New Pacemaker (Mk3) Incoming - British Heart Fou...

British Heart Foundation

50,164 members31,662 posts

New Pacemaker (Mk3) Incoming

14 Replies

Now that my current Pacemaker has reached a grand old 10years of age, I've been referred for new batteries/box. Should be straightforward enough, as the wiring seems to be fine, so a quick splice into the shoulder and old replaced with new. Nothing fancy just a simple unit, that does the job it's meant for. A shame though that it has to go as it's served me well over the years, so the new one has a lot to live up to.

Apparently a 2 month waiting list, so probably get done in January, which suits me fine avoiding Christmas. All in all, looking forward to getting it done and dusted, with plenty of time to heal nicely for the summer.

Read more about...
14 Replies
BeKind28- profile image
BeKind28-

Hello :-)

Sounds strange when we say need new batteries :-)

Sounds like this is good news though and I really hope this new one lives up to the old one that has served you well :-)

I hope everything goes well :-) x

in reply to BeKind28-

Thank you BeKind.

It does sound strange at times, it's like the old duracell bunny advert, when the batteries seem to go on and on. I'm pragmatic about it, in that it was always going to happen at some stage which I'm fine with.

BeKind28- profile image
BeKind28- in reply to

Hello :-)

Yes it does remind you of the duracell bunny advert :-)

You were prepared though and as you say you have had a good 10 years from this one and I am glad you feel fine about it :-) x

Classof1988 profile image
Classof1988

My pacemaker is a relative baby at only 4 years old but I will have to go through this at some time in the future. May this be indeed a simple and painless replacement for you with a quick recovery. Let us all know how you get on.

Maninblack profile image
Maninblack

My husband had his pacemaker/ICD replaced 4 weeks ago. However they had to put new leads in. As a result he was told not to raise his arm above shoulder height to allow everything to bed in. He also has a bedside monitor which had to be replaced. Technology moves on but where would we be without it. He has made a good recovery and goes for a check up at Papworth early December. Your new pacemaker should serve you well.

Rhinos67 profile image
Rhinos67

Mine has about 8 years left hopefully 🤞. What pacing percentage are you? Have you noticed any difference as your battery is running out?

Joanne

😊

in reply to Rhinos67

Hi, I don't recall what my current pacing is, the settings have been changed occasionally over the years when it's felt wrong, usually when AF or Fluttering has reared its head, but, I have to say it's been very rare. Being honest I don't tend to ask questions as the answers just seemed to fly over my head, and as it's not internet compatible, they only check how it's operating is via a download on reviews, which have been at 2 - 3 month intervals this year. I can't say I've noticed any difference as the battery has got older, and I'm told it's still working fine, but. I've hit a trigger point on how long it has left, hence the change.

Hylda2 profile image
Hylda2

I’m a relative newcomer to all this as only had my pacemaker fitted last September. I’m convinced my leads are rubbing on my collar bone, but EP said it took several goes to get them in so I have to wait until battery change! 😢

polenta profile image
polenta

Just had mine replaced on Nov 14th which was my 1st change after 9 years, it was quite an easy procedure and almost all pain gone on 5th day. Hope all goes well for you too.

Deejay62 profile image
Deejay62

Hi I had my 2nd one nearly 5 yrs ago. Although the box was different with an added defibrillator my leads were the same. I even forget I have it sometimes. It wasn’t traumatic as it was the first time 9 yrs before. In fact I was dreading it but everything went very well. All the best.

in reply to Deejay62

Thanks for the reply.

My leads were changed nine years ago, due to becoming detached in the heart during valve surgery. Oddly enough it wasn't picked up until I was about to be discharged, so it cost me another week in hospital. So this will be my third cut in the shoulder, although my favourite PM wise, is for a temp device that was attached to my neck with the cabling popped through my neck. I'm a bit like the bionic man, getting rebuilt with new parts as and when I need them. 😂

Teresarc profile image
Teresarc

My dad is 97 and just had his new pacemaker as old one had only 2 months worth of batteries . It went well but we were all worried

in reply to Teresarc

That's a nice age to be getting a new pacemaker.

I wish him well.👍

Teresarc profile image
Teresarc

we were very scared due to his age and his heart condition but he sailed through it

You may also like...

New Pacemaker Tomorrow

Hi, I’m having a new pacemaker tomorrow and can’t take my own advice about looking ahead instead of...

New to a Pacemaker

Hi everyone, I’m new to this and last week I had an express Pacemaker fitted due to TachyBrady...

Bypass surgery incoming

received a call to say im going to have my quad bypass done on monday 😬 got to have pre op...

Pacemaker

chamber pacemaker fitted a few weeks ago due to bifasicular block . I am told it’s working fine...

Income while recovering from surgery

end of 2022, I have today signed my contract for a new role - a 9 month FTC that will help pay the...