No replacement

Has anyone asked their cardiologist NOT to replace their pacemaker battery? If so must the old battery be taken out or can it stay in the body?

5 Comments

something to keep in mind

by Tracey_E - 2014-05-01 01:05:19

For the great majority of us, even those of us who pace every beat, the pm is more about quality of life than truly keeping us alive. Before it stops completely, it's going to switch modes and pace at a steady rate of 60 for about 3 months, then it will stop pacing altogether. I'm not one who believes in dragging things out when quality of life is gone so I am not advocating replacing or trying to talk you out of your decision, just go into it with fully educated and aware of what's going to happen. Fading out sounds like a good plan but in reality it could mean years of feeling like crap. Good luck to you.

it can stay

by Tracey_E - 2014-05-01 09:05:45

No need to remove it, it can stay where it is. Are you not using it or just don't want it replaced when it goes? It's your decision, but be prepared to get some pressure from the drs.

Pressure

by ettmayr - 2014-05-01 12:05:42

Indeed my GP understands but the cardiologist wants to put in one more battery and says we can discuss this when I'm 72. He reckons I'll only live another year if I don't have it replaced. I am aware that this would hasten my demise but I've been granted nine years of quality life, have ticked off a bucket list that's involved some wonderful experiences and I'm fine with fading over and out

Living Will

by ettmayr - 2014-05-02 02:05:35

Ty for your comments. I have a living will with trusted friends holding copies. My understanding is that in SA medics have to do whatever to keep you alive and the LW only kicks in some two days later. I realise I might feel like crap for long after the PM no longer works but it's not the prognosis the cardiologist gave. Perhaps he was just trying to frighten me. I have several other heart conditions that have manifested since the PM was inserted ~ heart failure, oedema, clots in the heart, thyroid issues.

Batteries in PM

by Selwyn - 2014-05-03 12:05:55

One does not take the PM apart and replace the battery! The unit comes sealed. You should get a new PM ( technology improves over the years) unless they cannot disconnect the leads or there are other problems.

The leads are disconnect from the now drained PM ( with or without temporary external pacing ), a new PM is inserted and connected to the leads ( hopefully), otherwise you need a new PM and new leads. Often the old leads stay in place.

I believe the club has a numeric record for the number of pacing wires in one individual!

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