Since then the heart rate has been well under control and the annual trips, to the hospital, for the pacemaker check have been without much impact.
This year, the battery is nearly empty, so I’m expecting to have a new battery stuffed in when I can get an appointment.
Was on Warfarin monthly blood tests, until recently, but covid made that impractical & I was moved onto Apixaban, at 5mg twice a day.
That means no blood tests but is much more expensive, so they said.
I am posting this to see how many others have pacemakers (not the running kind!), maybe we should compare notes?
Note:- Quite enjoyed the initial “Ablation” tests where you can watch, on a big screen, their efforts to link up the electric bits, of the heart, to get the beat back to 72. (Fascinating for a Techie!)
Thanks. I found that interesting as I’m aware that it is quite possible that I shall find myself needing a pacemaker too. It’s a bit worrying too, as even now I keep feeling a little light-headed. I try to reassure myself that if I do faint again I shall (hopefully) recover when I am lying down, allowing blood to get to my brain.
Naturally, I’ve been reading up about them. From what I’ve heard, the batteries last for 6 to 10 years and, of course, yours has lasted for ten years now. Hopefully, they won’t hang about changing yours.
I know a runner who had a small defibrillator fitted in his chest, and if his heart went out of the range it would shock his heart back into rhythm. He tried running with it and it shocked him so hard it almost knocked him over so he doesn’t try to run anymore… Don’t want one of those…
Unfortunately, I have always kept my mobile phone in my top pocket so, if the situation arises, I’ll have to think again. Certainly won’t go in my back pocket as I’ll be bound to sit on it and squash it.
Yes, me too. I was only saying that to Marge a few moments ago. In fact, I go for a lie down routinely now in the late afternoon.
In that respect, I’d be very grateful for a pacemaker as from what I’ve heard they give you a new lease of life.
At first, it worried me a little that my life might be reliant on a machine, as machines do go wrong as we all know.
I’m no Doctor, OGF, so my opinions might be wrong.
I do think that much energy comes from the circulation of blood around your body, etc. but then I keep thinking about Zatopec (who had a beat around 40, I think!).
Best advice is to remember to ask the specialist, who you will likely be sent to see, about all of the pros and cons.
If they say that they think you will benefit from one, “don’t be shy to ask them why! & how”
Don’t want one of those…