Letter to Medicare....

I first would like to send the warmest of the Season's Greetings to everyone here at the PaceMaker Club!

I have just finished reading the "Letter to Medicare" listed under "Latest News", to the right. My goodness, what a very well written letter we have here. I would like to encourage everyone to read it, as it could effect you directly or someone you know. The attached stories of our PacerMaker friends really sends the message that we need help with the infections!

Bravo Blake! Another job well done.

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and may you all live happy, healthy content lives.

Pacergirl

1 Comments

Delayed PPM Infection

by bobad - 2008-12-24 11:12:53


That was a real eye opener.

From what I've learned, there are 2 modes of delayed infection. One is "colonization" by bacteria that attach to the PPM and leads. This type of infection is not always severe, although total removal of the PPM and leads are still indicated. Another mode is migration, caused by bacteria in the hair follicles, sebaceous glands, or axillary area finding their way to the nearby PPM and leads. Severity depends on the strain of bacteria.

While I knew that delayed PM infections occur, I didn't know they were so common. I think it's a dirty little secret of cardiologists and PPM manufacturers.

This should be considered when recommending a PPM, and carefully explained to the patient. It's quite obvious that appropriate bacterial cultures are not always taken, and PPM's are recommended just a bit nonchalantly.

Being a victim of infection myself, (the PPM was fine for 3 months before getting infected), I wouldn't recommend a PPM to anyone unless it was life or death, or to prevent grievous quality of life issues. I am following my own advice. I have been without a PPM for 2 months, and refuse to get it re-implanted until I'm convinced it's life or death. I don't want to do the gaping wound and IV antibiotics thing for a 3rd time.



Merry Christmas to all!

You know you're wired when...

You have an excuse for being a couch potato.

Member Quotes

I'm 35 and got my pacemaker a little over a year ago. It definitely is not a burden to me. In fact, I have more energy (which my husband enjoys), can do more things with my kids and have weight because of having the energy.