Pacemaker Check

On Thursday this week I went to my appointment at the BHI pacing clinic and received some interesting feedback.

I had heard of the battery life of the newer devices was greater than earlier models but I was pleased to learn that after one year there is still, at current rate of usage, another 14 years. So if I do get pacemaker 4 it’ll be an 80th birthday present. Of course, all manner of other things may happen between now and then …

The battery longevity is probably helped by the amount of the pacemaker is working to support my slow heart. Previously it was kicking in about 3% of the time but it’s now only needed 0.5% of the time. I’m doing something right and the technicians could see my regular exercise recorded since I started in September.

The reported AF was intriguing with 4 episodes confirmed ( longest 1min 15 seconds) and the previous one in last May.

It still leaves the question about my long runs of ectopics unanswered save for they did see ectopics but not as extended activity. Apparently what I feel is different to the machine recording. Overall my ectopic burden is 1% which is good …. The fact they all happen at once is disturbing but right now I cannot replicate the way I felt in Spain recently. I do now believe the trigger is anxiety about something which I will not declare here ….simple stuff but daft.

So my conclusion is that I must be grateful that I am where I am, I must continue with my good diet and exercise regime which enjoy, I will not stop the Edoxaban as I have had 3 experiences of bad PAF that have landed me in hospital so the risk remains. Lack of sleep remains a concern.

I accept that I may not always be in this happy place but if AF begets AF there’s not much begetting going on right now…. so I’m going to do my level best to keep doing what I’m doing and keep it at bay.

If my current optimism is confounded then I know through this message board I can get support , advice and help. Thanks to all and I will keep dipping in …..

Now , can I get to 11 chin-ups ? ….. I don’t hold out much hope…….

[Quilter43]

I was not aware a pacemaker gave so much info..Latest said I would get one as have pauses of 3 to 4 secs Why do you have it? Still don't know if really need it or preventive.i had a 6 sec pause after COVID booster nearly passing out.Drsvsaid vaccine not cause.a coincidence.still don't know and still think maybe vaccine..

[Hidden in reply to Quilter43]

They are a very useful piece of electronics and I’m not sure that I would be here now without it.

I was diagnosed with Sick Sinus Syndrome back in 2008 at the age of 52 when prior to the major event of bradycardia I considered myself to be reasonably fit. During the bradycardia I was down to just over 20bpm which doesn’t cut the mustard for staying alive purposes so I went in on blues and twos to George Elliot in Nuneaton. The PM was prescribed and fitted very quickly and resolved the bradycardia also clearing up events of extreme tiredness especially when driving.

Due to my AF diagnosis I’ve increased my effort to be healthy and fit and that seems to be having a positive effect on the pacemaker use too. Of course age will catch up with me at some point but for the time being all appears to be more or less stable.

I still need the pacemaker and very pleased to have one. My mother had one, my mother in law has one, my mother’s best friend has one and so does her best friend’s best friend. It’s a great club to belong to….

I wish you all the best in your search for a answer to your problems.

[Quilter43 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks.I also have sick sinus syndrome..rarely symptomatic..but with short pauses I think drs. Think preventive..resisted but giving in..

[Hidden in reply to Quilter43]

If needed one and I were offered one I’d grab it with both hands - I cannot imagine life without my dual lead Medtronic pacemaker … it’s my best friend ( apart from Mrs OldGrit)

[Quilter43 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks..Think dr.checking my insurance..Guess I got scared..thought of it as controlling my heart.drs fed up with me for not listening..Dr said just because I haven't passed out doesn't mean I won't..so scared.

[baba in reply to Quilter43]

passing out is no fun when it happens!

I am very grateful for my pacemaker.

[DawnTX]

hi. I love your attitude I like the price point also.😛. I have a new pacemaker also originally it said 14 years of battery life but then it changed to 11. I think possibly the difference may be a deal with tachycardia either that or because someone left my safety switch on lol it’s off now. It does no harm, but I was able to feel beats that I should not really feel anymore, I think I’m just so sensitive to everything after the past year and a half. If I have 11 years I will be almost 82. Wow I’ll take it. I’ll take anything I get because there are no promises for any of us. I will do the right things for my heart, but I’m not gonna worry morning till night every day about my heart because I could step off the sidewalk and get hit by a bus , lol not really funny but you know what I mean. I’m a firm believer when it’s time it’s time people thought it was my time the night. I had my first a fib event because I blacked out twice hitting the concrete floor twice as well as the bathtub and toilet. Then I crawled into bed and went to sleep, and as you probably all know, that’s a big no-no. The first thing you do with a head injury is keep the person awake. Even worse I was a medic, that’s why they say doctors make the worst patients. Lol. We question everything no I’m not a doctor not even a medic anymore just someone like you trying to have a normal life.

So when they go to change your battery, will they put a bow around🎉 you are going to😛😊😊😊

[DawnTX]

lol I am not sure if it was my brain or the dictation. I felt the price point in case I left you scratching your head lol. Time for me to go to bed early morning tomorrow taking my cousin to his doctor take care of my friends.❤️

[Brianboru]

Keep doing what you’re doing !!