OK to skip a device check?

Annual pacemaker check

by Gemita - 2020-03-19 06:25:08

I am also in the UK.  I would firstly speak to your consultant/pacemaker clinic for guidance in your particular case.  Do you have any form of remote monitoring set up?

I believe one of the most important reasons for an annual in person follow up is to check the battery level/pacemaker function and the leads and to make sure that the current settings are still appropriate for you.  It will also give your doctor information on any abnormal heart rhythms (or concerning events) seen over the last year and whether these might need treating.

It is reassuring that you feel well but I do believe an annual check is important for the reasons given.  I understand your concerns.  I am also in the at risk group.  Most of my hospital appointments have been cancelled too, so do have a word with your team for guidance.  Good luck and stay well

Annual check

by atiras - 2020-03-19 06:36:00

Pacemaker clinic finally responded to my message -- they're cancelling and rebooking for 6 momths time.

Hurrah.

Annual check

by Gemita - 2020-03-19 06:54:28

Great news, now you can relax !!  Perhaps they will postpone my check also (and hubby's)

Good news

by AgentX86 - 2020-03-19 13:57:38

Yes, it is good news but I think I would have pushed for an earlier date.  A year-and-a-half is a long time between visits but perhaps not if they have you set up for a nominal 1-year check. 

No, you're right.  Unless I were having serious problems, I'd stay away from the street the hospital is on. Yesterday I was having an aura like I had before my seizure last october.  I thought about going to the ER, then remembered.  Nope, I'd rather stay home and have another seizure than go to the ER right now.  Two years ago I went to the ER and the place was filled with people coughing on me (major flu outbreak) and they left me there, with heart issues (a week before my PM implant), for five hours.  I certainly don't want to do that with the WuFlu about.

Ditto

by Claracluck - 2020-03-19 15:57:18

Funny just had a call from my clinic here in the UK cancelling my Monday pace maker check!the nice lady said she would do a remote download and send me a new appointment.said I was too high risk to come in.fine with me.

If you don't hear anything I would ring them tomorrow and check.😀

Question

by Skyrocket - 2020-06-27 08:12:45

Do people with pacemakers come under the "at risk group"?

At risk group

by atiras - 2020-06-27 08:32:09

Skyrocket, no, not automatically.  If I didn't have asthma and take a boat load of inhaled steroids and a tablet to suppress my immune system, I would expect to be at risk.  But it very much depends on your own personal circustances. My GP put me on the list because of my asthma, and my cardiologist put me on the list because of my heart failure.

Update to all: they've cancelled the Check provisionally scheduled for September.and will rebook 'based on clinical need' (they're basically cancelled everyone for everything, I believe).  I still have provisional dates at other hospitals in September for a heart transplant assessment, and a nuclear cardiology scan; I shall just have to wait and see what happens with those.  (The scan is likely to go ahead, I suspect, because the department doing it won't have had any involvement in treating Covid-19 patients).