EOL after only 4 years!

Hi,
Went in for a routine check on the PM and it came up EOL (end of life of device)! I've only had the device for 4 years (since 2011) and at my last check up 3 years ago (I know I should have gone on a more regular basis) the doctor said that it should last a long time because I wasn't using it much. They had to turn down the voltage because I was getting muscle spasms in my chest.
Now it looks like I need a replacement. I have an appt with a cardiologist on Thursday the 10th and I've got a lot of questions for him.
Has this happened to anyone else? Thanks for any responses, I'm new to the club.

1 Comments

EOL

by Good Dog - 2015-09-09 12:09:27

I am on my third Medtronic PM and this one has lasted almost 12 years. I am paced 95% of the time. I do know that if they turn-on all the bells and whistles, it can shorten the life of the PM dramatically.
I don't have any bells and whistles turned-on. The life of my PM's has been 8 to 12 years. Actually, the shortest life (8 yrs) could have been longer, but I elected to have it changed before the insurance companies became more like the gastapo. Now, they won't change it until they get an elective (EOL) signal from the PM. When the PM gives the signal, they tell me I can elect to have it changed anytime over a three month period. If you don't get the signal, the insurance won't pay (unless there is some other medically necessary reason to change it).
Dave

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