Pacemaker battery change has finally come

[Piggy2]

I've had my dual chamber pacer maker since 2014 and now 10 year down the line it's to be changed as the battery is low. For the last 18 month I've been told it's fine we will see you in 3 months up untill the 7th of June this year when I went to get my 3 month check they couldn't interigate the box, there wasn't a reading properly. Fast forward a week so last Tuesday I received an email saying I'm now on the waiting list for the box change.

I was at my dad's yesterday and received a phone call from cardiology saying they have a date and it's in a fortnight, well I'm ecstatic as from then till when it'll be done it's only 6 weeks not the normal 12 week wait.

The woman couldn't get a word in as I was so overwhelmed hearing an actual date, I'm tired, I'm pained and just in general feel flat. Hope this new box really boosts me and I can get my life back. So 5th July at 8am it's my operation I'm excited for all reasons above but scared for it's an op on my heart again. This is my first box change.

Sorry for the chapter but just wanted to express what I'm feeling right now I think.

Does anyone else have or had a change of battery and how were you feeling before and after it.

[Bingo88]

Good morning Piggy2. Just wanted to say. Hope everything goes well for your pacemaker change. I am 5 years into my 1st pacemaker So still have the 1st change to come. Just hope it's as easy as I found the original procedure. Be good to hear how the procedure goes for you. Good luck. Brian

[Piggy2 in reply to Bingo88]

There's new pacemakers being made all the time so this time around I may have the model that has the device/box that you sit at the side of your bed and it sends automatic readings to the cardiovascular unit. 10 year when I got this I had no choice so the will to live got me through it but this time living with it I'm a tad more apprehensive. I've not posted on here as never really knew what or when to post but felt the strength to do so today since I had a night to take in that initial call.

Poor nurse was like oh I love your accent and my reaction as I was bouncing off the walls. Just hearing battery change done it, had to get my dad to make a sweet tea I was in shock haha.

Yeah I'll keep posting and hopefully not bored folk

[Bingo88 in reply to Piggy2]

Yes I think like everything if you have been through the same as someone else you understand more. I was fully awake for my pacemaker procedure and it was easier than going to the dentist for me. Just a bit of pushing and prodding getting it into position. Just hope the change goes as well. There is a pacemaker uk Facebook group as well that's very friendly. Take care. Brian

[Piggy2 in reply to Bingo88]

Yeah I think I've been on that group but didn't seem to get any feedback. I've just stayed on this one. Just numbed up for me too while the ops being done. Again like yourself the pacemaker is more serious and bigger a deal than the dentist yet I won't let the dentist take out my wisdoms that are impacted as the need to cut a bit of the bone off my jaw to get to them. Strange how our minds work and allow the fear to take over isn't it

[Bingo88 in reply to Piggy2]

Yes it is. I have had 3 of my wisdom teeth out. I just hate the scale and polish and that water pipe makes me gag. As I have severe copd as well now. Plus the check up price is supposed to include a scale and polish but I always get told to book an half hour appointment which is 60 quid extra. Brian

[Piggy2 in reply to Bingo88]

Yeah there's never going to be a skint dentist out there that's for sure. My dad has COPD it's not nice.

[Bingo88 in reply to Piggy2]

Yes it's difficult to keep exercising and going because you know your going to get breathless and that's frightening as well. Take care both of you. Brian

[Classof1988 in reply to Bingo88]

Totally agree with you Brian, and I am blessed to have a very good dentist too!

[Bingo88 in reply to Classof1988]

Yes me too. But I still hate that water pipe with the scale and polish. Brian

[Gillph]

usually it’s just the box that gets changed, not the wires. Still a bit uncomfortable for a few days but at least the internal ‘dent’ where the pacer sits is settled from the first op.

Good luck - it’s like an MOT, good for another 10 years!

[Piggy2 in reply to Gillph]

Haha a mot that's one way to see it. The new pacemakers can go about 12-15 years now the pacing unit had told me. Thankyou x

[Lezzers]

My husband has had an ICD battery change & it's a much simpler procedure than when you first have a device fitted, it's usually a quicker recovery & far less painful though you'll probably need painkillers for a couple of days. I would check with the DVLA around any driving issues, I know with an ICD battery change you can't drive for a week but I don't know about pacemakers Good luck

[Piggy2 in reply to Lezzers]

Oh I do hope so, yeah I'll keep topped up with painkillers. Unfortunately I don't drive, so wish I could who knows maybe some day.Thanks for your message

[Classof1988 in reply to Lezzers]

If you didn't have any blackouts prior to receiving the pacemaker you can drive 7 days afterwards, if you suffered any blackouts you have to wait a month and maybe medical clearance but not sure about that though.

[Hannah-Hay]

interesting to read your post & the comments from others. I’m going to have my pacemaker/ICD changed probably the end of next year. With the ICD I had an AV node ablation so my heart is paced almost totally by the pacemaker so battery will run out quicker than most. Had it inserted in Sep 2020 & AV node ablation in the November. Was told battery lasts 8 years normally but for me would be less. I have a bedside monitor which I’m told I won’t need with the new pacemaker as it will be linked to an App on my mobile! It’s all Apps these days!! Have to be thankful as medical science has moved on so much so we can benefit from it.

[Piggy2 in reply to Hannah-Hay]

Hi Hanna-Hay

It actually scares me to think how things like this can be linked to an app via a mobile, you get glitches and bugs, I'm not fully dependent on the pace maker and it got tweaked for the longest life.

That'll only be 5 year for yours, is it your first one to be replaced.

Be nice to keep InTouch if you'd like.

Thanks

[Hidden]

Hi, I had my Dual Chamber PM box/battery replaced in February. It was a straightforward procedure in and out quick enough. Mine was a direct replacement like for like dual chamber model so same as before.

No difference in how I felt before or afterwards, but, that may depend on why you have one in the first place, for me its for complete heart block.

Best wishes

[Piggy2 in reply to Hidden]

Mine is the same complete congenital heart block. It will be like for like but newer model with box at the side of the bed or as some folk say apps on the phones. 7th time for surgery wow. Thanks

[Driver11]

There's always anticipation before any procedure but you know it has to be done and its being done by specialists Still have a few years on mine but know you'll be fine good luck Brian

[Piggy2 in reply to Driver11]

Yeah I know and I'll be better for it, it will be the few days and nights before it that it'll start getting to me but that's just normal as you say it's being done by good specialists. Thanks

[Alphakiwi]

Hi Piggy2. Acrually it is not another opon your heart. The pm has a battery in it and they replace the whole thing except the 2 wires. The old one is removed and the 2 wire unplugged and then plugged into the new pm. The op is less than the original therefore. All the best. I will get a new one in about 4 years.Colin.

[Piggy2 in reply to Alphakiwi]

Yeah I did get told the wires were still ok to be left thankfully but it's still invasive and with risks of infection, best of luck for your change in the years to comeThanks

[Dixy]

My Husband had an ICD fitted in July 2001 after a cardiac arrest and is now on his 7th or 8th replacement. Just a few hours in hospital and you will fine.

[Piggy2 in reply to Dixy]

That's a lot in a short space of time is it not. Hope your hubby is doing well. Thanks for the reassurance

[polenta]

I just had my 1st battery change this past November and was a nervous wreck, but it was a very easy surgery and the pain was so much easier than when I had the pacemaker put in. I was told that once the battery starts getting low and alerting Drs., you have 3 months left on it. My alarm went off in September and had the surgery in Nov. So happy you have your surgery date set, take care.

[Smitty1956]

Hi, Piggy2,

I’m sorry that you are having to go through an operation in order to change the battery in your pacemaker. I would also be worried about the surgery, but, hopefully, everything will go very well! ❤️

On the positive side, the battery worked well for 10 years. That seems to be a good amount of time. Now, you are scheduled for July 5th, and all should go well.

I recently read a book that provided me with a lovely quote that I shall share with you:

“Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.”

Best wishes for July 5th and beyond. 😊

[PinkKizzie]

Hi Piggy2, I read all the positive replies to your post and I am wondering if I should try again for a PM implant. I had a failed attempt in November 22 when the third lead pierced my heart, the implant was halted and I had to get emergency OHS to pull the wire out and mend the hole. It was a bit traumatic and I didn't want to try again. I take plenty of meds, feel well and remain as active as I can. My EF is 25%, with LV imparement and LBBB. Take care.

[Piggy2 in reply to PinkKizzie]

I'm really sorry to hear about your experience pinkkizzie.This would really need to be upto the cardiologist dept and doctors at your hospital.

All the best

[PinkKizzie in reply to Piggy2]

Thank you for your reply Piggy2. I remain at the top of the waiting list because of the failed attempt, so I only need to say I'll go for it, but I'm apprehensive. Keep well.