There are some who erroneously believe that all hazardous activities and hardware in the world that would interfere with your pacemaker, ICD, or CRT is documented in the manufacturer's manual or can be found online through a Google search, and the information or for that matter the lack thereof is the Gospel according to St. Jude, or one of the other saintly manufacturers.

Those of us who've had these devices for awhile have experienced enough anomalies with our units to recognize the fact that there really are no absolutes when dealing with these contraptions. There are at elast a couple members here who I am certain will poo poo my comments, but I could care less.

This week-end while at a party, casually enjoying a beautiful day and relaxing with friends and family, my ICD fired big time. When we got home, I immediately checked the owners manual and went online to do a search. There was absolutely no reference to the FACT that a 5 year old child's birthday is hazardous and may cause an ICD to fire.

 

 

Hey Patch,

Glad it was just a 5 year old and not something serious. I'll bet that kept you awake at the party. Waiting to see if it would happen again should have been a real thrill.

We must never underestimate the power of the young. I once saw a 4 year old make his mother zoom off like an Atlas rocket. So far as I know she is still in orbit because she has not come back home.

My wife just looked over my shoulder and scolded me for saying that. She said I should know it was that boozer she had for a husband and the poor little kid had nothing to do with it.

By the way, thanks for the message the other day. I'm afraid we may have an ongoing problem, but I'll wait and see if time will take care of everything, or if I should borrow a taser. On second thought do you think we could run a wire from your ICD and take care of our problem?

Smitty

 

Smitty,

Thanks for the chuckle.

Absolutely you can use my ICD, smoked Crab sounds good.

 

Thanks to both of you for your willingness to share your knowledge. I appreciate both of you.

As for kids.... with my 3 boys around, I didn't have problems with bradycardia then!!!:)

Have a Great Week

Qwerty

 

I don't have an icd to help smoke the crab but if I bring the dip, will you invite me?

 

Whew, going to parties with you must be a real shocker. With the ICD "firing" and your party history, and the excitement of a five year old Birthday party ~ can we come next time? Fireworks in abundance.

We will bring the hotdogs and marshmallows for firing.

Bear Hugs to All,
Carolyn G. in TEXAS ~ Great Mother's Day 5/9/10

 

Probably located the pacers power cord and plugged it into a wall outlet.

frank

 

Achieving your own good health is determined by the choices you make daily. And bad choices cancel out good choices.

It may be a good choice to listen to the doctor and get a pacemaker. But if we ignore the doctor's instructions (and the pacemaker manual's warnings) to have an MRI or ride a rollercoaster when Disney has posted warnings as well . . . then, the good choice to get the pacemaker may be cancelled out by killing yourself.

Conversely, good choices to the extreme are bad. If the doctor (and user's manual, or phoning manufacturer) indicate that it's just fine to go through typical store scanning devices, and the device at the bank door, but we choose not to do it because of the pacemaker, then we are limiting ourselves.

Frankly, it's stupid to ignore doctor's orders and manufacturer's written warnings. The doctor says take certain medicines, but without a medical degree of our own, some of us ignore the doctor. It's folly, and over-weaning pride. And you know what Milton about that kind of pride -- "Pride goeth ever before the fall!" Truer words were never spoken, I think.

Some choices are just dumber than others. Thinking we know more than the doctor, or thinking we know more than the maker of the pacemaker --is just dumb. But acting on that kind of dumb-ness is a choice. And it's important to remember, ALL choices have consequences. Some choices result in a pine box five feet under:

Reason is but choosing: right reason.

 

Just wondering if you've replied to the wrong post, Renee? It doesn't seem to have anything to do with the original post or replies....

 

Renee,

Are you trying to tell Patch, in more words than necessary, that he was dumb to go to a party which may have or may not have caused his ICD to fire to stop his V-Fib?

Maybe more to the point is what was your message? If it was that we all shoudl follow the instructions we got with our pacemaker/defibrillator, save your breath. If our doctors haven't convinced us of the necessity of that then you calling us stupid for not following those instructions ain't likely to do the job.

Or were you just philosophizing and wanted to see how it looked in print?

 

Patch,

The party sounds like a great idea, but it may not be the best time for shellfish. Here about a different creature that lives in a shell? I understand smoked armadillo is delicious. With a few beverages of choice, Tracey's dip and Carolyn's hot dogs and marshmallows we would have the makings of a real feast. I'll bet the party would be a humdinger too.

Smitty

 

Everyone always said I was an idiot, so imagine my surprise when Renee told me I was stupid. My parents will be so proud I've improved up to just stupid. Thank you, thank you for the professional assessment.

 

I guess I could go for the armadillo but you'd need to be pretty generous with those beverages first. Assuming, of course, Renee left any for the rest of us. Right now it's not looking like it.

 

MEOOOW?

Just kidding you because it soes sound that way..

 

he he he :o)
And here I thought I was being nice, looking for excuses for missing the joke.

 

Blindly following doctor orders while ignoring that several doctors with the same medical degrees will give totally different instructions to the same patient qualifies as being dumb. Even a small amount of reasoning comes up with the possibility that the doctor is treating his/her own anxiety rather than the patients needs.

Dumest Frank

 

Frank, a patient can always ask for a second doctor's opinion. You are, after all, paying for the doctor's expertise. And your "opinion" that a doctor is merely treating his anxiety is just that. If you think you know more than the doctor, do the surgery on yourself. That should be interesting.

Smitty and Tracey, take the chip off. It's so childish.

Cabg Patch, you're welcome (but I never said that).

 

I don't know what you may be smoking, sniffing, dipping or
drinking that makes you have a convenient memory but you did say stupid and dumber -- "Frankly, it's stupid to ignore doctor's orders and manufacturer's written warnings." and "Some choices are just dumber than others." "Cabg Patch, you're welcome (but I never said that)."

Tell us who you were directing those kind words at unless it was Patch.

As for your "Smitty and Tracey, take the chip off. It's so childish" the only thing childish about us is we and a lot of others are laughing our butt off at your stupidity. You obviously do not know sheep dip from wild honey about pacemaker but do your dangest to present your self an expert.

As for the future, be sure of what you post, or remember what you post, because I'll be reading every comment and I will never pass an opportunity to critique your messages. Rest assured I’ll let you know what I find. I'll even be enlisting help from some friends.

Have fun now,

 

Are you a medical professional by any chance? That would help me understand where you are coming from. If I were to guess you are an RN.

Oddly, I agree with all you said in your post, but not the spirit of it.

First off I am paying the doctor for his expertise..no question there. I am not paying to have him/her take over my body. Ideally, the doctor is a consultant who knows far more that I do as far as the general function and problems of the human body. However, I expect the information to make sense as I delve into it. It makes no sense for 5 different doctors to order 5 different time periods before lifting the pacer arm. It makes even less sense to have a cardiologist say that a Medtronics pacemaker doesn't have a particular setting available when it is in the programming manual for it. It doesn't make sense when the cardiologist told me that I had SSS and needed to have my atrium paced when the ECG showed a regular responsive atrial beat. It is even more strange when the Medtronic rep confirmed my assertions.

As for knowing more than the docs, that is a loaded statement. My cardiologist is a very skilled surgeon as far as implanting/replacing my pacemaker, and I let him know it. His skills are limited as far as understanding the implications of the various settings, and I have been honest about that as well. He and I are friends.

It's odd you should mention that I should do my own replacement surgery. That thought crossed my mind during the surgery and I realized that the only thing in the way of it is I can't reach the area with enough precision. Besides that I enjoy relaxing on the table and letting him do it.

best,

frank

 

Hey, gang, don't be too rough on Renee. I really appreciate a good exchange. Keep in mind that I titled one of my posts here "What's real dumb".

frank

 

No no no, this is an adult party! A child's party is what started the trouble to begin with. I don't think anyone is bringing chips yet. I'm bringing dip. Mustard dip goes great with crab but I haven't found a good recipe yet for armadillo.

They usually don't affect the sense of humor when they put in the pm, sorry to hear it sounds like yours might have been damaged. Is it still going over your head that this entire thread started as a joke? This one was for laughs, not a philosophical discussion. Chill out.

 

Didn't get in on this one, but did enjoy reading the written exchanges.

CabgPatch: You should know that fireworks at kid's birthday party is dangerous!

Patch, TraceyE, Electric Frank, Smitty, qwerty, CarolynG - you guys always put on a smile on my face.I always love to read what you have to say and if others don't like it, then let them start their own forum and set their own rules. I have already been called a "few choice words" by "you know who" and at the time felt it was my fault. It didn't take long to realize that one bad apple don't spoil the whole bunch.

Hugs and kisses to my fave posters!!!
.

 

Sometimes when someone (generic someone) is unhappy with themselves, their life, etc., they say harsh things & lash out with words. Usually trying to belittle someone. For some odd reason it temporarily must make the person feel better. Who knows?
I've always told my kids (who are now 34 & soon to be 39) they are to NEVER call someone stupid. Now we carry on those words of wisdom to all the grandkids.
Renee, I don't know what your deal is. Is your life unhappy? All these posters are so kind & really try to offer something to everyone, yet you take on such a know it all attitude. Even your "brief" responses are sometimes mean to someone who might have a simple question.
I've seen Doctors reply to people & not act like they know everything. Why should you take it upon yourself to act (try to) seem so superior?
Makes me shake my head & wonder just what your life is like.

Liz

 

I saw some funny in this and I also saw some fight. I guess it depends on how someone reads this in their own minds - it is difficult to hear a tone of voice when writing.
I was raised by a very proper Irish mother and a tough Italian guy - if something in my house was not said in a possitive tone, mom would give a punishment of going to your room, dad was not a hitter but if you said a negative or nasty thing to someone - your mouth might have a new puffy part to it. I guess that is why I am mostly quiet but I do try to be respectful.
Be happy - we are all alive enough to communicate. There are days where I think I will not replace the medtronic when it is due. I lost 2 brother within 9 months and both would have loved to have a pacemaker and give them some shocks. And jokes. Miss my family at this point.
Hey, does anyone know a single lady out there that is around 34 - I have a single son - I told him I was going to get him a mail order bride - I would like a grandchild. He said he would hire a serogate. Think on that one.
Be well everyone,
Sugar/Patty