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Pacemaker & ICDs: Introduce Yourself & Meet Others

Pacemaker & ICDs | Last Active: 6 hours ago | Replies (19)

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@brightwood

Yes, thank you, Justin. Late in the pandemic I had no idea that I needed a Pacemaker, or even had heart issues, other than PVCs. I had some brief, occasional lightheadedness ( I attributed it to Covid anxiety) and some shortness of breath walking uphill in my neighborhood. But I was concerned enough about the PVCs that my primary care person (fortunately) took it seriously and ordered me a 30-day monitor. Luckily I was wearing it on New Year’s 2022-23 when it reported me for a 4.5 second “complete electrical blockage”, experienced as a near-faint. On January 3 a cardiologist called me and informed me I needed a pacemaker immediately. I checked into the hospital through the ER, was finally admitted, and waited in my hospital bed for two days, until they had a half- hour slot open up for me. I’m so grateful. The device identified paroxysmal AFib last year, and apparently I had elevated stroke risk, so I’m now on Eliquis. I had a routine Device Check this week and all’s well. I have 8 1/2 to 9 1/2 hrs. left on my battery, and I’m almost 79. I believe my pacemaker saved my life.

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@brightwood
Is your post correct you have 8-9 hours left on your battery?

I don't want to alarm you but if that is correct you need to contact your cardiologist immediately. ICDs and Pacemakers are usually changed out when batteries get low way beyond letting them get down to the 8-9 hours left. This is because what you get on battery life is an estimate. Pacemaker can use more or less electrical over time and things like wire resistance can affect them.

Not a medical doctor just passing on what I have learned from my Mayo EP team and 20 years personal experience with having a ICD/Pacemaker.