Guest guest Posted September 7, 1999 Report Share Posted September 7, 1999 http://www.duff.net/zapper/update.htm ZapUpdate September 6th 1999 Greetings Everyone! Pardon me for being a few days late with my update. Would you believe writer's block? After 30-years of news writing, that's a first. Fortunately, no one pays me to do this - so there's no one to fire me! Anyway... I have several things to share with you this week, including an update on our southern star, the marathon running Aussie soldier... and a parachuting 80-year old ICD recipient... some thoughts on being the person not making the trip in the ambulance... also, shouldn't we do something for our friends and family members who do not have a built-in EMS crew? I have a whole lot of links to add to the links page, and many new pictures for the Gallery. If things calm down a little this week, I will try to get to those this week. Thanks to everyone who responded to my thoughts about running for the U.S. Senate. As I told my wife, I (hopefully) don't have a snowball's chance in Key West... but do think this effort will focus attention on some very important issues. Check out www.duff.net/campaign and let me know what you think. In case you have not read the recent ZAPPER•BBS postings, Danny logged in from down under. He finally got back his pictures of his successful run in the world famous Gold Coast Marathon. Take a gander at a great example of how to lead a normal life with a defibrillator by going to www.jcu.edu.au/~jc121863/Index.htm. And if you missed our report on his great run, take a few minutes to read: Australian GI Runs Marathon with ICD Do you want more inspiration to go out there and take on the world? A report on the unique way Donie Ruza celebrated her 80th birthday should do that. CLICK HERE to read the story by Cary of the Saint sburg Times. The octagenarian plans to fly high again... by parasailing in a week or two! Since the focus of this tale lives near me, I will try to get her online to join us for an upcoming ZAP•CHAT. There are other things in the news this week, worth examination: Soccer player ready to resume kicking after ablation Several bio-tech and drug advances, including solar powered pacemaker Flight attendent talks about her rescue in the sky thanks to a defibrillator Later this week, I am again going to take on our home owners' association. Last year, at budget hearings, I made the pitch for funding at least one portable defibrillator to be kept in the community security office. The board was very unresponsive, claiming it takes the fire department only five minutes to arrive when someone faints on the golf course. Week before last, I found out that is a lie. My wife was attacked and bitten by hundreds of fire ants. Almost immediately, she went into anaphylactic shock and I dialed 9-1-1 and it took the fire department 15-minutes to arrive and by then... Sheri had fallen unconscious three times! The ambulance (carrying the defibrillator) did not arrive for 25-minutes. Fortunately, by then, the effect of the toxins were wearing off and Sheri was alert and responsive. But the fact remains: For all the money we are paying in property taxes and association fees, we are living in a high risk area for sudden cardiac death. Waiting 25-minutes for a zap to live means almost certain death. I shudder to think how most areas in the country (and even more so overseas) are even less protected. I mention this to urge you do what you can to lobby for the acquisition of AED (automatic external defibrillator) units and the training of people to use them in your area. Most of the readers of this newsletter have built in rescue units... but what about our loved ones? Don't they deserve similar protection? The episode with my wife was (to say the least) an insightful experience. Suddenly, it was I standing by and watching as firemen and paramedics worked on a loved one. Gripped with fear and uncertainty, I wished the EMS crew was there for me. It really IS easier being the person laying on the floor, half naked, with wires taped to the chest, and people in uniforms working feverishly above you. Because of this, I urge you to stop for a moment and look at the people with whom you live. Appreciate what they are going through and let them know you are really thankful they are with you. Several postings on the BBS this week reflect this issue, with the heading: New meaning to "Don't ask - Don't tell??" I trust you work up the courage to talk openly with those in your circle: Confide in them. Share your fears and anxieties. Share your relief too. Living in ignorance is much worse than being the patient. Please, please, please: Consider the feelings of those close to you who may carry a much heavier burden than us with an ICD. Please stay well..... Duffey, Zapper Publisher Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.