Pacemakers

[SPR2]

How long do these last?
Have a relative who has had one for 11yrs and having suffered with Parkinsons for a similar amount of time, but is now very, very poorly in hospital - 14 weeks now. So sad to see them with no quality of life whatsoever. We have been told they can do no more for him.

[eldudereno]

Am really sorry to hear your news. Pacemakers aren't difficult to replace if the existing one needs replacing, apparently they can be done under a local with some sedation, so it's very unlikely that the pacemaker is the issue.

[Ciaran]

My mum has a pacemaker, she got it about 15 years ago though and she's had the battery replaced about 5 years ago but recently got a new one put in. This one is much smaller as obviously technology has come on in leaps and bounds.

[SPR2]

eldudereno said:

Am really sorry to hear your news. Pacemakers aren't difficult to replace if the existing one needs replacing, apparently they can be done under a local with some sedation, so it's very unlikely that the pacemaker is the issue.

We are thinking that it is the pacemaker that is still strong and keeps him holding on.He is nearly 89 but has not worked since he was 79 so perhaps the pacemaker hasn't the need to work so hard and he could go on like he is for sometime.

[Deleveredenergy]

Really sorry to hear your news. I think what you want to hear is this - the pacemaker won't prevent your relative from dying of anything other than heart block (cardiac internal wiring issues to put it simply). The electrical impulse from the pacemaker in effect just reminds the heart to beat but with progression of other diseases there would be other things going on which would prevent the pacemaker impulse from having effect.

[SPR2]

So the Parkinsons will in fact be slowing the impulse from the pacemaker - is that correct?
I must say we can only praise the hospital for the wonderful care that he has recieved in there.