Re: Re: E.P.'s & ICD Choices

[Guest guest]

When went in for his testing I had a couple weeks in wich to do some investigating before hand. The day of his test I spoke to the EP before the test not knowing what to expect. Thanks to the Zapper I went in with lots of info :-). As most know the test did not go well and they were going to implant right away. The EP called upstairs where I was waiting and gave me the choice of a Medtronic or Guidant. We had already discussed that we did not want the 3 lead as they had just came out. Some times it helps when you know before hand. But in cases like most zapper members that is not possible.

Gail

Re: E.P.'s & ICD Choices

Hi Becca and others... in my case my EP uses mainly St. Jude & Ventritex by St. Jude... fortunately, I did have a choice however if I wanted another unit... (I was offered medtronic as well) the reason my EP normally uses the St. Jude units is that she's often involved w/trial studies in which St. Jude is involved ... this way her patients are often implanted w/the latest units w/the most current features that are not yet available to the general public... I can't be certain, but would believe this is true w/other EPs as well... 'hope everyone enjoyed a Happy and safe 4th... take care!JES > Guin,> I didn't have any choice either with the ICD I got. The EP's in Greensboro use Guidant and as far as I know, that's the only device they use, and choose for us. I assume they are WELL compensated by the company. Please visit the Zapper homepage athttp://www.ZapLife.org

[Guest guest]

hi james,,,

you may just find out that medtronic techs as well as guident techs

may be able to read your unit if necessary.

the last two reads on my medtronic were done by a guidant tech as the

medtronic tech was called away on an emergency. ive found these

guys are pretty much friends with each other rather than

competing.

when i go in for my hip replacement ill have to rely on guidant to

be close by and the med tech is working all day reading these things and

im sure hed come if the guidant guy has a problem...(fingers crossed

here).

if i can figure out how im going to post a photo of me in my chair at 341

lbs, and then again in 6 months walking with 80 pounds gone...

fingers crossed again)

bob in missippi

[Guest guest]

Two Cents To The Pot,

I have had several Medtronic Units over the past number of years. Each unit more redesigned than the last and as far as I am concerned in my case each was ineffective and very very defective. The first unit I had was a monster thing that took up chest, shoulder and stomach it lasted six months and then the problems started by the time it was 13 months old the wires all twisted and the unit itself malfunctioned and fired 58 times in a matter of 4 hours, before we could get it under control. Believe me it was hell on earth. The new unit last 9 months resulted in 38 shocks within two hours third unit last 18months to the day but only cost me 11 shocks.

My Guidant which ever one told me was inferior has been OK just trouble getting it to stay I place. They have gone in twice to remount it as it is so much smaller then previous units and I do not heal well or fast.

Sorry I am very bitter lemons on this subject.

[Guest guest]

ALLEN,

JUST A QUICK NOTE , I HAVE AN ELA ICD. IF IT WAS A GUIDANT ACCORDING TO MY EP HE COULD INTERROGATE IT. THEY PROVIDE THE EQUIPMENT FOR INTERROGATION. ONLY ELA REPS CAN INTERROGATE THEIR DEVICE.

DONT YOU WISH YOU HAD THAT CAR BACK!!!!!!!! OR AT LEAST I BET YOUR BROTHER DOES!!!!!! LOL

<alnsuzy@...> wrote:

, I do not envy you. I understand, and I have tasted bitter lemons. However in my case all my zaps were warranted, first 6 then 15 in a row the last batch. IM not brave, it's just that I had no choice. The same as you. It is no fun when you are awake for all of them. It takes a hell of a person to overcome 58 zaps in an hour and to come all this way like you have. Point is that I've had 2 Medtronic units since 95 and have not had a bit of a problem. sometimes I think they worked to well. At least IM still here to talk to you and vice-a-versa.My first new car was a 1969 Dodge Coronet R/T 440 CU engine, 375 HP,(I just had to through that in there). It was fast but faster in becoming a lemon. I've never bought a Chrysler product since. However, by

brother has always owned Chrysler products and has never had a problem. Guess ICD's are the same. Go figure.IM glad you're here today to be a "very bitter lemon". Good luck with your Guidant. Stay strong. Two Cents To The Pot,> > I have had several Medtronic Units over the past number of years. Each unit more redesigned than the last and as far as I am concerned in my case each was ineffective and very very defective. The first unit I had was a monster thing that took up chest, shoulder and stomach it lasted six months and then the problems started by the

time it was 13 months old the wires all twisted and the unit itself malfunctioned and fired 58 times in a matter of 4 hours, before we could get it under control. Believe me it was hell on earth. The new unit last 9 months resulted in 38 shocks within two hours third unit last 18months to the day but only cost me 11 shocks. > > My Guidant which ever one told me was inferior has been OK just trouble getting it to stay I place. They have gone in twice to remount it as it is so much smaller then previous units and I do not heal well or fast.> > Sorry I am very bitter lemons on this subject. > > > Please visit the Zapper homepage at> http://www.ZapLife.org > > >