Let the battery run it's course

Hi,
Does anyone ever just let the battery dies on it's own?
I am having those extreme tiredness and the doctor told me that it might be caused by the fact the pacer is in the "Reserve mode" so if the battery is completely dead, i wouldn't feel the tiredness anymore?
I am trying to find out if I need a replacement since the doctors that I saw aren't sure I have heart block to begin with and unsure about whether the pacer is helping me at all as my symptoms never improved since the day they put in the pacer 10 years ago.

Also, what can an Echo show the doctor about the condition of my heart?

4 Comments

What does an Echo show.

by Stepford_Wife - 2008-09-15 10:09:23

Hello 1of4kids.

I have an Echocardiogram once a year, because I have damaged valves, which are narrowed and leaking, due to rheumatic fever, and an enlarged heart, among other things.
So, this test is very important, to make sure that my problems don't get any worse. As a matter of fact, mine is scheduled for October 3rd.
Here is what an Echo shows:

* Size and shape of the heart. The images may be used to measure the size of the heart chambers and thickness of the heart muscle.
* Pumping efficiency of the heart. The images show the efficiency with which the heart pumps blood, as well as whether the heart is pumping at full strength or is weakened. The scans may also show whether the various parts of the heart pump equally.
* Valve abnormalities. An echocardiogram shows the shape and motion of the heart valves. It can reveal if a heart valve is narrowed or leaking and show how severe the problem is.
* Other uses. The test may also detect the presence of fluid around the heart; blood clots, or masses inside the heart; and abnormal holes between heart chambers.

I hope all this helped. Take care,

~ Dominique ~

get it checked out

by dual pacer - 2008-09-15 10:09:53

Hi one of 4 kids, If you are feeling that way you need to have the EP doc check it out. that means the battery is low. They say it wont just stop-- it goes into the safe mode, but it needs to be replaced. I just had mine done and I had all the same symptoms. the echo will show all of your heart. check the leads, valves etc. tell you if there are any other problems. It is a non invasive test and only takes about a half hr. good luck.

patty

what Cabg Patch said

by Tracey_E - 2008-09-16 11:09:41

Just because you still have symptoms and don't feel better doesn't mean it isn't helping you. When they interrogate, they can tell exactly how much you've been using it and how much battery life is left. If you're using it, don't let the battery go all the way down!

They should also be able to tell easily if you have a block or not, they're pretty obvious on an EKG or echo.

Get it checked

by harrisonb - 2008-10-04 09:10:00

A few years ago I had the same problem. I felt extremeley tired and let it go on for a few days and that was a BIG mistake, eventually I called my doctor and he ran a phone check on my pacemaker and he said the battery was dead. I was admitted a few hours later and for a surgery to replace the battery. I would get yours checked out soon.

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