would like to do this in three months at which time he will also reposition the pacemaker since it has slid down significantly.  Can anyone comment??  Thank you. 

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Movement of pacemaker and wire

I have had a pacemaker for nearly three years. It has moved and one of the wires has created a loop that is now pushing into my shoulder. The doctor wants to re position the pacemaker and fix the wire. I have 6.5 years left on the battery. Would it make sense to have the battery changed now to avoid surgery for a longer period? Also, is having a pacemaker move or having the wire stick out a common occurrence? Feeling kind of anxious. I am 68.

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soon i will receive a new p.m.

my leads are great. no need for new ones. iam having an echocardiogram to rule out any muscle issues.if i am good i will get the same type of p.m.if invovlement of muscles i will need both sides of heart paced. nice dr young and up on the latest..jessie

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Giving Credit

I had lead replacement on Thurs, the 19th. at the Cleveland Clinic.  The next time I have  need of a  pacemaker or any heart related procedure, I know the way to Cleveland.

The time in the O R was about 4 hrs.  Most of this was getting me ready in case something went wrong.  The Cleveland Clinic has been #1 for heart procedures for 22 years.

There were some complications that the team took in stride.  I am very grateful to this hospital.

 <...

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revision of left ventricle lead-3rd time

Due to my anatomy (few and very small tributaries) , it is hard to get a good placement for my left ventricle lead. I have had a pacemaker pocket infection 1 year ago, finally the "hole" of where the infection was has been covered via plastic surgery 7 months ago. My left lead dislodged 2 weeks post surgery last time. I usually work full time and was back to work 3 weeks post. This will be the 3rd time I have had this complication. My doctor usually places a 3 week off work ( I...

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Battery replacement for the Consulta CRT-D Defibrillator

Hi,

My device is 6-1/2 years old, and the device has just given me the characteristic warning sound (foreign ambulance sound) that it's time to replace the battery.  Today is Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017, and I will call my cardiologist tomorrow.  Does anyone know the "time-window" (following the warning) that I have before the battery runs too low?  Is the window about 30 days, approx?

Thanks!

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Battery Life

Had my first Interrogation seven weeks after implantation. At that time was told the battery was good for 8 1/2 years. I Have second degree heart block, set at 60.  Am I correct in assuming that if I stay active the pacemaker will come into use less often and last longer......or what dictates the life of the battery.  Will I be advised at each interrogation how long battery has left?

 

 

 

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Leads moving at top of PM!

Sitting watching TV, totally relaxed, and suddenly I felt my PM site twitching! Got up and looked in the mirror and sure enough, the two leads were moving back and forth at the top of the PM.  The muscle in my shoulder/under the collarbone was not moving, it was the leads themselves! I could see the entire lead going up to my collarbone like it was being pushed out against my skin.  Weird!  I'm fairly thin but in the three years I've had my PM I've never experienced...

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Battery

How long does a battery last in a pacemaker? 

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Lead stenosis, need a new wireless pacer???

Hello my fellow pacers,

Im going in for my 3rd venoplasty due to lead stenosis, any word on the new wireless pacemakers.. Thats my only hope for a future>>

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New PM and 3rd lead

Hello all, just got my PM replaced and a third lead put in on the 22nd of Dec. The new lead moved/dislodged and was making my left side of my stomach bounce. I was still in recovery and the Medtronic Tech turned it off and said it would have to be redone. I was set with my previous settings. I'm feeling good but concerned about a 3rd lead and how it's going to be fixed. My EP is so busy he can't see me until a month from my procedure and I was instructed by his staff to remov...

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Battery replacement

Hi  have had pacer for 10+ years and batt. Is getting low. Question is-- I was told at VA in August that my test showed I had 2 mo. Left on bat. Now on check on December 3 they said I had 4 mo left. Is this possible? I can understand if bat. life is based only on last mo. Use, which seems to me not a very good idea. Just getting VA to tell me what I have left was frustrating as hell! Makes me suspicious. 

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You know you're wired when...

You have a maintenance schedule just like your car.

Member Quotes

At age 20, I will be getting a pacemaker in few weeks along with an SA node ablation. This opportunity may change a five year prognosis into a normal life span! I look forward to being a little old lady with a wicked cane!