replacement

April 20, 2001

I am glad everything went well theo welcome back.I am going to use this opportunity to say a few things to the zapper community, am sorry for not joining you guys lately two Saturdays ago my icd fired 9 times so I had to be hospitalized until Friday because they change my meds from mexilitine to amiotrone which I've been taking 200 mg three times a day until it was loading and then its 100 mg's a day don't know until when. they also put me on digoxin 125mcg one tablet a day. I am also on coumidin 4mg a day,prinivil 5 mcg a day and also toprol 25 mcgs a day twice. next Monday I am going for eps studies Monday the 23rd. wish me luck hopefully see you on the zapper chat .TURK

REPLACEMENT

Thank you to all of you who wished me well on my replacement. Just to let those of you who perhaps do not know of this procedure. . When the battery wears out, they replace the entire unit with a new one. Mine is the exactly same as the first one, a Guidant two chamber (defib and pacemaker). On Tues. I went in for pre-op and all was well. I had had a former appointment, but because of a bronchial bug which is swarming around the East, had to postpone. Thursday AM, I was there at close to 10. After registration, I was in the operating room by 11, being prepared. They shaved my chest, put some ghastly iodine color stuff on me, and a local anesthetic. Prep takes about half an hour. Very thorough, very elaborate. (Intervenous feeding, oxygen on my nose, lots of pads all over me, a tent over my head, with the right side open so I could see out. Then he implant. I did feel a little string when he unzipped me. And only pressure when he took the old one out and put the new one in, then little needle like pricks when he sewed me up. I had asked to be anaesthetized for the shock test. I recommend that highly. They did that and I felt absolutely nothing, waking up around noon. All was done. A few hours post-op, mainly sitting up in bed and eating a turkey sandwich with coffee, chatting with the staff, and by 3 my friend had picked me up and I was on my way home. Anti biotics for 5 days (two a day). I was even able to stop in the super market on the way home, to pick up some asparagus, and some of Pepperidge Farms new "spritzer" lemon cookies, both of which I recommend highly. I was home 15 minutes after that. I was slightly tired.. No wine because it does not interact well with the anesthesia. But today I can have my glass of wine with dindin. I am slightly sore where they cut me open, but slept soundly while I slept. I remove the bandage today, and barring puffiness, puss, swollen or whatever (which does not seem to be a problem as of now), and then go back to see my superstar cardiologist in about 2 weeks. All in all, it was easy, there is only minor discomfort, and I am psychologically secure once again, although my ICD has never fired. It was 4.5 years ago, when they implanted the first one. If anyone has any questions, please inquire. I will be happy to fill you in on anything else I know or experienced. Best, theo1415 Please visit the Zapper homepage athttp://www.ZapLife.org

April 23, 2001

Turk... I'm so sorry you had to go thru this experience... on the

other hand, I'm sure you, as well as the rest of us here on the board

are glad you had your ICD to get you thru this ordeal... the possible

alternative seems a tad extreme for my liking I sincerely hope the

change in meds does the trick... good luck to you.

I'm curious, assuming you have the ICD for V-tach, and thinking

coumadin is for A-fib, could you please explain why you're on

coumadin at this time... although 4mg seems like a very low dose to

me. Is it by chance to thin blood to make heart work less hard 'til

meds kick in? I can't say I've ever heard of an ICD patient w/V-tach

taking coumadin before so I'm curious. If I'm intruding into an area

I shouldn't be I apologize... it's just I'm the ICD patient in the

house and hubby takes the coumadin for A-fib.

Once again, I wish you good luck w/the med change. I'm sure you've

had the EPS previously so that should be old hat to you. All the

same, good luck w/it also.

JES - NJ

I am going to use this opportunity to say a few things to the zapper

community, am sorry for not joining you guys lately two Saturdays

ago my icd fired 9 times so I had to be hospitalized until Friday

because they change my meds from mexilitine to amiotrone which I've

been taking 200 mg three times a day until it was loading and then

its 100 mg's a day don't know until when. they also put me on digoxin

125mcg one tablet a day. I am also on coumidin 4mg a day,prinivil 5

mcg a day and also toprol 25 mcgs a day twice. next Monday I am

going for eps studies Monday the 23rd. wish me luck hopefully see you

on the zapper chat .TURK

> ----- Original Message -----

April 23, 2001

Turk,

Good luck to you tomorrow, you'll be in our prayers. Sorry all this

crud has been happening.

Hey, it can only get better, huh?

Blessings to ya,

Sue

--

" She was not quite what you would call refined.

She was not quite what you would call unrefined.

She was the kind of person that keeps a parrot. "

-- Mark Twain

Rich and Sue Owens

http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Meadows/7457/index3.html

April 23, 2001

Glad all went well. You took alot of the fear out of things with your great

explanation.

Hope you got a Durcell so it will keep going and going amd still going

Sharon

April 26, 2001

If your Ejection Fraction is also low you may be prescribed coumadin

because the blood tends to pool more (similar problem as afib). I was on

coumadin

for a while, but my EF has increased. Of all the drugs & the ICD I hated

coumadin the most it was difficult keeping it within range. Eat the wrong

food &

it would get thrown off. Thank God I can now eat a salad & broccoli on the

same day! The frequent pin prick blood tests were also annoying.

Larry

Re: REPLACEMENT

> Turk... I'm so sorry you had to go thru this experience... on the

> other hand, I'm sure you, as well as the rest of us here on the board

> are glad you had your ICD to get you thru this ordeal... the possible

> alternative seems a tad extreme for my liking I sincerely hope the

> change in meds does the trick... good luck to you.

>

> I'm curious, assuming you have the ICD for V-tach, and thinking

> coumadin is for A-fib, could you please explain why you're on

> coumadin at this time... although 4mg seems like a very low dose to

> me. Is it by chance to thin blood to make heart work less hard 'til

> meds kick in? I can't say I've ever heard of an ICD patient w/V-tach

> taking coumadin before so I'm curious. If I'm intruding into an area

> I shouldn't be I apologize... it's just I'm the ICD patient in the

> house and hubby takes the coumadin for A-fib.

>

> Once again, I wish you good luck w/the med change. I'm sure you've

> had the EPS previously so that should be old hat to you. All the

> same, good luck w/it also.

>

> JES - NJ

>

> I am going to use this opportunity to say a few things to the zapper

> community, am sorry for not joining you guys lately two Saturdays

> ago my icd fired 9 times so I had to be hospitalized until Friday

> because they change my meds from mexilitine to amiotrone which I've

> been taking 200 mg three times a day until it was loading and then

> its 100 mg's a day don't know until when. they also put me on digoxin

> 125mcg one tablet a day. I am also on coumidin 4mg a day,prinivil 5

> mcg a day and also toprol 25 mcgs a day twice. next Monday I am

> going for eps studies Monday the 23rd. wish me luck hopefully see you

> on the zapper chat .TURK

> > ----- Original Message -----

>

> Please visit the Zapper homepage at

> http://www.ZapLife.org

>

April 26, 2001

Larry... how low is low... my EF has never dropped below 42% ...

hubby's was 35 - 40% ... he's on coumadin, has been since 1/2000, but

that's because he has compensated CHF & A-fib w/numerous Atrial

Premature Beats... I've never heard of ICD/V-tach patients being on

coumadin 'til I read post from Theo, but it seems several ICD

patients here do take it or have in the past... learn something every

day \o/

Thank you to all that reply... my curiosity has been satisifed

Take care...

JES <3 <3 <3

> If your Ejection Fraction is also low you may be prescribed coumadin

> because the blood tends to pool more (similar problem as afib). I

was on

> coumadin

> for a while, but my EF has increased. Of all the drugs & the ICD I

hated

> coumadin the most it was difficult keeping it within range. Eat

the wrong

> food &

> it would get thrown off. Thank God I can now eat a salad &

broccoli on the

> same day! The frequent pin prick blood tests were also annoying.

>

> Larry

>

April 26, 2001

Thanks for the good wishes, after i wrote you that letter i had another

episode where my ICD only paced me out of it .I had some eps studies done

they couldnt bring the major vt which is comforting it mostly paced me out

of it which was nice. now coumidin is for i had a mild stroke 7 years ago

since these med slow your heart down so much you can throw a clot to the

brain that why i take the coumadin and the reason for the small dosage is

amiodrone is a medicine that will thin your blood a lot more with the

coumadin. Thanks for the good wishes everybody good luck and good heart.

TURK

>From: Naojeca@...

>Reply-

>

>Subject: Re: REPLACEMENT

>Date: Sun, 22 Apr 2001 22:22:01 -0000

>

>Turk... I'm so sorry you had to go thru this experience... on the

>other hand, I'm sure you, as well as the rest of us here on the board

>are glad you had your ICD to get you thru this ordeal... the possible

>alternative seems a tad extreme for my liking I sincerely hope the

>change in meds does the trick... good luck to you.

>

>I'm curious, assuming you have the ICD for V-tach, and thinking

>coumadin is for A-fib, could you please explain why you're on

>coumadin at this time... although 4mg seems like a very low dose to

>me. Is it by chance to thin blood to make heart work less hard 'til

>meds kick in? I can't say I've ever heard of an ICD patient w/V-tach

>taking coumadin before so I'm curious. If I'm intruding into an area

>I shouldn't be I apologize... it's just I'm the ICD patient in the

>house and hubby takes the coumadin for A-fib.

>

>Once again, I wish you good luck w/the med change. I'm sure you've

>had the EPS previously so that should be old hat to you. All the

>same, good luck w/it also.

>

>JES - NJ

>

>I am going to use this opportunity to say a few things to the zapper

>community, am sorry for not joining you guys lately two Saturdays

>ago my icd fired 9 times so I had to be hospitalized until Friday

>because they change my meds from mexilitine to amiotrone which I've

>been taking 200 mg three times a day until it was loading and then

>its 100 mg's a day don't know until when. they also put me on digoxin

>125mcg one tablet a day. I am also on coumidin 4mg a day,prinivil 5

>mcg a day and also toprol 25 mcgs a day twice. next Monday I am

>going for eps studies Monday the 23rd. wish me luck hopefully see you

>on the zapper chat .TURK

> > ----- Original Message -----

>

_________________________________________________________________

Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com

September 7, 2001

hey,

that is my kind of afternoon. i was a good boy today. went out on the

lake with a book and did 2 peaches, 2 apples, 1 bananna, and 4 cans of

diet soday.

good luck and god bless for monday.

bob in pa. (ive been watching for you on aol.messenger since i got

your email this morning.

September 7, 2001

Tom,

I was wondering if you ICD is a St. Jude Profile - the ones involved in the

current recall. Mine is. Although I don't have to have my replaced I'm

anxious about it, as it could be in the future.

At any rate, you will be in my thoughts and prayers on Monday.

>From: Tom Greenholt <tgreenho@...>

>Reply-

>

>Subject: Replacement

>Date: Fri, 07 Sep 2001 15:54:23 -0400

>

>Thank you very much Laurie Lynn for your thoughts about the replacement. I

>am fortunate in having many good friends, both online and at home. One

>friend even called me and said I " should have told him first because he had

>a lot of Energizer Batteries at home " .........ain't that something! LOL

>

>Thanks again for your concern and it is just great knowing that many folks

>have already gone through this and done well. And I personally ask God

>each and every day to give all of us strength and endurance when we go

>through some of these more difficult times........

>

>Tom in PA

>

_________________________________________________________________

Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp

September 3, 2002

,

I will be thinking of you on Thursday and hoping for an easy and safe

replacement.

Know that you are loved and cared about,

September 3, 2002

Thank you ....I really do appreciate you extending your warm wishes....please take care of your and yourself, and we will talk soon!

love,

September 3, 2002

Bridget....you are a sweetheart for saying so! We are all here for each other and it really is a wonderful support.

Keep me in your thoughts...and soon I'll be back telling you all what a breeze it was.....(this is me convincing myself...)

love,

September 3, 2002

Ruth, I understand. No matter how many surgeries, or caths, or other procedures or tests....its still frightening. But apparently we are tougher than we give ourselves credit for...cause we are still around! I will be sure and let you know how I do...

thanks for thinking of me!

love,

September 3, 2002

,

I just wanted to wish you good luck and a speedy recovery with this.

You are one of the reason I made it through my first few weeks

dealing with this and I thank you for that.

Bridget

September 3, 2002

Hi ,

Good luck with your replacement. I am going to need one soon. So I'll be anxious to hear how you make out. I've been through a lot with heart surgery and about 12 heart caths but I still dread going through this small surgery again. My thoughts and prayers will be with you.

Ruth in PA

September 3, 2002

Turk, thanks so much for the words of encouragement....I like your idea of being queen for a day..in fact I may just adopt it as a national holiday in our household!

As the day draws closer the nervousness is subsiding...or it could be just that I am exhausted in trying to get everything caught up so my Mom wont' have much else to do when she comes to take care of the kids (and me) for a day or so....

I will let you know how things go...thanks again for your kindness and support!

love,

September 4, 2002

Hello ;

I can fathom(spelling??) the nervousness about the surgery just think of one

thing they already changed you 3 time so they have plenty of experience by

now, besides all kidding aside i can feel it this is going to be a breeze

and 1 2 3 youre out of there so enjoy the pop and the candy because once

youre out of there here comes mommy i want this mommy do this you know what

i mean. so with that thought enjoy your queendom(??) for the day and forget

about it then as soon as you get out get back here and tell us how it went.

You know my prayers and thought are already there so take care(Wow I can

rhyme too). Good Luck, Good Health and Good Heart( and in your case Good

Replacement). Love TURK

>From: hartofgold1a@...

>Reply-

>

>Subject: Re: Re: Replacement

>Date: Tue, 3 Sep 2002 08:48:56 EDT

>

>Thank you ....I really do appreciate you extending your warm

>wishes....please take care of your and yourself, and we will talk soon!

>love,

_________________________________________________________________

Join the world’s largest e-mail service with MSN Hotmail.

http://www.hotmail.com

March 12, 2009

Hey Ron,

I know alot of folks in this group have Medtronics and are thrilled with

that company. I am sure that you will hear from them soon.

I, myself, have ANS...and I am so happy with them. They return all calls

within an hour period, as you are given a Rep. I have never had an issue with

the ANS company. I have had my wires changed quite a few times...and battery

changes also. I have two stims and have had RSD now for 26 years.

If I can help you in any way, please feel free to call my cell 215 783-9066

Kathy G.

Co-Owner

**************A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy

steps!

(http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1219671244x1201345076/aol?redir=http:%2\

F%2Fwww.freecreditreport.com%2Fpm%2Fdefault.aspx%3Fsc%3D668072%26hmpgID

%3D62%26bcd%3DfebemailfooterNO62)

March 12, 2009

I have a medtronics and it is wonderful. The sales reps are wonderful and

knowledgable, My last trip to Cancun I was sitting on the plane next to the

regional sales manager for medtronics stimulators...she knew more about

anatomy then I did....her knowledge was amazing...and the company is all

about customer service...

Deb RN

From: Stimulator [mailto:Stimulator ] On

Behalf Of ron jackson

Sent: Thursday, March 12, 2009 8:19 AM

Stimulator

Subject: replacement

I have had a Advanced Bionics for 3 years, it never really worked after the

trial. I am going to have a Medtronics put in today, anyone else gone this

route

The problems i had with Advanced Bionics was, nobody from the company new

how to set it, the wire in my back heated up,it took a month to get a new

battery, i finally had to call the CEO of the company to get a battery, Is

Medtonics any better Please respond Ron jackson MO

March 12, 2009

Wow! That's surprises me. I have Advanced Bionics and I've never had any

problems. My charger went out about 6 months after the surgery, just wouldn't

charge me up all the way. They overnighted me a replacement. My reps are

great. I even get the occasional phone call to make sure everything is

OK.....and I've had mine a little over 2 years. Sorry you had a bad experience.

In these matters, I feel the doctor and the reps make all the difference.

Take Care,

B. in TEXAS

________________________________

From: ron jackson <rjack15256@...>

Stimulator

Sent: Thursday, March 12, 2009 8:18:57 AM

Subject: replacement

I have had a Advanced Bionics for 3 years, it never really worked after the

trial. I am going to have a Medtronics put in today, anyone else gone this route

The problems i had with Advanced Bionics was, nobody from the company new how to

set it, the wire in my back heated up,it took a month to get a new battery, i

finally had to call the CEO of the company to get a battery, Is Medtonics any

better Please respond Ron jackson MO

March 13, 2009

,

I have had mine for 3 years , i had 5 different reps, 3 diffdrent reginal

managers, in my case moboby wanted to talk with me, i had to meet them in a

parking lot or along the intersatate for testing, it took me a month to get a

battery. i had to call tha CEO to get one TKS Ron

From: B <muttsmom55@...>

Subject: Re: replacement

Stimulator

Date: Thursday, March 12, 2009, 11:32 AM

Wow! That's surprises me. I have Advanced Bionics and I've never had any

problems. My charger went out about 6 months after the surgery, just wouldn't

charge me up all the way. They overnighted me a replacement. My reps are great.

I even get the occasional phone call to make sure everything is OK.....and I've

had mine a little over 2 years. Sorry you had a bad experience. In these

matters, I feel the doctor and the reps make all the difference.

Take Care,

B. in TEXAS

____________ _________ _________ __

From: ron jackson <rjack15256 (DOT) com>

Stimulator@gro ups.com

Sent: Thursday, March 12, 2009 8:18:57 AM

Subject: replacement

I have had a Advanced Bionics for 3 years, it never really worked after the

trial. I am going to have a Medtronics put in today, anyone else gone this route

The problems i had with Advanced Bionics was, nobody from the company new how to

set it, the wire in my back heated up,it took a month to get a new battery, i

finally had to call the CEO of the company to get a battery, Is Medtonics any

better Please respond Ron jackson MO

March 13, 2009

That is terrible. My reps have even offered, if it is ever necessary and I

can't get out, to come to my house. And like I said earlier, when my charger

started acting up, they overnighted a new one with no problems at all. I can't

help but say I really think you are the exception rather than the rule for this

company. I'm sorry your reps treated you like that. I hope you have better

luck with Medtronics (but I know someone who has had a lot of trouble with them

too). Hang in there, you'll get it right and I hope soon!

Take Care,

B. in TEXAS

________________________________

From: RG <rjack15256@...>

Stimulator

Sent: Friday, March 13, 2009 10:15:06 AM

Subject: Re: replacement

,

I have had mine for 3 years , i had 5 different reps, 3 diffdrent reginal

managers, in my case moboby wanted to talk with me, i had to meet them in a

parking lot or along the intersatate for testing, it took me a month to get a

battery. i had to call tha CEO to get one TKS Ron

From: B <muttsmom55 (DOT) com>

Subject: Re: replacement

Stimulator@gro ups.com

Date: Thursday, March 12, 2009, 11:32 AM

Wow! That's surprises me. I have Advanced Bionics and I've never had any

problems. My charger went out about 6 months after the surgery, just wouldn't

charge me up all the way. They overnighted me a replacement. My reps are great.

I even get the occasional phone call to make sure everything is OK.....and I've

had mine a little over 2 years. Sorry you had a bad experience. In these

matters, I feel the doctor and the reps make all the difference.

Take Care,

B. in TEXAS

____________ _________ _________ __

From: ron jackson <rjack15256@ . com>

Stimulator@gro ups.com

Sent: Thursday, March 12, 2009 8:18:57 AM

Subject: replacement

I have had a Advanced Bionics for 3 years, it never really worked after the

trial. I am going to have a Medtronics put in today, anyone else gone this route

The problems i had with Advanced Bionics was, nobody from the company new how to

set it, the wire in my back heated up,it took a month to get a new battery, i

finally had to call the CEO of the company to get a battery, Is Medtonics any

better Please respond Ron jackson MO

March 13, 2009

I have a Medtronics, implanted August 06. Last week my unit just shut off. As

soon as I contacted my doctor and they spoke to Medtronics rep, they overnighted

me a complete recharger kit, no charge. I would recommend that every time you go

for a follow-up exam, insist that the Medtronic rep be there. They are much more

skilled at tweaking the stimulator than your doctor will be, in most cases. I

have had no trouble with mine up to this point, jusat hoping the battery does

not need to be replaced yet. Good Luck

________________________________

From: RG <rjack15256@...>

Stimulator

Sent: Friday, March 13, 2009 11:15:06 AM

Subject: Re: replacement

,

I have had mine for 3 years , i had 5 different reps, 3 diffdrent reginal

managers, in my case moboby wanted to talk with me, i had to meet them in a

parking lot or along the intersatate for testing, it took me a month to get a

battery. i had to call tha CEO to get one TKS Ron

From: B <muttsmom55 (DOT) com>

Subject: Re: replacement

Stimulator@gro ups.com

Date: Thursday, March 12, 2009, 11:32 AM

Wow! That's surprises me. I have Advanced Bionics and I've never had any

problems. My charger went out about 6 months after the surgery, just wouldn't

charge me up all the way. They overnighted me a replacement. My reps are great.

I even get the occasional phone call to make sure everything is OK.....and I've

had mine a little over 2 years. Sorry you had a bad experience. In these

matters, I feel the doctor and the reps make all the difference.

Take Care,

B. in TEXAS

____________ _________ _________ __

From: ron jackson <rjack15256@ . com>

Stimulator@gro ups.com

Sent: Thursday, March 12, 2009 8:18:57 AM

Subject: replacement

I have had a Advanced Bionics for 3 years, it never really worked after the

trial. I am going to have a Medtronics put in today, anyone else gone this route

The problems i had with Advanced Bionics was, nobody from the company new how to

set it, the wire in my back heated up,it took a month to get a new battery, i

finally had to call the CEO of the company to get a battery, Is Medtonics any

better Please respond Ron jackson MO

March 13, 2009

,

I have been in pain for 25 yeras, so when this stimulator came along, i jumped

for joy. Everytime i would get a new rep i would have to bring him up to date on

what the other guy did. I once even had to book a room at a hospital where i

live for him. I now know why there stock is at the bottom and lay offs are

coming. The whole problem was that my doctor had always used Medtronics , and

then along came a ABS rep and convinced him to use me as a guenea pig. My doc

only did one more , which also failed, but with the right reps they might have

worked. The last straw for me was , i needed a new battery for charging , i

called for a month emailed everything except go there, The wire going across the

back was heating up, they told me they had not heard of this , and to not worry

about it.

This is what happens when you trust a doctor Ron

From: B <muttsmom55@ . com>

Subject: Re: replacement

Stimulator@gro ups.com

Date: Thursday, March 12, 2009, 11:32 AM

Wow! That's surprises me. I have Advanced Bionics and I've never had any

problems. My charger went out about 6 months after the surgery, just wouldn't

charge me up all the way. They overnighted me a replacement. My reps are great.

I even get the occasional phone call to make sure everything is OK.....and I've

had mine a little over 2 years. Sorry you had a bad experience. In these

matters, I feel the doctor and the reps make all the difference.

Take Care,

B. in TEXAS

____________ _________ _________ __

From: ron jackson <rjack15256@ . com>

Stimulator@gro ups.com

Sent: Thursday, March 12, 2009 8:18:57 AM

Subject: replacement

I have had a Advanced Bionics for 3 years, it never really worked after the

trial. I am going to have a Medtronics put in today, anyone else gone this route

The problems i had with Advanced Bionics was, nobody from the company new how to

set it, the wire in my back heated up,it took a month to get a new battery, i

finally had to call the CEO of the company to get a battery, Is Medtonics any

better Please respond Ron jackson MO

March 13, 2009

Yes, but it was Boston Scientific that dropped Advanced Bionics. They weren't

happy with the way things were going within that company. You just had a

horrible experience and I'm really sorry. Like I said, I know people with

Medtronics who are having horrible problems. It can happen with any of them.

I'm going to mention this to my rep the next time I see her and see what her

take is on this. But I know what she's going to say......what I've been saying.

There can be problems will all of them and you get the reps that are in your

area. Just know, I'm completely happy with mine. And I sit at my doctors

office and talk to other patients with the same one and we're all happy. I wish

you the best with your new endeavor.....hopefully you'll get some relief and

better service.

Take Care,

B. in TEXAS

________________________________

From: RG <rjack15256@...>

Stimulator

Sent: Friday, March 13, 2009 11:12:41 AM