pacemaker "downgrade"

I recently visited a new doctor with greater experience with pacemaker monitoring than other doctors I had seen. He determined that my biventricular pacemaker was running at a minimal level, i.e. only performing the most critical functions, in order to save battery life which was critically low. Apparently the over-the-phone monitoring system did not recognize this situation and was reporting adequate battery life. Of course that was possible because the pacemaker was not fully functional. Does this make sense? Do pacemakers self-adjust in this way?

3 Comments

Low battery

by ElectricFrank - 2012-01-23 01:01:00

The pacemaker is designed to go into a mode which conserves battery life near the end (pacers end not yours).

They should be scheduling you for a replacement very soon. If not be sure to follow up.

I looked at your profile and see you received the pacer in 2005. That's in the ball park for replacement. I got mine in 2004 and had it replaced 2010.

frank

As Franks says that is

by janetinak - 2012-01-23 02:01:02

exactly what the PM does. I have had 2 replacements & was told everything shuts itself off to conserve batterly life. I also have beeen told that over the phone checks can not determine how much battery life is left. Sounds you found a good doc. I'd stick woth him & get a new PM then follow his advice about where/when the PM needs check-ups.

Janet

Battery conserves power

by cebowen - 2012-01-28 10:01:12

I recently found out my biventricular pacemaker was running in a mode to conserve battery life. What functions were shut down and which ones were continued. Would this shutdown lead to the symptom of shortness of breath after exercise, e.g. after walking up a flight of stairs. Lung function tests are ok and no significant congestive heart failure found. PET ok too.

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