Pacemaker check ?

[kefalonia1]

l have just had a letter from the hospital telling me that my usual GP will ring me on 26th Nov, and l am not to attend the hospital. How does that work then? How can they know anything without my ordinary pacemaker being scanned? l like to be reassured once a year. l usually go to outpatients at Bristol Royal lnfirmary and this can be reached through a side door without going through the main building. Any ideas please, Sue.

[SpiritoftheFloyd]

Hi Sue

Same here - was due for 1st year ICD check 2 weeks ago, but all routine appointments have been cancelled due to the high level of covid-19 locally. Since the cancellation we've now gone into tier 3. Instead of in person appointment they've taken a remote download via the communicator by the side of my bed! With a pacemaker that isn't possible so I'd be at a loss as to the point of having a telephone call! 😕

Russell

[kefalonia1 in reply to SpiritoftheFloyd]

Thanks for your reply Russel, l am still baffled because l have total heart block, and AVR from sepsis and infective endocarditis so need my pacemaker to perform properly. lt makes me laugh that l had surgery for an infected horse fly bite a few weeks back and stayed on a ward for three days in the same hospital but they don't want me in again. The mystery thickens !!! Sue.

[baba in reply to SpiritoftheFloyd]

“With a pacemaker that isn't possible“

It is. I have my pacemaker monitored remotely

[SpiritoftheFloyd in reply to baba]

Ops - I stand corrected. I know 2 people who have a pacemaker and they've both said that they don't have remote monitoring so I assumed it only applied to ICDs.

[Mukum]

Same here I had my icd clinic cancelled back in may and rearranged for November, I’ve just had a letter saying to not attend this appointment either. That takes me over a year now since my device was last checked and tbh I’m a bit worried as I’m sure I’ve had a few episodes but won’t know for sure until it’s been checked. Unbelievable

[bantam12]

My pacing check was delayed a few months but I got it done in August, going for a 24 hour monitor next Monday so I hope that's not going to be cancelled. I can't see any reason why they are cancelling pacing checks, it's not like anyone has to get up close and personal and the pacing techs aren't likely to be doing other jobs.

[Fredders]

My check up is due in a few weeks and am half expecting a cancellation. I also have total heart block so am reliant on the pacemaker to keep me alive. My pacemaker can only be checked at hospital not from home, unfortunately.

[kefalonia1 in reply to Fredders]

Hi, yes mine cannot be checked from home l will ring the hospital. Take care Sue.

[FeetheBookworm]

My original app for my ICD pacer was April but did in due course get an appointment for September in person at the hospital. So next one should be March, depends on the virus.

And the appointment for March has duly arrived. So that is all working well.

I should have had my bloods done this month so guess I will have to try and get through to the GP surgery and arrange it. They’ve temporarily shut the daily ones at our local small hospital.

[baba]

heartrhythmalliance.org/aa/...

[bantam12 in reply to baba]

Not all pacemakers are set up for remote monitoring, depends on the pacemaker used, mine isn't.

[baba in reply to bantam12]

Yes I understand.

[MrVVVV]

I'd check to see if they can remote monitor you and ask them to send out a home monitoring station, if they can - they are really easy to use. I had a PM fitted in Sept due to total heart block (at the age of 56) at RSCH - they are sending all PM patients home with remote monitoring now. I was slightly apprehensive but it makes life so much easier, even if we didn't have COVID.

[Qualipop]

That sounds most unsuitable. I would ring and ask how they are going to do it. These phone consults often are just a waste of time. I'm booked for a phone call from an ENT consultant because I keep losing my hearing. Work that one out! I can't hear so he will phone me!

[kefalonia1 in reply to Qualipop]

Hi, that sounds ridiculous!!! Hope you get the right attention. Sue

[Qualipop]

Stupid isn't it?

[kefalonia1 in reply to Qualipop]

Perhaps you could be silly when they ring, something like: "l can't hear you" "l don't want to answer a survey on speedos" "speak up", "are you selling something? "l already subscribe to the donkey sanctuary" interesting to see the response" !!! Sue.

[Qualipop in reply to kefalonia1]

Good idea but I really do need to explain what's happening. I think he'd put he phone down. He also happens to have a very strong accent which is difficult at the best of times.

[FeetheBookworm]

They may be trying to clear the hospitals due to an increase in COVID patients? Though is it likely all the heart techies are treating those patients??

[kefalonia1 in reply to FeetheBookworm]

Hi, thanks for your reply. l think l am probably going to have to put up with it. According to tv this morning Boris is being urged to lock down the whole of England in one weeks time. Pop out and buy toilet rolls, fairy liquid and flour before its too late!!! Take care, Sue.