need pacemaker advice for read

[Read]

read's surgery went well but his heart won't beat on its own. He may need a pacemaker and wants to know which is the best on the market. They are making the decision on Friday re putting one in that is permanent. Any suggestions? Thanks for your prayers and well wishes. I am looking forward to your responses. I am his wife, Shannon.

 

[Freddie]

Shannon,
I'm sorry I can't help you with your question, but please let Read know I'm sending thoughts and special prayers his way.

Oh, and Shannon I hope your looking after yourself.

Take care

 

[Bonzo Dog]

Hello Shannon and Read.

Basically a pacemaker is a box of two components, a circuit board and a battery.

As electronic technology and battery technology advance at speed, then so does pacemaker technology.

Electronic advancements make them smarter, battery advancements make them smaller.

Mine was last changed three years ago and is doubtless now obsolete.

There are so many different boxes, by different manufacturers. They cover all needs and lifestyles, from the young fit athletic male who wants to continue that lifestyle, to the sedentary old lady who potters about.

In your hospital there should be a cardiologist backed by technicians who specialises in pacing. Do not take advice from a non specialist cardio on this. It's a fast moving field and you need up to date specialist input. They should be able to help you to an informed decision. Be reassured there are no shoddy brands or models out there, they all undergo rigorous testing and accreditation before used.

 

[twinmaker]

Hi Shannon. I have a permanent pacemaker/defibrillator. It's a Medtronic. Before the combination, I had just a pacemaker and it was a Guidant. We had moved from Atlanta to Tampa after my pacemaker was inserted and when it was decided that I needed both a pacemaker and defibrillator, my cardio in Tampa put in a Medtronic. I really think that most doctors have a preference probably based on the patient's needs and the brand they like working with. That's just my opinion, though. I'll be thinking of you and your husband. Let us know how it goes, and if I can answer any other questions let me know. LINDA

 

[Debster]

Hi Shannon! My mom has a Medtronic bivent pacemaker-and has a home monitoring device too. Has helped her tremendously-best wishes Deb

 

[Susan BAV]

Hi Shannon, I don't have experience with a pacemaker but I think it's not particularly uncommon for a valve replacement recipient to need one implanted. I hope others post soon and that all goes well for Read.

 

[briansmom]

My son has a Medtronic bi-vent with ICD. It keeps all the stats on his heart beat and it also has a home monitor so we can send the data to the doc if we need to. My son has a special cardiac doc (electrophysiologist) just for his pacemaker.

I am sorry that he has to go through this, but once it is in he probably won't notice it. I do want to say that it was fairly painful for my son to get his, I think that he was just not mentally prepared.

Sending good wishes his way...

 

[Elcarim]

I ended up with a pacemaker after my second AVR, it was a shock as I was not prepared for it mentally, and we have had a few minor issues with the programming, but apart from that no problems. I got a Medtronic Enpulse nearly 3 years ago now.