Device check

[Rustyt1953]

I returned from the electrophysiologists (there's a crossword puzzle word for you) today. My pacemaker was signalling that I have one year left on my battery. I've had it for eight years. He scheduled me for a 'device check' in exactly one year. I said: "cutting it kinda close, ain't ya Doc?"

He said that my pacemaker will send out an alarm through my telemetry device alerting them that I'm ready. Boston Scientific has set the alarm to go off when I actually have three months charge left.

The insurance company will not approve a replacement until the bell goes off. They will then allow the electricians to schedule a replacement governor.

The appointment nurse said: "I'll see you in a year."

Me: "If I get stuck in traffic have a gurney out front."

I rarely worry about things but driving around with the gas gauge needle in the red could cause a feller to get down right antsy.


I'm gonna get the new GPS Alexa model.

Technology, yay!!

 

[vonn]

I am a firm believer in changing batteries before they go dead. Keep your jumper cables handy!

 

[soFlaNative]

Get the residue off your alligator clips and keep them handy.
Hate to see you burn thru your charge during March Madness.

 

[Rustyt1953]

Get the residue off your alligator clips and keep them handy.
Hate to see you burn thru your charge during March Madness.

You really do know me.

PS: Ruthie says "hey" to you both.

 

[dockmurgw]

Since your taking it in stride, here's a suggestion. Do yourself a favor...until you get a re charge, do NOT watch the movie "In Time"

 

[ladder13]

How does it work during daylight savings?

 

[bigride]

Just in case you need a back-up plan, I know a guy.
YouTube

 

[Rustyt1953]

 

[gman51]

I went to use my electric micrometer and the battery was dead. So I took a new old battery that was still in the original sealed case. Well dang it was dead also. Talk about having a flat spare tire!

I bet a pace maker battery alarm would really get my attention. If I had just ordered at the drive though I might have to leave real quick like. The guy behind me can have my order. See Ya!

LOL Off topic but the check engine light on my p/up has been on for years now. I might not be a good candidate for a PM.

 

[Skeet 028]

My wife bought herself one of the new adjustable voltage cattle prods. Said she wants to keep me around for ever and ever...or till the honey do list is completed...whichever comes first. My pacer is just to keep my heart going at about 60. without it goes at 35-40. What do they do? Just replace the battery?

 

[Rustyt1953]

My wife bought herself one of the new adjustable voltage cattle prods. Said she wants to keep me around for ever and ever...or till the honey do list is completed...whichever comes first. My pacer is just to keep my heart going at about 60. without it goes at 35-40. What do they do? Just replace the battery?

The battery is sealed in the pacemaker and not accessible. The entire pacemaker has to be replaced and that is why the insurance companies want to wait until the last minute.

The alarm is silently sent to the folks that monitor me daily electronically.

Mine is set to 80 BPM and I am completely pacemaker dependent.

I try not to dwell on it or I would end up posting on a gun forum everyday.

 

[kwselke]

My dad was on his third pacemaker when he passed away last December. The first two lasted 10 years each, and I believe the third was five or six years old when the rest of his body gave up. The batteries he had did not give out suddenly like a flashlight or remote control battery. Basically the pacemaker slowed down and could no longer keep up the 'pace', so to speak. Basically his heart might not speed up when he climbed his stairs or exert himself in other ways. When they did the replacements on him they had to run jumper cables up from his thigh, because his heart would not beat at all without extra stimulation. Actually during his last days I think he wished he could have turned his pacemaker off. I'd worry more about evil hackers taking over the Internet of Things and taking control of your pacemaker than I would of battery failure.

 

[Rustyt1953]

KW, I'm more worried about stray garage door openers.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

Don't worry, they will not let you die until they harvest every penny they can out of you.

 

[gman51]

Have your wife carry a stun gun in her purse just in case you need a zap to keep a temporary nap from becoming permanent.

 

[nachogrande]

YOU COULD SELF TEST

Use the Uncle Fester method, place a light bulb in your mouth. If it lights up you are good to go. Seriously if the batteries become low, a warning signal "should be sent". Don't sweat the small stuff. Call the mfg???

 

[Rustyt1953]

I was also told to avoid EMPs.

 

[kwselke]

I was also told to avoid EMPs.

Same here and I have no pacemaker.

 

[chiefbob81]

Maybe you could hold one of those wireless cell phone chargers up to it for an evening!

 

[7shooter]

A doctor told a friend with a weak heart to only have sex with his wife.

 

[Rustyt1953]

Plan "B".

 

[labworm]

Plan "B".

Definitely too early in the morning for me.

Playoffs soooooooooooooooooooooooooooon.

bigride, their in.

rustoleum, still trying.

 

[nachogrande]

NEXT TIME AROUND

HAVE THEM INSTALL A USB CHARGING PORT.

 

[wingriderz]

Puts me at red line just thinking about health insurance and health care in general for those like us that are on medicare. Stay Well Sir. I am in same boat

 

[jcelect]

A doctor told a friend with a weak heart to only have sex with his wife.

Is the doc pimping for his wife trying to make a little extra money?

 

[Old 44 Guy]

Mine was installed last September. Doc said it had a 13 year battery life. I said That's a real good deal Doc, I'll be 100 before I need a new one.

 

[Golddollar]

HAVE THEM INSTALL A USB CHARGING PORT.

Or battery posts for jumper cables.

 

[Biker Bill]

Or battery posts for jumper cables.

Hmmmm......

Given that male nipples really don’t serve any useful purpose and they are located in the general vicinity of the old ticker so the wiring would be pretty easy........

Just saying.

 

[Rustyt1953]

Having 6 cats brushing against me everyday I am using static electricity as a secondary power source.

 

[MetalMan]

Rusty....

Mother-in-law had similar issue about 2 years ago.....

Got the same song and dance about the battery having a year to go.

She suffered a mild heart attack which put her in the hospital because the pacemaker wasn’t working properly. They kept saying that they can’t replace the pacemaker yet.

After 4 days in the hospital and much pressure from my wife, they came in and tested the battery and agreed that the time had come for it to be replaced.

Then they wanted to send her home for a few days until they could schedule the replacement. Wife put her foot down and, lo and behold, when her cardiologist found out what was going on, he arranged for the replacement the next morning.

Morale of the story.....Stand your ground.

Mother-in-law was 92 years old at the time and on her third battery....guess they were hoping not to replace it a fourth time.

Mom is now 94 years old. I call her “the Energizer bunny”