Backup mode

I am 79 years old. I have had a pacemaker for almost 20 years. In my younger days, I had two replacements without difficulty. On Sept 17th, I visited my cardiologist. He said that I had two years on my pacemaker. I am 100 dependent. In less that a month, I was in backup mode and didn't know it, In all my visits I was never told about backup mode. I wasted three weeks before finally realizing it was my pacemaker. I was told that you have 3 months on on backup. It will be two more weeks before I get a replacement. I feel like due to my age, I am expendable. I have a medtronic dual chamber. Although in backup the top is not working. My concern is AF, which I have shown sign of having.

2 Comments

Backup mode

by Good Dog - 2015-11-12 07:11:06

I just went through what you are experiencing. I also have a medtronic dual chamber. You are correct in that it is pacing only the Ventricle. It is in VVI mode (Ventricle paced, ventricle sensed; pacing inhibited if beat sensed).
As such, I felt terrible while in this mode. However, as they told me; you are safe.
You are not expendable and you should't feel that way! You should at least try to push them to do the replacement sooner. I didn't have any luck, because my doc was out-of-town. I had to wait a week.The replacement is a piece of cake and I felt like a new man when I received it.
I wish you the very best!

Sincerely,

Dave

backup mode

by Musicheart - 2015-11-17 01:11:01

Be strong and positive! I just went thru it and with them getting the wrong length of time left also. I did change brand of pacemaker from the medtronic this time for other reasons and am a LOT happier with what they are telling me about how it goes out of battery power. I was dependent on mine and it not only went into battery saver but was not working correctly. By the time the ambulance got me to the hospital I had a pulse rate under 20. If you are not having major complications, you should be okay. Just stay positive but be proactive.

You know you're wired when...

Your old device becomes a paper weight for your desk.

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