Sick update

Hi guys,
I am home after spending the afternoon at the medical clinic. I don't have the flu but something is making me very, very sick. I was very dehydrated so I was given an IV. I was also given some meds to help to stop the vomiting. yeah.

Now, the test show that my immune system is in overdrive. ???? The Dr. has no idea why. He is running a lot of test, blood for one. I still feel awful, I look like someone drove over me. My face is bruised from getting so sick for so long. I look like halloween! too bad it is Jan.

It is freezing cold here in Wichita. 7 degrees! Wind chill is -16 right now. Good Grief. During all this I have the chills. So I have the heat turned up the heating pad under me and blankets over me and my dogs. They are right here with me.

My question is; Has anyone developed an immunity to the metal the pacemaker is made of? is it possible that my body is seeing the pacer as the enemy? I know this may sound completely nuts, but I have had this thought over the last few days.

I'm tired so I am going back to bed...
Take care all and thank you for your support and humor.

3 Comments

Titanium

by pacemaker writer - 2010-01-07 03:01:02

The pacer is made of titanium metal (the casing) which is considered "biocompatible," that is, the body rarely rejects this. Some pacers are further coated with a very thin plastic coating, too, which makes it even more compatible (actually it's a parylene coating--I'm not sure if it's plastic or what--you can't see it).

In all of the time I worked writing about pacers (over 20 years) I never heard of one case of a body rejecting or reacting to the pacemaker. I once worked with Dr. Friedman at the Texas Children's Hospital (pediatric pacemaker doc) and he said he'd never seen a case like that in his career.

Not saying it could not happen, but it is really "unheard of."

Take care of yourself! Enjoy your puppy dogs, drink plenty of fluids, and sleep ....

So Sorry......

by Pookie - 2010-01-07 10:01:01

to hear you are so sick. Hugs.

Call me crazy, but why haven't you been admitted to the hospital????? Why would they send you home?

Where did they leave you? meaning: what is the next step? what is their plan to do with you?

I"ll never understand the medical system. Never.

Pookie

Think Happy Thoughts

by bgarza - 2010-01-07 12:01:43

Sure hope that you start feeling better. It certainly doesn't help when the weather is so cold, but it makes for great snuggle time. Take all that unconditional love your dogs are giving you, get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids, and I'm sure you will be better in no time. But definitely ask your doctor to explain what "immune over-drive" means and how to fix it. Take care!

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