Further to my replies on various recent threads re: Pacemaker Checks - today I received letter cancelling my planned appointment in a few weeks time and rearranging for Jan 2021 but also offering me a home monitor meaning that I wouldn’t need to go to the hospital. I imagine this offer is dependant upon various criteria, one of which would be the type of PM and when it was fitted but I am delighted to avoid hospital appointments!
Anyone else received similar?
Hi ive had a home monitor for my s icd fm day one but I still go for a yearly check up on my device
My guess is that the NHS is now wanting to avoid too many visits to the hospital because of COVID - I used to have 6 monthly checks so now moving to annual.
I like the sound of the home monitor. I think understanding if everything is working OK is always a comfort.
As you know I have had reservations about having a pacemaker and I have always been concerned that if the procedure was pace & ablate then I would be totally reliant on a titanium gadget implanted in my chest.
If I do ultimately accept the inevitable then I think I would feel much more relaxed if I had a home monitor.
Thanks for the information.
Pete
I had a CRT pacemaker implanted on 31/10/19 made by Boston Scientific and this came with a monitoring device which is next to my bed and works via a dongle. Before lockdown it was checked at the hospital at 3 months and then it was checked remotely during lockdown at about 6 months. No idea when it gets checked again and how. Possibly will depend on what sort of state we are in by the time it needs checking again. In the meantime, I think it is monitored but not sure how often.
Oh no, I've got a pacing check week after next, already been postponed once so I really hope it doesn't happen again, I've got an urgent operation booked in Aug and my surgeon needs to see pacing results.
I've been to the hospital several times recently for scans and appts, all the staff and patients are wearing masks so I don't feel any more at risk than walking down the street, besides which I have no choice !
I had a call about 3 weeks ago to have my annual pacemaker review the following week. I was a bit wobbly about going to a hospital but accepted it and had the review. Hospital had everything managed beautifully and it was eerily quiet . Got to have extra time for questions after the review which I found particularly helpful so I wouldn't hesitate to attend again if required.
Because I am immune suppressed my guess is they judged it too high risk for me unless urgent. I’m really happy at the idea of home monitoring.
I had a pacemaker fitted on 1 June and was given a home monitor to bring home with me. I had a 6 week check up on Monday and was told unless I had any concerns or they picked up anything on the monitor and wished to see me I would not be seen again for two years.
I’ve had a home monitor since I had my ICD fitted 5.5 years ago. I have a check and data download each year at Papworth. My monitor reads me every night. But I think that is a computer check. Then in between my yearly visit I have a scheduled check at six months which I think is looked over by a technician.
I’ve been in Papworth recently for a cardioversion and been downloaded so they changed my next appointment to a remote check.
I’m so glad I have a monitor, it gives me more confidence.
I have a monitor at the side of my bed too. I am a complete technophobe but I was talked through setting it up (easy peasy) and I download as required. Again that's really simple. The beauty of this machine is that if you are having difficulties with your breathing/heart sending in a download is quicker than waiting for an appointment at the hospital.
I still go to the hospital annually for a pacemaker check.
It really is a remarkable bit of equipment and nothing to be scared of.
Hi CDreamer. I had a CRT-P pacemaker fitted in December and had one check before lockdown. This week I was offered a monitor or app instead of my cancelled June pacer clinic appointment. I rang the Medtronic helpline number the hospital gave me and they said I could use the app as I had a suitable smartphone. I downloaded it and straight away, using Bluetooth, it sent a report to the clinic. Really simple and no device to worry about. I gather the clinic just set a date for the next check and it will happen automatically, avoiding any need for a hospital visit in the current situation. I am hoping I get some feedback that all is ok but will ring them if they don’t ring me. Maybe your clinic offers the same? Hope you get on ok.
That sounds fantastic and exactly what I was told! I didn’t realise it was just an app - how clever is that! I also have a Medtronic.
PS - what smartphone have you? I have iPone7 but was thinking of updating.
I have an iPhone 7 which was fine they said. It would work from 6 onwards they said.
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