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Defib Problem

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Heart & Cardiovascular Disease
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Posted 10/27/2007 8:27 PM (GMT -6)
Hey Els...I have to go to a meeting next week about my Medtronic Defib.  Doctor's office called and I will let you know how it goes.   I have to go out of town.  Dr. won't see me here.   Been having lots of discomfort with wires and having problems with my shoulder which I am getting PT for.  Been a long few weeks with too much pain.   Hard to tell if it's fibro, burtistis or wires irritating me.  I can feel the wires so that's a constant in my life.   Defib was checked 2 weeks ago and I haven't had any episodes.  I would surely know it if I did have one :)   2 1/2 years since it was put in and was hoping I wouldn't have to change anything until the battery wore out.   Hoping this is an easy fix.  Shucks, changing wires can't be that bad and maybe it's my irritation not the device.  Thought you might be interested in this case study.  I am just glad they called me.   Annie 
Posted 10/28/2007 11:10 AM (GMT -6)

Hi Annie, Thank you for letting me know.  I dont have a Medtronic I have a Guidant device but they have had some recalls and problems with their equipment.  I have a dual lead and did have to have a lead revision done one month after implantation as I had a fall which pulled the leads out of my heart.

I dont want to scare you  but, the revision was the worst and most painful surgery I have ever had.  Since it was done a month after the initial surgery the leads had already started to scar into place and it surgeon just having to move them again was extremely painful.  Of course I was awake and coherent through the whole surgery which was some kind of adverse reaction to what ever medication they were trying to give to me.  I dont believe that happens to most people.  But it is a painful procedure.

Now, I do have pain with my leads and they are very prominent in my chest as is my device.  I have lost some weight so I as sure that is the reason.  But the area where the leads sits is always very sore.  My revision was done 2 yrs ago.

Please Annie, do keep us informed on what happens and how your doing.  My thoughts and prayers go out to you.

Posted 10/28/2007 11:43 AM (GMT -6)
Thanks for reminding me.   I knew you had some problems with that device.   Guess the wire things being uncomfortable isn't that rare.  I know another gent in cardio that had to replace a device.  Those leads can be tricky.  Since I lifted too much with that arm...could have pulled anything out.  Don't even think I am doing this w/o going out.   Good grief, since I take coumandin and Plavix, you would that to make sure I didn't bleed out.  They aren't going to want to mess with me too much.  You do lots of research....leads that be changed about with other companies....you can have a diff lead and a completely diff device.   We aren't sure I have to switch them so will be glad it's just irritation.   We can react to the steriod used on the lead.   No end to things to be concerned about, but prayers are always appreciated.   Are you moving about and doing PT now?  I will check back when I know something. 

 

Posted 10/31/2007 3:27 PM (GMT -6)
Hi Els.....the defib all over the news now.  You can check any Medtronic site.   I went to a meeting....got the good/bad news and they are sending something that will go into telephone outlet that's on all the time.   Had brother go with me to make sure I understood everything.    I assume the woman that checks out my defib all the time will get in touch with me with the new device to moniter my implanted device.   Since I have one with the wire into the bottom of my heart...not recommended to replace this at this point.   My defib will alert me with a sound inside my chest....this should be interesting....if the lead wire comes loose or breaks.  Surely I can't be making this up.  Sounds like a cartoon while I am writing it.  One really has to laugh because if we have already had at least one heart attack...we know something is amiss.   My defib will kick me regardless.   So..about your wires.  They can change those shoulder wires and reposition them.  I know that doctor was very mean to you and I am not sure why...that shouldn't have been so difficult.  Simple incisions and I can see my shoulder wires. I figured I was over-sensitive because surely these have to bother more people then me.   I should remind everyone that these types of devices do such good for many families.  Shame they are running into some problems.  The lawsuits are being filed as we talk about it.  Always enjoy the day, Annie
Posted 10/31/2007 7:54 PM (GMT -6)
confused  & mad   Hi,folks!  I have also received the bad news of having the recalled leads.  I struggle with how I really feel about it all.  sad I have read your comments about the the device that monitors your ICD. And some of the facts on the ways of capping or removing the lead.  It all just makes me sick! I really hate all this.  I have had medtronic devices for 25yrs now and havd had a few problems BUT nothing like this.  I had to loose 6months out of nursing school b/c of my last replacement and I am working to pay off the student loans for nursing school now.  I haven't even gotten ahead of my bills.  Now I am looking at the poss. of having surgery again!  Does it ever end!  I don't know, just looking to vent.  Sorry for whinning.  Kids, husband, job and bills are tough with this too...stinks huh?

keep in touch,

NT

Posted 11/1/2007 3:36 PM (GMT -6)
Nice to meet you....you have had those devices for years?   Certainly more educated about them then I am.   Although, family certainly wanted the best for me and, in fact, that device had a good record.....until now.   I am so sorry.  They aren't recommending taking my defb out.  For me, I had some life-threatening happens, including a stroke...which threw me into a few V-fibs, so the only course of action for me was the defib.   I have no memory of much of this.  Well, the flashbacks are around, but I had the heart attack at 62.  I am sure others will response the recall.  You have reason to vent.  Before the heart attack, I was on the Fibro section of HealingWell for a couple of years...or more.  Does being a nurse make any of this more logical?   Likely not.   Too personal when your using any device to help the heart. 
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