How to tell if the battery is low

Is there anyway to tell when your battery is low? I've had mine for 9 years and have started feeling alot of extra beats and not feeling well.

6 Comments

Low PM Battery

by SMITTY - 2013-01-02 06:01:51

Hello Daisy,

Your pacemaker does not give an audible alarm when the battery gets low. When the battery power reaches certain level known as EOL (End of Life) or the PM goes into ERM (Elective Replacement Mode) or one called a VVI there is enough battery power left to safely operate the PM for at least three months.

You will know when this level of battery power is reached as the PM shifts from being an on demand PM to a full time PM. As a full time PM it will make your heart beat at a constant 65 BPM, regardless of the settings it may have. When this happened to mine (at age 80), which is also a Medtronic, I knew it without a doubt. The low setting on mine was 80 and one morning I got up with a constant heart rate of 65 with a some irregular beats thrown in for good measure. It got my attention immediately.

Fortunately for me I had read what would happens when the battery reaches EOL, ERM or VVI. While it was not painful, it was uncomfortable enough to cause me to call the dr. office ASAP. I was told to it was probably a low battery and to come in for a checkup. The low battery was confirmed and I was scheduled for a new PM the next day.

The thing is, don't be concerned about being left without a working PM because of a the battery. Our PMs have enough safety features we will not be left out in the cold without any warning the battery on your PM is reaching the end of its life.

In your case the best thing to do is see you dr.

Good luck,

Smitty

I agree with Smitty when

by janetinak - 2013-01-02 11:01:21

I was in Elective Replacement & sure was aware of it once it happened after my 8+ yrs PM did it. My EP was on vacation so I called the company (Boston Scientific) & was told for my PM I had 90 days to get it replaced. I asked what happens when it goes to End Of Life. I was told "don't want to go there". Hah! My EP's nurse called to schedule me that afternoon for an Echo & then the replacement. So didn't have to wait long at all. I am 100% paced.

Janet

thanks Smitty and Janet

by DaisyGrammy - 2013-01-03 12:01:02

I am sure that is what is happening.I have an appt on the 10th I will keep you posted.thanks so much! This will be my 1st replacement...how was yours? I an nervous!

We have a lot of posts on replacements

by janetinak - 2013-01-04 02:01:16

on here . You can look under the "Search" button on top right of this page for any topic. I am on my 3rd PM since 2000 & they keep getting better & easier. Guess it helps to have had great experiences. My 1st PM lasted only 2+ yrs due to a lead problem. My great EP was able to get that lead (single) out & put in a new PM in which lasted 8+years & was replaced a yr ago Aug. So the 1st & 2nd one were similar due to the lead replacement. The 3rd was a piece of cake. Didn't even have to stay over night on #3. Home for lunch. May you have such a great experience.

Janet

You guys are awesome

by DaisyGrammy - 2013-01-04 12:01:14

I''m quite nervous about the replacement..I know it's coming soon. I've had my pacer for 9 years so it's about time! ha. I see the doc on the 10th, this next Thursday so I'll know more then. I appreciate all of the responses and kind wishes. It helps to have information from people who have been there!!!

replacement here I come!

by DaisyGrammy - 2013-01-14 03:01:58

one check on the pacer and they said..WOW..see you on Wednesday. I guess it needs to be done soon!

You know you're wired when...

You get your device tuned-up for hot dates.

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