NGC. Any pacemaker patients here?

[Matt Story]

Given the diversity of experience here, and the quality of well intended and much appreciated support in all fields...

Getting ready to make an appointment for the implant.

Any long term pacemaker patients here that would share their experiences or anecdotal advice?  I am only 46 and I hope to be a long term patient.  Its a bit alarming to go here at my age....

Matt

[Matt Story]

Prior to the flaming about 'medical advice from the unqualified' , I am uner the care of a competent cardiologist,  my pcp is on board, and I have had a second opinion from another cardiologist....

[oldbike54]

 Anecdotal ? Well sure  Jim King , a long time Guzzi rider had a pacemaker installed a couple of years back . He was telling us a story about the first time it activated . He described it as "like having a set of jumper cables attached to his chest"  He did say after a couple of times it wasn't really noticeable . Good luck , modern technology is a wonderful thing , bet you live to be 100 

 Dusty

[jackson]

I have had one for a little over five years.  Had a series of tests that indicated I didn't need one yet; the next day, I went into severe tachy-brady syndrome.  Wife got me to the hospital ER where my heart stopped beating six times in 35 minutes (had to be paddled back each time).  Spent a couple of days in ICU until stabilized enough to implant the pacemaker. 
If the Dr.'s say you need one; you need it.  The procedure is quick and the recovery time is not long.  Chances are that the Dr. that will implant yours has a lot of experience with pacemakers and things will go smoothly. You'll be glad that you have it because it can help stabilize your particular problem and knowing that it's there to correct your specific problem will help to ease your mind re. the problems that you may have without the pacemaker.

[PeteS]

Don't have one....yet but did work in Cardiology research for 30 years and know a bit about them. Oldbike is describing an implantable defribrllator which has the added ability of restarting your heart. A pacemaker just keeps your heart beating at a predermined  minimum rate. They do respond when required like increased exertion. Its been a few years since I worked in the field but I think battery life is well over five years. Then they put in a new one. They call it a battery replacement. The leads stay in place and the module is replaced. The new one are very small. They used to bigger than a pack of cigarettes and maybe lasted 3 years tops.

Pete

[jackson]

The newer ones are now good for 10 years (plus).  I had a pacemaker check recently and it's indicating that I have 6+ years left on the battery.  Added to the 5 1/2 years that I've had it means I should get at least 11 years out of this one.

[Matt Story]

One of the EP,s (electrophysiologist's) I saw recommended I get one that is MRI safe.  The other prefers a brand that doesnt yet have that FDA approval.  He says they are all MRI safe, just that some arent approved yet.

I am told to expect 7-10 years battery life.

I'm thinking why not recharge by eco-drive like Citizen watches, or why not recharge non-contact magnetically like toothbrushes and cell phones?

[jackson]

The Dr. that heads up the pacemaker program is not only a Cardiologist but is also a bio-mechanical engineer.  He is considered to be the best of the best by other Dr.'s that I have spoken with.  He implanted a St. Jude's dual-lead (one in the top chamber and one in the lower) for my particular problem.  Some pacemakers also have a defibrillator but he didn't think that I needed one. 

[PeteS]

One of the EP,s (electrophysiologist's) I saw recommended I get one that is MRI safe.  The other prefers a brand that doesnt yet have that FDA approval.  He says they are all MRI safe, just that some arent approved yet.

I am told to expect 7-10 years battery life.

I'm thinking why not recharge by eco-drive like Citizen watches, or why not recharge non-contact magnetically like toothbrushes and cell phones?

One reason they may not want to use rechargeable batteries is the heat produced when charging. It could get hot enough to destroy tissue. Ten years is good. These things go right under the skin so replacement is not a big deal.

Pete

[Kiwi_Roy]

Oh no, another battery thread.




Seriously

Good Luck

[RANDM]

Just as a headsup I saw a news report the other day about
a new "pacemaker" and its first patient.
This new type looked about the size of a peanut, no lead,
it's put in place through a vein. The guy stayed overnight
to check he was stable and then he was out if there.
I hope that helps you feel a bit better in the circs.
All the best.

Maurie.