ZAP-Lines for November 20th 2001

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Zap•Lines

November 20th 2001

ARRHYTHMIA/CARDIAC DEVICE RELATED HEADLINES

CLICK ABOVE TO VIEW ZAP-NEWS PAGE

SURGICAL PEN FOR A-FIB

CORDARONE PREFERRED OVER LIDOCAINE

OFFICER SAVED WITH AED

TURNING STEM CELLS TO HEART CELLS

SCD PREDICTOR

CHEST BLOWS LEAD TO SCD IN KIDS

GENE LINK TO SIDS

VAD EXTENDING LIFE

STROKE HITS ARTIFICIAL HEART RECIPIENT

NEW MEDTRONIC ICD LEAD

DETAILS ON ZAP*NEWS PAGE

Greetings everyone!

The Young People's ICD Connection in Yipsilanti, Michigan in late October was a huge success. Electrophysiology nurse at the University of Michigan hospitals, son, organized the gathering. Her report on the sessions is this month's feature article. Beth York, our friend (and fellow 'lectric Roo) in Indiana is a professional counselor. She's making her services available to us online - every Monday at 10PM EST (7PM PST.) She writes: "If folks are reacting to grief, loss, etc., whether from the recent terrorists acts or their implantation, I might be able to provide a little insight." Go to the regular ZAP•Chat site to access this valuable service.

Also, another service for ICD recients is returning to those who use America On Line. ZAP•Pal Jes is moderating that session on Wednesday nights at 8PM EST. To take part in that group, for AOL members, click on People, click on find a chat, click on enter private chat, type in ICD Support, and click GO.

Over the years, we have run many stories of how people live fairly normal lives with implanted defibrillators. Among those were mountain climbers, sky divers, marathoners, bikers, and just folks who enjoy grand parenting. I recently got a note from another ZAPPER reader from New Zealand who is living life as she wants - as an artist. Judy Finer's work is currently featured at an online art exhibit at www.virtual.tart.co.nz/exhibit.htm. Perhaps viewing Judy's work may spark a creative urge in you. Enjoy.

Blue CodeCollage by Judy Finer

Photo by Tiffan

Another reader has generously shared some very personal artwork with us. The little hands in the picture belong to one of our youngest ICD recipients, 7-year old Tiffan. Her mom, , took the picture as a gift for daddy .

With so many of us familiar with what the Tiffan family has gone through, I am sure the meaning of this photograph needs no explanation. Even without knowing how joined our special club, the image offers a powerful image of symbolism which we all recognize.

Publishing the ZAPPER has allowed me to meet a legion of great people. Most of the time, we only get to know each other in E-Mail, videoconference, or ZAP•Chat exchanges. Every once in a while, during your travels or mine... we actually get to meet - face to face.

Duffey and Homer

One of those rare treats came last month, when Homer Pountius vacationed in Florida. Homer and his friend Ernie spent a day with me and my wife, Sheri. It was really great visiting with our friend.

In the picture, you might be able to see Homer's collar pin - a US dollar bill turned into a ribbon and held in place by the American flag. It's Homer's way of telling everyone he encounters during his month long odyssey: No terrorist will ever keep him confined to his home in southern California... even if his travelling companion was not a former Green Beret.

Also for the record: Homer does not let his ICD keep him off the road either!

We have one housekeeping chore before this month's feature article. Revenue expectations from the ZAP•Store have not materialized with only three customers in the past month. Unlike some online services, we refuse to charge subscription fees. So, we must consider other alternatives to meet the financial challenges. Our best solution appears to be the reduction of expenses paid to our internet service provider, by paring the online content.

The biggest burden comes from maintaining the archives. So, over the next month... we shall be removing those files from the server. But since so many people access that material regularly, we will make it available on CD-Rom after the first of the year. With more than 8,000 (HTM) files, including ALL BBS postings, six years of feature articles, links, and ZAP•Gallery material - this will be a great wealth of information... and easily searchable using your computer. Our plan now is to sell the program for $20, but will make it available at cost for those on tight budgets.

If that plan works, we will be able to maintain all other online programs. If not, we will need to further reduce server storage demands by removing the ZAP•Gallery and the space consuming picture files. We'll have information on how to order the ZAP•CD next month.

Young ICD Support Connection

By Theresa son, RN BSN

Clinical Care Coordinator/ICD/Pmk Service

150 ICD recipients and family members registered for the event. People came from California, Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Oregon, and Michigan of course. That gives you an idea of how far people will travel to be a part of this special annual event. The turn out was excellent! The various programs offered seemed to meet the needs of our participants, according to the positive comments and evaluations that were turned in at the end of the program. The Friday evening reception offered an opportunity to meet , greet and eat. Many old friends were there to rekindle friendships from past conferences and to meet and welcome the new folks who were attending for the first time. It is such a special time (this coming together and connecting).

The next morning , at registration and continental breakfast, folks were warmly greeted by the "Therapaws" golden retriever, (a real warm fuzzy). Special guitar music was provided by vocalist,composer, "Gigs" son. Then after getting settled, we began with welcoming comments by myself and co-chair Sara Leroy, and a reflection by Hospital Chaplin Wayne Charlton. Next, the guest speakers each shared their individual ICD journey . What a treasure - Each journey was unique and special beyond description, you just had to be there to experience the moment.

A mother and father spoke of their journey , from the time their daughter received her first ICD at 22months old. She is now 13yo and a real angel , her older sister spoke also of funny events that happened while growing up. A young man in his thirties, spoke about the years with his ICD, the extremely rare heart disease which affected him and his brothers, his successful heart transplant and his new life.

A high school senior, told of his experience and overcoming various congenital problems which required many surgeries and then receiving an ICD. What a guy, incidentally, he has attended all 6 conferences. Also, a charming young college student shared some of the special events of her life, including cliff jumping on her last vacation. Again, what a gal.!!!

These people are warm, inspirational and my role models for getting on with life.

The break out support sessions are always filled with comments, questions, more stories and much more sharing . I also heard some hardy laughter coming from the "all mens group". Hmm, wonder what that was about??

The childrens group did many activities, including taking a trip to the Ann Arbor Hands On Museum where they experienced science ,various technology and other fun exhibits, including their own pizza party. Afterward , they returned for an intriguing Magic show.

The Teens made memory books. They also participated in making a video tape for educational purposes with Sebastian Hitzig, who received an ICD at the age of 23, and his father, Rupert - a Hollywood director and producer. You know, they are all Stars !!! More about this later.

The afternoon sessions were all well attended:

Music for the fun of it: participants learned, played, and made fun music. Everyone needs a coach: an interactive session , learning more about yourself, and how we communicate.

All the physician sessions went well. Hopefully, everyones questions were answered. Those who attended offered a few suggestions to be included for next years program.

The wrap up was fun as usual, more food and a chance to unwind before we all found our way back home. I could go on and on about all the great new friends we have meet and I'm sure I have forgotten to include some important items, however, we have learned "If you build it, they will come", Must be a good reason, don't ya think? Next years conference will be in the same place: The Marriott Resort, Ypsilanti, Mi.,on the week end of October 4th, and 5th, 2002. You can also check out the article at the University of Michican Cardiovascular Center website PACE Magazine, winter edition.

Have a most wonderful Thanksgiving, Be Well and Be Blessed.

Email Theresa at tdavidso@...

Phone: 734-936-5544

That's all for now. Stay well!

Jon DuffeyPublisher

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