Increased pacemaker usage

I received a pacemaker in 3/09 after blacking out while driving, and following up overnight in the hospital with heart stopping for 4 seconds and then 6 seconds.  At the time the cardiologist explained that it was a degenerative condition and over time my percentage usage of the pacemaker would increase.  It was gone from 9% in 12/09 to 28% last month.  I was expecting "degenerative" over 20-25 years!  Anyone have a similar experience?  My pacemaker is set at 60 bpm and almost every time I take my blood pressure and pulse it is is at 60.

[ksig]

From your post, I sense that you are worried that your pacemaker is pacing your heart more than you are.  Since your pacer is set at 60, that simply means that your heart will not beat lower than 60 bpm.  No longer will it slow down to the point that you pass out.  That is a good thing.

I am on my second pacer, and have had 5 ablations for AFib. I am now totally dependent on the pacer.  I do have a very low escape rhythm but it would not allow me to stay conscious if I were to go into it. So I am reliant on the pacer and have been this way for 18 months.  I feel really good.  I sail on the SF bay as well as the ocean, go to the gym, travel, etc.   Frankly, I really don't know that it is there.  Most people I encounter don't know I have one.  My husband gave me a nickname several years ago: BOW (Battery operated woman).  

Don't let the % depress you.  I am quite sure if something were wrong, your doc would let you know.  Hang in there.