Am I the only one here who didn't get fitted for their device. Seems they just grabbed one off the shelf and slapped it in me because it's way too big to be a proper "fit", it weighs way too much, it's ugly, and yet, I see numerous posts that you have all been fitted for your devices.

Guess that's what happens when you go to the lowest bidder for heart repairs

 

 

I guess I'm just oblivious to some things, but I don't think they really fit you. I think the idea is that they just use whatever brand (St. Joseph, Metronic, etc) and slap it in. Mine weighs way too much, it's ugly and I didn't even go to the lowest bid. I know that when I was in with one of the techs, someone came to the door asking if he had one of the latest models to show someone who was about to get a replacement. He had apparently told the gentleman that the newer models were smaller, but when the tech gave him one, he said, "oh, it looks pretty much just like his model he has now. I thought it would be smaller and lighter." The tech said, "it's smaller but not really noticeably smaller." I guess it's one of those "one size fits most." I've wondered if there is a smaller version for the children or if they just choose a larger part of the body for implant. Mine's right under the collarbone so just afterwards, while I still had lots of swelling, it resembled a 3rd breast that grew in an awkward spot. Now it just looks a little awkward in some of my clothing. Does anyone get a fitting? It would have helped in my adjustment if I had seen it placed on my chest prior to the procedure. I would have known how LARGE it was going to appear under the skin. It's much bigger than I thought it was. I only saw drawings prior to having the procedure. Oh well, it wasn't like I got t pick it out.

 

I didn't get "fitted" either because this is my second one and it too is trying to work its way through my skin.


in the US, they shove 'em in there regardless if they "fit" or not.


LOL.

 

Hospital did not even know my name when I went down for surgery. Who funds the medical world?

 

I mean they had all sorts of sizes, colors and options. Unfortunately my insurance wouldn't spring for the iPacer which also included a phone, mp3 player and an interesting 'wake up' option.

 

I think I have the same shape as everyone else, but CoBradyBunch has now gotten me to wondering what color this sucker is! Angelie is right! In the US they just shove 'em in there whether they fit or not..mine's too big. I can feel every lead and it's trying to poke it's way though.

 

I asked to see the pacemaker before it was implanted. While I was being prepped for the surgery someone brought it over, in its plastic package, to show me and said something like, "Meet your new best friend!"

 

Hey Patch, I didn't get a choice I flatlined during my EP study and spent 3 days in Cardiac CCU on morphine, they sent out for a specific AICD that would work with my hearts condition and problem......I was so high on morphine anyway, I would have agreed to them implanting an elephant......

 

Choice on color, size, shape or anything else here...........but it cost me plenty!! LOL
Liz

 

i do know that my doctor started out using one brand but later decided to use another brand, but ti all had to do with my diagnosis he said...
I saw a picture of mine online (basic silver for all occasions LOL) it's about the size of an american 1/2 dollar and is really not to noticeable, minus the scar...but don't really care about that part either :o)

 

I wrote to Boston Scientific to see if there were any programs,(techs call them curves), or new devices that would help with my low heartrate when cycling.

They asked for the model number....etc. As of December, 2008 I had the latest and greatest PM that Boston Scientific had for my condition.

Still have the low heartrate. Any other exercise, the PM works pretty well.