Implantable cardioverter defibrillator

[Guest guest]

Clear DayI was so surprised today to read about the implantable cardioverter

defibrillator.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/13/business/13jude.html?ex=1142917200&en=f9a3b247\

208f99b8&ei=5070

I searched the messages in this group for the last month (since my husband was

diagnosed) and found almost nothing about it.

Guidant, one of the manufacturers who makes it, had a defect and covered it up,

caused a death, and recall showed that more than 20,000 of them had a defect,

and ultimately there was a class action lawsuit..

However, another manufacturer St. Jude Medical makes one that apparently is

perfectly fine.

Does anyone here have such an automatic implantable defibrillator? What did

they have to go through before they got it? What do they think of it?

Boy, it tempts us because they medications really make us anxious.

Jo Anne

[Guest guest]

I have a pacemaker/defibrillator (an ICD) made by Medtronic. Mine has been

implanted for my heart failure rather than my afib which has been well

controlled with meds. The surgery itself is pretty benign, although you can't

drive for 2 weeks and can't raise your left arm above the shoulder for 6 weeks.

My main symptoms were shortness of breath which has improved some in the 7 weeks

since the ICD was implanted. As for the defibrillator part, I'm glad to have it

as my overall heart situation apparently makes ventricular fibrillation a real

possibility and if it ever occurs this is supposed to keep me alive until I can

get to the hospital! My device paces my heart all the time, but I can't tell

that it's doing anything so I suppose that's good. By the way, my meds are still

the same.

Brenta

Implantable cardioverter defibrillator

Clear DayI was so surprised today to read about the implantable cardioverter

defibrillator.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/13/business/13jude.html?ex=1142917200&en=f9a3b247\

208f99b8&ei=5070

I searched the messages in this group for the last month (since my husband was

diagnosed) and found almost nothing about it.

Guidant, one of the manufacturers who makes it, had a defect and covered it

up, caused a death, and recall showed that more than 20,000 of them had a

defect, and ultimately there was a class action lawsuit..

However, another manufacturer St. Jude Medical makes one that apparently is

perfectly fine.

Does anyone here have such an automatic implantable defibrillator? What did

they have to go through before they got it? What do they think of it?

Boy, it tempts us because they medications really make us anxious.

Jo Anne

[Guest guest]

" Does anyone here have such an automatic implantable defibrillator? "

Jo Ann,

I have had an automatic implantible cardio defibrillator, AICD, since

1989 when they first came out. I have it because I have a hypertrophic

cardiomyopothy (HCM) that causes sudden death in my family. My sister

(age 14) and dad (age 35) both died of sudden death so they gave my

brother and I AICD's when we were 18 & 20 years old, respectively. I

don't know about the AICD for AF, but it has been great for the HCM.

The surgeries are very good now and they often send you home the same day.

I have had four different batteries. Two made by Guidant and two made

by Medtronic. Both were good. I heard about the faulty batteries, but

I am not worried. Most of the batteries out there are very good.

This is just my experience. Every diagnosis is different, but for my

HCM, the AICD is the perfect thing.

Good luck to you:-)

Lori

[Guest guest]

I forgot to mention. This may not be true for everyone, but for me the

very best thing that I can do before and after surgery is to walk. I

typically walk every day. Some days I can walk for 10 minutes and some

days I can walk for an hour, but I walk every day. Walking increases

your metabolism and helps you heal after surgery. I have also heard

from doctors, experienced first hand, that the consistent cadence and

rhythm of walking helps your heart stay more rhythmic.

A long time ago, I was advised to do consistent, moderate, exercise. I

believe that staying fit is the single most important thing that I

have done to recover from my seven surgeries. As a heart patient who

has experienced a variety of debilitating events, I know how precious

it is to build and maintain strength. It is a lot easier to recover

from surgery, or other heart conditions if you consistently,

moderately exercise.

I know that I am rambling a bit here. I just feel that

walking/exercise is a " use it or loose it " situation for me and I

never want to loose it.

*Obligatory Disclaimer - of course, every one is different and you

should check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program.

(Stepping off of soap box now;-)

Take care,

Lori

>

> I have a pacemaker/defibrillator (an ICD) made by Medtronic. Mine

has been implanted for my heart failure rather than my afib which has

been well controlled with meds. The surgery itself is pretty benign,

although you can't drive for 2 weeks and can't raise your left arm

above the shoulder for 6 weeks. My main symptoms were shortness of

breath which has improved some in the 7 weeks since the ICD was

implanted. As for the defibrillator part, I'm glad to have it as my

overall heart situation apparently makes ventricular fibrillation a

real possibility and if it ever occurs this is supposed to keep me

alive until I can get to the hospital! My device paces my heart all

the time, but I can't tell that it's doing anything so I suppose

that's good. By the way, my meds are still the same.

> Brenta

> Implantable cardioverter defibrillator

>

>

> Clear DayI was so surprised today to read about the implantable

cardioverter defibrillator.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/13/business/13jude.html?ex=1142917200&en=f9a3b247\

208f99b8&ei=5070

>

> I searched the messages in this group for the last month (since my

husband was diagnosed) and found almost nothing about it.

>

> Guidant, one of the manufacturers who makes it, had a defect and

covered it up, caused a death, and recall showed that more than 20,000

of them had a defect, and ultimately there was a class action lawsuit..

>

> However, another manufacturer St. Jude Medical makes one that

apparently is perfectly fine.

>

> Does anyone here have such an automatic implantable defibrillator?

What did they have to go through before they got it? What do they

think of it?

>

> Boy, it tempts us because they medications really make us anxious.

>

> Jo Anne

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Lori, thank you for the information.

I'm glad your doctors were so on-the-ball with you. You have had a very hard

time with heart problems.

Jo Anne

Re: Implantable cardioverter defibrillator

" Does anyone here have such an automatic implantable defibrillator? "

Jo Ann,

I have had an automatic implantible cardio defibrillator, AICD, since

1989 when they first came out. I have it because I have a hypertrophic

cardiomyopothy (HCM) that causes sudden death in my family. My sister

(age 14) and dad (age 35) both died of sudden death so they gave my

brother and I AICD's when we were 18 & 20 years old, respectively. I

don't know about the AICD for AF, but it has been great for the HCM.

The surgeries are very good now and they often send you home the same day.

I have had four different batteries. Two made by Guidant and two made

by Medtronic. Both were good. I heard about the faulty batteries, but

I am not worried. Most of the batteries out there are very good.

This is just my experience. Every diagnosis is different, but for my

HCM, the AICD is the perfect thing.

Good luck to you:-)

Lori

Web Page - http://www.afibsupport.com

List owner: AFIBsupport-owner

For help on how to use the group, including how to drive it via email,

send a blank email to AFIBsupport-help

Nothing in this message should be considered as medical advice, or should be

acted upon without consultation with one's physician.

[Guest guest]

Lori, you are so right about walking, especially as soon as possible after

surgery.

In my last surgery there was an epidural injury to my spinal cord. I could not

walk without a walker for 4 months and at first could walk very little and I

tended to fall.

I so minded not being able to walk after surgery that time. I realized that

walking after surgery before had made me focus more on getting better and not

being frustrated with my temporary inabilities. Walking before had made my

whole digestive system recover quicker, and I was better and felt better.

Walking before had made me more interested in eating and that made me stronger

faster. And walking before, I had quickly regained my ability to stride which

just plain feels good.

(They say that if we spend all your time laying in bed for 2 days, we lose half

our strength.)

And after this last surgery, spending so much more time in bed had made me feel

so powerless and incapable. In short, not being able to walk was downright

depressing.

Jo Anne

Implantable cardioverter defibrillator

>

>

> Clear DayI was so surprised today to read about the implantable

cardioverter defibrillator.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/13/business/13jude.html?ex=1142917200&en=f9a3b247\

208f99b8&ei=5070

>

> I searched the messages in this group for the last month (since my

husband was diagnosed) and found almost nothing about it.

>

> Guidant, one of the manufacturers who makes it, had a defect and

covered it up, caused a death, and recall showed that more than 20,000

of them had a defect, and ultimately there was a class action lawsuit..

>

> However, another manufacturer St. Jude Medical makes one that

apparently is perfectly fine.

>

> Does anyone here have such an automatic implantable defibrillator?

What did they have to go through before they got it? What do they

think of it?

>

> Boy, it tempts us because they medications really make us anxious.

>

> Jo Anne

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I'm also a big believer in walking.

Re: Re: Implantable cardioverter defibrillator

Lori, you are so right about walking, especially as soon as possible after

surgery.

In my last surgery there was an epidural injury to my spinal cord. I could

not walk without a walker for 4 months and at first could walk very little

and I tended to fall.

I so minded not being able to walk after surgery that time. I realized that

walking after surgery before had made me focus more on getting better and

not being frustrated with my temporary inabilities. Walking before had made

my whole digestive system recover quicker, and I was better and felt better.

Walking before had made me more interested in eating and that made me

stronger faster. And walking before, I had quickly regained my ability to

stride which just plain feels good.

(They say that if we spend all your time laying in bed for 2 days, we lose

half our strength.)

And after this last surgery, spending so much more time in bed had made me

feel so powerless and incapable. In short, not being able to walk was

downright depressing.

Jo Anne

Implantable cardioverter defibrillator

>

>

> Clear DayI was so surprised today to read about the implantable

cardioverter defibrillator.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/13/business/13jude.html?ex=1142917200&en=f9a3

b247208f99b8&ei=5070

>

> I searched the messages in this group for the last month (since my

husband was diagnosed) and found almost nothing about it.

>

> Guidant, one of the manufacturers who makes it, had a defect and

covered it up, caused a death, and recall showed that more than 20,000

of them had a defect, and ultimately there was a class action lawsuit..

>

> However, another manufacturer St. Jude Medical makes one that

apparently is perfectly fine.

>

> Does anyone here have such an automatic implantable defibrillator?

What did they have to go through before they got it? What do they

think of it?

>

> Boy, it tempts us because they medications really make us anxious.

>

> Jo Anne

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 3/19/2006 5:38:28 P.M. Central Standard Time,

jakarasek@... writes:

Does anyone here have such an automatic implantable defibrillator? What did

they have to go through before they got it? What do they think of it?

Boy, it tempts us because they medications really make us anxious.

Jo Anne

When I first researched afib I came across the implanted defibrillator. As I

recall, when it did it's thing, it felt like someone punched you in the

chest.

Guy

[Guest guest]

<

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/13/business/13jude.html?

ex=1142917200&en=f9a3b247208f99b8&ei=5070

I searched the messages in this group for the last month (since my

husband was diagnosed) and found almost nothing about it.>>

Hi Jo Anne,

When my mother had afib many years ago, I also wondered why a

pacemaker would not keep her in NSR and I asked my doctor the same

question when I recently developed it. According to him, while

there are pacemakers that can convert people with ventricular

arrythmias, there is no pacemaker that can reliably cardiovert afib

nor are there any that can keep people in NSR. There may be in

the near future because there is research in this area. My doctor

also said that afib patients are the biggest users of pacemakers

because for many, the drugs to treat it make their hearts beat too

slowly and the pacemaker keeps their heart rates up but it does not

keep them in NSR.

Kathy C in Spokane

50mg toprol, coumidin

[Guest guest]

When my mother had afib many years ago, I also wondered why a

pacemaker would not keep her in NSR and I asked my doctor the same

question when I recently developed it. According to him, while

there are pacemakers that can convert people with ventricular

arrythmias, there is no pacemaker that can reliably cardiovert afib

nor are there any that can keep people in NSR. There may be in

the near future because there is research in this area. My doctor

also said that afib patients are the biggest users of pacemakers

because for many, the drugs to treat it make their hearts beat too

slowly and the pacemaker keeps their heart rates up but it does not

keep them in NSR.

Kathy C in Spokane

50mg toprol, coumidin

Hi Kathy

I was interested to read your post because I believe that was the

reason I was given a pacemaker I was put on sotalol and passed out, A 24

hr holter monitor test showed pauses in the heart rhythm of 5 seconds.

I was give a PM with AF suppression setting. The way this was supposed

to work was that when the heart goes into afib it would start to pace in

sinus at about 130 bpm, in theory this should stop afib and gradually

return the heartbeat to normal. My heart had other ideas, one doctor

unsure of what was happening send me back to the pacing clinic, and they

switch the AF suppression setting off as it was actually causing my

heart to beat faster in afib.

I had often wondered why I needed a PM when I did not have any problems

before I was put on Sotalol.

ine

Web Page - http://www.afibsupport.com

List owner: AFIBsupport-owner

For help on how to use the group, including how to drive it via email,

send a blank email to AFIBsupport-help

Nothing in this message should be considered as medical advice, or

should be acted upon without consultation with one's physician.

[Guest guest]

I understand that there are currently afib befibrillators on the market

in Europe... my own cardio's nurse talked about me getting one at one

point, but apparently they are not very popular because they hurt like

he** when you push the button to convert, and apparently people would

rather be in afib than feel the jolt! They are not marketed in the

US, as far as I know, and I have no proof of the above, other than what

was mentioned to me by a healthcare provider.

_____

From: AFIBsupport [mailto:AFIBsupport ]

On Behalf Of ine

Sent: Monday, March 20, 2006 1:40 PM

To: AFIBsupport

Subject: RE: Re: Implantable cardioverter defibrillator

When my mother had afib many years ago, I also wondered why a

pacemaker would not keep her in NSR and I asked my doctor the same

question when I recently developed it. According to him, while

there are pacemakers that can convert people with ventricular

arrythmias, there is no pacemaker that can reliably cardiovert afib

nor are there any that can keep people in NSR. There may be in

the near future because there is research in this area. My doctor

also said that afib patients are the biggest users of pacemakers

because for many, the drugs to treat it make their hearts beat too

slowly and the pacemaker keeps their heart rates up but it does not

keep them in NSR.

Kathy C in Spokane

50mg toprol, coumidin

Hi Kathy

I was interested to read your post because I believe that was the

reason I was given a pacemaker I was put on sotalol and passed out, A 24

hr holter monitor test showed pauses in the heart rhythm of 5 seconds.

I was give a PM with AF suppression setting. The way this was supposed

to work was that when the heart goes into afib it would start to pace in

sinus at about 130 bpm, in theory this should stop afib and gradually

return the heartbeat to normal. My heart had other ideas, one doctor

unsure of what was happening send me back to the pacing clinic, and they

switch the AF suppression setting off as it was actually causing my

heart to beat faster in afib.

I had often wondered why I needed a PM when I did not have any problems

before I was put on Sotalol.

ine

Web Page - http://www.afibsupport.com

List owner: AFIBsupport-owner

For help on how to use the group, including how to drive it via email,

send a blank email to AFIBsupport-help

Nothing in this message should be considered as medical advice, or

should be acted upon without consultation with one's physician.

[Guest guest]

Kathy, thank you for your information.

My husband sees his doctor Friday, and we will also check out whether there is

more hopeful news about the implantable cardioverter defibrillator, and let you

know what he says.

When my husband started on this path about a month ago, his doctor mentioned

prescription converter, electrical converter and ablation, but they never

mentioned the defibrillator (I.C.D.). So we shall see.

Jo Anne

Re: Implantable cardioverter defibrillator

<

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/13/business/13jude.html?

ex=1142917200&en=f9a3b247208f99b8&ei=5070

I searched the messages in this group for the last month (since my

husband was diagnosed) and found almost nothing about it.>>

Hi Jo Anne,

When my mother had afib many years ago, I also wondered why a

pacemaker would not keep her in NSR and I asked my doctor the same

question when I recently developed it. According to him, while

there are pacemakers that can convert people with ventricular

arrythmias, there is no pacemaker that can reliably cardiovert afib

nor are there any that can keep people in NSR. There may be in

the near future because there is research in this area. My doctor

also said that afib patients are the biggest users of pacemakers

because for many, the drugs to treat it make their hearts beat too

slowly and the pacemaker keeps their heart rates up but it does not

keep them in NSR.

Kathy C in Spokane

50mg toprol, coumidin

Web Page - http://www.afibsupport.com

List owner: AFIBsupport-owner

For help on how to use the group, including how to drive it via email,

send a blank email to AFIBsupport-help

Nothing in this message should be considered as medical advice, or should be

acted upon without consultation with one's physician.

[Guest guest]

Guy, thank you for helping me with this information on this. It sounds pretty

rough. That definitely dampens my enthusiasm.

Jo Anne

Re: Implantable cardioverter defibrillator

In a message dated 3/19/2006 5:38:28 P.M. Central Standard Time,

jakarasek@... writes:

Does anyone here have such an automatic implantable defibrillator? What did

they have to go through before they got it? What do they think of it?

Boy, it tempts us because they medications really make us anxious.

Jo Anne

When I first researched afib I came across the implanted defibrillator. As I

recall, when it did it's thing, it felt like someone punched you in the

chest.

Guy

[Guest guest]

Thank you, Stefanie, for the information. It does make one take pause about the

idea of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator.

But it did feel great to have so many helpful and knowledgeable people answering

my question. I (and my husband) definitely felt very supported.

Thank you all for being such sweet people.

Jo Anne

---- Original Message -----

From: Jarrell, Stefanie

To: AFIBsupport

Sent: Monday, March 20, 2006 5:09 PM

Subject: RE: Re: Implantable cardioverter defibrillator

I understand that there are currently afib befibrillators on the market

in Europe... my own cardio's nurse talked about me getting one at one

point, but apparently they are not very popular because they hurt like

he** when you push the button to convert, and apparently people would

rather be in afib than feel the jolt! They are not marketed in the

US, as far as I know, and I have no proof of the above, other than what

was mentioned to me by a healthcare provider.

_____

From: AFIBsupport [mailto:AFIBsupport ]

On Behalf Of ine

Sent: Monday, March 20, 2006 1:40 PM

To: AFIBsupport

Subject: RE: Re: Implantable cardioverter defibrillator

When my mother had afib many years ago, I also wondered why a

pacemaker would not keep her in NSR and I asked my doctor the same

question when I recently developed it. According to him, while

there are pacemakers that can convert people with ventricular

arrythmias, there is no pacemaker that can reliably cardiovert afib

nor are there any that can keep people in NSR. There may be in

the near future because there is research in this area. My doctor

also said that afib patients are the biggest users of pacemakers

because for many, the drugs to treat it make their hearts beat too

slowly and the pacemaker keeps their heart rates up but it does not

keep them in NSR.

Kathy C in Spokane

50mg toprol, coumidin

Hi Kathy

I was interested to read your post because I believe that was the

reason I was given a pacemaker I was put on sotalol and passed out, A 24

hr holter monitor test showed pauses in the heart rhythm of 5 seconds.

I was give a PM with AF suppression setting. The way this was supposed

to work was that when the heart goes into afib it would start to pace in

sinus at about 130 bpm, in theory this should stop afib and gradually

return the heartbeat to normal. My heart had other ideas, one doctor

unsure of what was happening send me back to the pacing clinic, and they

switch the AF suppression setting off as it was actually causing my

heart to beat faster in afib.

I had often wondered why I needed a PM when I did not have any problems

before I was put on Sotalol.

ine

Web Page - http://www.afibsupport.com

List owner: AFIBsupport-owner

For help on how to use the group, including how to drive it via email,

send a blank email to AFIBsupport-help

Nothing in this message should be considered as medical advice, or

should be acted upon without consultation with one's physician.

[Guest guest]

Medtronics makes AICD's too.

Lori

>

> Clear DayI was so surprised today to read about the implantable

cardioverter defibrillator.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/13/business/13jude.html?ex=1142917200&en=f9a3b247\

208f99b8&ei=5070

>

> I searched the messages in this group for the last month (since my

husband was diagnosed) and found almost nothing about it.

>

> Guidant, one of the manufacturers who makes it, had a defect and

covered it up, caused a death, and recall showed that more than 20,000

of them had a defect, and ultimately there was a class action lawsuit..

>

> However, another manufacturer St. Jude Medical makes one that

apparently is perfectly fine.

>

> Does anyone here have such an automatic implantable defibrillator?

What did they have to go through before they got it? What do they

think of it?

>

> Boy, it tempts us because they medications really make us anxious.

>

> Jo Anne

>

>

>

>