Advice on Low Battery -

Just read a few older posts on this and am promptly freaking out. In December, doc said 3-6 months left - I had a bunch of other issues and somehow I don't have an appointment with the surgeon till the very end of April. The doc that checks me regularly (they are both electro guys - but HMO does not pay for the one who put current PM in, and I am total wuss about even having it checked. Now, for about a month, I just feel off - in a before-PM-kinda-way. Shortness of breath, fullness in chest, dizzy, very tired. Do I pay a lot and see the doc I know and trust as soon as he can see me, or bug the guy I never met just just deal? From all I have read on here, I think it is probably already in safe mode, yes? Thoughts, please and thank you - :)

5 Comments

Thanks :)

by cody1975 - 2015-03-22 11:03:02

I think I will call them both tomorrow, and see what they can do. They actually trained at the same place, and I am hoping they can talk. I hear the new guy has an awesome bedside manner, which I, wuss that I am, need :)
I so appreciate your comment, thank you!

Short-timer

by norskie - 2015-03-22 11:03:16

I am also a short-timer with issues and can not have the new one replaced by the original cardiologist. However replacing the PM is a relatively simply procedure assuming the wires are fine. I suggest you meet with the new cardiologist and soon. If you feel so uncomfortable with him, then go for the one who put it in and pay the extra money.

You will probably find the new cardio to be efficient, competent, and as concerned as your original. However, do not put it off! You do not want the battery to fizzle out!!

Go...now!! That's my thoughts!!

Norski

You guys rock!

by cody1975 - 2015-03-23 02:03:47

This is so awesome to hear other people's stories. I totally get the misdiagnosis thing and the needing to advocate for yourself and being on your own thing.

It took four years of monitors to catch anything (a-fib, 16 second pause - sick sinus syndrome) - but after three trips to the ER in one week they put me in a psyche unit.

The doc who has been following me and put in PM #2 is the best, I adore him. He always checks it himself, doesn't charge me, but made it clear for years I needed to get on finding a surgeon. He actually recommended the one I am seeing, but all the same: terrified.

This morning, I called his office and he is out of the country, I'm waiting for a call back from him nurse, who knows me. SO, I sucked it up and called the new doc, who is out on maternity leave! His office said it would be fine until I came in, how she'd know I have no clue since they've never seen me.

I, too, am a great advocate for everyone but me. I tend to not discuss medical issues with any friends (fear of annoying them, I have tons of medical crap and they have lives). I do feel really alone. ...

Multiple Doctors

by Janenotarzan - 2015-03-23 11:03:55

Hi Cody! I have only had a PM for 6+ weeks, but I can still relate to your situation and offer advice & empathy. I had my first arrhythmia in 1974,became a military wife in 1980, was misdiagnosed with anxiety and panic issues, and was not diagnosed with electrical-conduction heart issues (PSVTs) until 1989. Even then, Electrophysiology was a new branch of cardiology, widespread U.S. ablations were in the future, and the only "fix" for me was the beta-blocker Inderal. UGGHHH!

Fast forward to 1993: Husband out of military & a Federal employee. New doctors in a new state. PSVTs life-threatening (long-lasting 240-300 bpm with occasional syncope ) and uncontrolled by medicines. One of first patients in line for ablation at new hospital EP lab in Vegas. Had successful, touchy ablation from new EP assisted by his Cali Guru then moved to Colorado 6 days later for hubhy's gov't transfer

. Scary to meet and place my trust in a new EP team for touch-up ablations in 1997. Now, years later, these Drs. have a better track record and one is more recognized in the EP community than my initial EP from Cali/Vegas. Back then, though, they were just the unknown new guys.

Through the years, I got copies from each Dr. Then gave any new Dr. Copies of my copies. They were greatful to have more than just my 'word-of-mouth claims.'Wasn't always easy to get my records to carry with me, especially with military dependent records, but I did it: When you leave/transfer/move, Dr. Offices will copy for you all records they generate, but they won't copy for you records from previous Drs. SO always keep a hard copy of everything for yourself.

Fast forward again to 2010: I switched jobs out-of-state to a company with excellent health benefits near a world-renowned EP. When my heart issues surfaced again I was ready & willing to transfer myself & my records into the care of another doctor and his support staff. Change isn't always easy, but it's often comparable to or better than our previous reality. Best of luck to you, whatever your choices
~Janenotarzan

Thanks :)

by cody1975 - 2015-03-23 12:03:08

Thank you for commenting - once upon a time I was actually a nurse, disabled now, lots of non PM issues, but I cannot think straight when it comes to this. It's just so so comforting to be reassured by people who are in the same boat --- THANK you.

You know you're wired when...

Muggers want your ICD, not your wallet.

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