Batteries getting low

I had a dual lead Medtronics PM implanted 9 years ago. I have never had any problems.

At my last check up they told me that the battery has between 10 months and 3 years left....
They also told me that over the years I have become more dependent on my PM. When they turned it down they could not find a natural beat even at 40 bpm. The technician wouldn't turn it any lower
My question: if you are very dependent, or even 100% dependent on the PM, is the replacement more difficult? Is the procedure different from the case when you have just a low bpm?

7 Comments

I got the answer

by Enrique - 2014-01-18 01:01:16

I see that my question had already been answered a few days ago (Pacemaker replacement)

dependence

by Enrique - 2014-01-18 04:01:45

Thank you TraceyE. That was very helpful

dependence

by Tracey_E - 2014-01-18 08:01:08

I see you found the replies from the other day. They have more than one back up plan in place.

Don't let the word dependence or that your underlying rate has gone down bother you. My underlying rate has been anywhere from 20 to 60 over the years at random times when we checked so really low one day doesn't necessarily mean it will be that low the next time they check. We will never be without pacing so it doesn't really matter what goes on without it. I was soooo nervous the first time I got a replacement. Now I've had 4 and don't even give it a thought. It gets easier with each one because they keep going in the same place. The last time I didn't even feel the incision healing, it was totally numb.

Clarification

by Enrique - 2014-01-18 12:01:38

Thank you Becky. I will clarify my question:

My question is about the procedure itself: if you are dependent on the PM, do they have to connect you to another source of pulses before they disconnect the old PM and connect the new one? Do they have to make the change very fast?
I know it sound funny, but if the heart doesn't have a natural pace you can't be without a PM for too long.

I assume that once the PM is implanted and connected to the leads, things should move along well.

Last check

by Beckes76 - 2014-01-18 12:01:50

My last check before getting my 5th Pm said 1 to 10 months. I am 100% paced. I have Complete Heart Block. I bounced back pretty quickly. More quickly then my husband thought I would. I was back at work 6 days after surgery and I was going stir crazy by then too.

Becky

Change of PM

by Vicens - 2014-02-01 06:02:50

There are a few seconds when you are connected to an auxiliary PM. The change is very quick; they disconnect the leads from the old to the new one and later they put the PM into the "pouch" in your chest.

Was Told

by Beckes76 - 2014-02-09 09:02:45

When I got mine moved. They had 2 things going at the same time. Once my new one was in place they would simultaneously turn my old one off and turn my new one on at the same time. They monitor everything very closely.

Becky

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