Time for a new one

Hello Everyone ! Well its finally here. Got a phone check today, when I placed the magnet over pacemaker, it sounded slow. I thought something was different, I was right, nurse told me time for a new pacemaker ! So, an appointment next week. I had the "original" one for 8 years, not much usage. Originally went to Deborah Heart and Lung in New Jersey, now closer to home in North West Jersey. Anyway, how does the doctor determine what kind (brand) to put in ? Leads are already there. Also, would you go the the place that put in the pacemaker before ? My doctor left for California, so it would not be him.

3 Comments

Its That Time

by SMITTY - 2011-02-23 05:02:50

Hello,

I can tell you the answer I got when I asked Dr about the brand pacemaker he was planning to put in for my replacement. My first one was Medtronic and it lasted for 9 years. When I visited with him about the replacement I asked what brand was he going to use and he said St. Jude. I asked if I could have a Medtronic and he quickly said yes. I then asked why the change in brands and his reply "I guess the hospital gets a better deal from St. Jude." He went on to say it didn't really matter to him as all pacemakers do the same thing, just may do it a little differently, but the results will be the same.

As for where you should go, I say go wherever you are satisfied with the Dr what will do the surgery. From what I can see except in rare cases, implanting a pacemaker in one person is pretty much the same as implanting one in another person.

Good luck to you,

Smitty

new Pm

by sallybags@email.com - 2011-02-23 09:02:57

are you getting it done in Newton. I see you live right near me and I had my first one,a medtronic ,implanted 4 weeks ago.Good luck

Comments

by ElectricFrank - 2011-02-24 03:02:08

I had mine replaced in Jan this year. Since my existing Medtronic was working well, I asked for the same brand again. One advantage is that they can program the new one with the same settings as the old which saves having to go through the process of finding the best settings in a different type. I made it clear I wanted the exact same settings to start with. It worked out great.

Normally you won't need new leads so the recovery goes much faster. No concern about keeping arm below shoulder level or weight lifting restrictions. You might also discuss the options as far as anesthesia with the doc. I chose to stay totally awake with just a local shot around the site. For me it was easy and great to come out of surgery without any need for time in a recovery room.

good luck,

frank

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