p.m type

lenora, you said you just got a st jude5386 model. did you specifically ask for it . im getting a p.m. soon and want to know if st jude, medtronic or guidant is best. i know there are lawsuits against medtronic and guidant. can anyone out there give me any advice. i also want to know how it feels when the pulse goes to the heart. do you always feel it. does it wake you up at night when you are sleeping..thanks for the help

6 Comments

St. Jude

by lenora - 2007-04-10 01:04:03

Hi! No, I didn't have to ask for another St. Jude because my doctor implants only St. Jude. No. 5386 is a new model and a terrific upgrade for me because I don't even feel atrial fib anymore. At the first check last week I was surprised to learn that I'd had more than 80 episodes since it was implanted. No. 5386 is handling things great!! Lots of people on this site have Medtronic pacemakers, which are also supposed to be very good. Be sure to ask your doctor specifically before surgery what brand and model he will implant in you. St. Jude (and I assume Medtronic also) gives very good descriptions of functions of each model on their website. As to whether or not you will feel the pacemaker actually working someone else will have to speak to that because I am pacemaker dependent and mine doesn't have to "kick in" on demand when needed. There's lots to learn about pacemakers and you have certainly come to the right place. Lenora

Just my 2 cents!

by ela-girl - 2007-04-10 01:04:08

Hi, r7ich.

Now I had my pm implanted via emergency surgery, so I didn't have any opportunities to ask for what I wanted (not like I would have known what brand to ask for or what model number I wanted anyways). Heck! I didn't even really know what a pm was! I am guessing, though, had I been able to ask, I probably would not have gotten what I wanted. I would think the brand/model of pacer you get is dependent on several factors like...what kind of pm you need in your situatution, the "contracts" your doctor or hospital has with certain companies, your insurance, what's new in the industry, etc. Maybe I am wrong or way off base here, but I am curious about this, too. Some day I will need my pm replaced and I am already attached to the Ela brand that is in my chest!

I would like to think that more likely than not, you have a knowledgeable and capable doctor who you can trust to make good decisions on your behalf (not to say there aren't some bad ones out there). I am sure you will be fitted with a quality pacer that fits your needs and requirements. Have you talked with your doctor about this?

After I got my pacer and started learning about the world of pacers, I was shocked that pacers could be recalled like a car part because it is inside of you keeping you alive! But there are no guarantees. Most of us would be okay for a short amount of time if we had a bad pm installed and needed to switch it out.

Stay positive and keep asking questions!
ela-girl

One more thing...

by ela-girl - 2007-04-10 01:04:12

When I first got my pacer, I could sometimes really feel my heartbeat. I think I was just really aware because I was feeling better (my heart was working correctly) and I was focused on my heart because everything dealt with the heart. And I still from time to time can feel the ventricular pacing (I have a dual chamber pm) of my pacer because ventricular paces are the strong beats (versus the atrial pacing). Pacing should not wake you up. In fact, most of the time you shouldn't even be aware of your pacer. If you are, something might need to be fine tuned.

Keep in high spirits!
ela-girl

don't worry

by jessie - 2007-04-10 01:04:48

please don't worry. i have a medtronic dual chamber and it records everything so my doctor tells me. i have had no problems at all with it. he told me it is good for 5 years. i have it checked every six months in london. i would know if it were not working and you have time to go to the e.r. so try not to worry and try to focus on getting it in and your recovery of about 3 months. bye take care jessie

Guidant

by auntiesamm - 2007-04-10 02:04:00

Do NOT get a Guidant. Many of their models have been recalled for various reason. If you wish to research this either go to the FDA website or search this website for communication about Guidant. I got one in May 2006 and just days after found out it had been on a recall list for months prior to having mine done! If your physician or EP mentions Guidant you need to be prepared! Do not believe that your doctor would not use a Guidant for you; it has happened to any number of people! I don't intend to scare you but want you to be armed with this information in the event you need it. Good luck and God bless.
Sharon

Don't Get Guidant

by ted - 2007-04-10 03:04:15

Any doctor who suggests a Guidant is being irresponsible. Guidant is still ducking responsibility for deceiving us for three years while knowingly selling units that were defective and had caused deaths. Guidant cares more for money than for human life. This company is a disgrace and should be put out of business. Guidant cannot be trusted to tell you or your doctor the truth.

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