pacemaker recalls

[KAD]

I'm a 27 yo female, just had a guidant pacemaker placed in Nov. 2004.  Just recently found out my model was affected by the most recent recalls made by guidant.  I have an insigna pacer.  I am basically dependent on it and am paced 95% in my atrium.  My pacer is an AAIR.  Questions are-1.  Will they just monitor the functioning of the pacemaker with 6 month interrogations or will they have to replace it because of the recall?  (my model is 1194)  Also I enjoy working out at the gym and biking, rollerblading, stairmaster, etc..  I've noticed that even with a rate responsive pacer that it is very difficult to get my heart rate into its goal range.  It fatigues me a lot quicker because I am trying so hard to get my heart rate up.  I will be running on the treadmill and I can't even get my rate out of the 90's?  They told me before the pacer that I had chronotropic incompetence and that is why they chose this particular pacemaker-to help me with exercise.  But right now it doesn't seem to be working.  Any advice about what to do?  It doesn't feel very good not to have your heart rate pick up with exercise.  Should I tell my doctor?  Could they test it on a treadmill or something?  Does it have anything to do with where the pacer is placed?  They tucked it under my left breast tissue for cosmetic reasons.  Thank you for your time and effort.

[CCF-M.D.-MJM]

Hi KAD,

Sorry the hear you have one of the recalled devices.  This is a very frustrating consequence of our reliance on  technology.

My first recommendation is that you meet with the doctor that placed your device and discuss you need for a pacemaker, consequences of a malfunction and if your device needs reprogrammed, close observation or rarely replacement.  This is an individual decision that you should reach with your cardiologist.  I cannot tell you about your specific device because the serial number is necessary to determine the type of recalled issued.

1. Will they just monitor the functioning of the pacemaker with 6 month interrogations or will they have to replace it because of the recall?

with out knowing the specific model number and your case, I cannot answer this one.

Any advice about what to do?

I would call your doctor and have your device interrogated.  They may need to turn up the sensor on your device to be more responsive to stimulus.

Could they test it on a treadmill or something?

Yes, one option is to reprogram your device and put your on a treadmill and see if you feel better.

Does it have anything to do with where the pacer is placed?

It is not position dependent.

Hang in there.  I know this is stressful to hear your device may malfuntion, but keep in mind that the malfunctions are very rare.  Talk to your doctor.  I just did a google search to look up information and found an abundance of lawyers trying to make a quick dime off the recall, but this made it difficult to find useful information.

Good luck and thanks for posting!

[KAD]

I wanted to add that if I can't get my heart rate out of the 90's while working out, then I am not getting the cardiovascular benefits of exercise.  Right?  I feel like it's kind of pointless to exercise at this point.  I'm in pretty good shape and not overweight with a BMI of 24.

[Lyn2]

KAD,
I am young with a pacemaker as well.  I also have chonotropic incompetence (love the big words).  At one point I had my rate response turned off, and I couldn't function because my rate would not go up when it was supposed to.  You said your rate response is turned on, but you are definately not sensing enough.  Your pacemaker is not picking up the activity you are doing.  That really can be easily fixed with adjustment.  Make sure you explain to your doc. exactly what is happening, and do it soon.  It is an uncomfortable feeling not to get your heart rate up when it needs to.  When you first get a pacemaker it sometimes takes months to get it programmed just right for you.
You also need to be in touch with them about the recall.  You have two very good reasons to make an appointment as soon as possible.
Good luck!

[Dodiad71]

I'm 34 and have a pacemaker because of heart block caused by one of those ablation procedures for rapid heartbeat--one of those "unfortunate" side effects.

I myself also had a recalled device from Guidant. My pacer was a Pulsar Max DR  Model 1270. I am completely dependent on mine and my cardiologist strongly recommended replacement, so I got a new pacer in August, 2005. My new one is an Insignia Ultra though, hopefully not the same on recall mentioned earlier.

I also learned recently that my first pacer before the Pulsar Max (my 2nd) was also recalled and I was never informed. It was by a company called Sulzer Intermedics that was later acquired by guidant. I hope I don't have to endure the recall nonsense again.