Mar 22, 2017

Health Update

As you may recall from this post, I had a defibrillator (known as an ICD) implanted last September due to a recently diagnosed heart condition. In February it went off my mistake. My doc encouraged me to keep it on. A second doctor (the device doctor) wouldn't turn it back on as she said it would continue to shock me for no reason. She advised surgery to remove the old one and put it a new one.

After spending 7 million hours researching the issue, I remained convinced that my medical condition did not warrant an ICD.  So, my husband and I went up to Boston earlier this week and met with an internationally respected expert on my heart condition.

Bam!  I'm a medical genius, so of course he agreed with me, and said that I did not meet the criteria for having the ICD. In plain language, I didn't need it in the first place and there is no reason to return it back on or replace it at this time.


MOOD WHEN DONE = Let me know if you need a cardiologist. My fees are reasonable!

26 comments:

Diana K said...

I'll keep you in mind if I'm ever in need of one. :) Being informed is never a bad thing. Good for you!

Betty said...

what a relief it must be for you to know you don't need another surgery - prayers do get answered but we still need to take charge of our own health by being proactive - great that you added cardiology to your resume!! take care - hugs.

Tricia T said...

I am so glad that you don't have to have it turned back on. Will you have to have surgery to have it removed, or can it just stay in place? Rejoicing with you!

LauraJane:) said...

YESSS! Living in fear of that thing going off again is more dangerous to your health; in my humble medical opinion!!



Karen said...

I work for a 49 year old female physician whose heart stopped while she was out for a run. We will skip all the details, the point is she has a portable defibrillator at home in case it happens again. The reason she is still with us is because when her heart stopped, the man whose yard she fell in had a heart condition and used his personal defibrillator on her. It might be a comfort to have it just in case.

Hannelie said...

Relieved!
BIG hug

Joan B said...

that's odd. anyone who has had a sudden cardiac arrest should have an internal defibrillator. curios as to what having one at home will do for her when she is alone at home or out and about?

katrynka said...

Good news! Very happy for you!

katrynka said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Christi said...

what great news, Joan!

Joan B said...

not sure at the moment. thanks

Jeanne H said...

Yay! Happy news!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations for taking charge of YOU and making the informed decision about what was right in your situation. I have a regular pacemaker, which thankfully doesn't deliver a shock!
dmc4042

Leslie Miller said...

So you really didn't need it in the first place? I'm thinking all kinds of things right now. Well, that's good news and I'm sure no one is happier to hear it than you!

TK said...

Congratulations, Joan! What amazing news! And ALWAYS be your own health advocate....

Suzanne Russell said...

Congratulations on completing your medical degree! So glad you were right!!!

merryf said...

Hooray for being a good researcher! So very happy for you that the Boston doctor concurred with your hypothesis!

Teresa Doyle said...

So very happy for you "Dr. Joan"! You |DO have to be your own advocate and when we have medical issues we SHOULD research as much as possible. Dr's are human too and even they make mistakes. I couldn't be happier to hear your news!

MA said...

Great news, Joan. My cousin, at age 50 last year, had an LVAD operation. This week, she had a port inserted to send meds to the right side of her heart. At age 34, she had a mastectomy. All operations at Yale-New Haven CT. You gals need to hang out a shingle!

Elaine C said...

That's fabulous news, Joan!

Marybeth said...

Yay for you Joan! Always best to be a big part of your medical decision! I'm glad you don't need it! I hope I won't.be needing any of your advice in the near future lol! Thanks for your support over at WPlus9 !

luvhymns said...

That's wonderful news.... I'm glad you studied and researched and know/listen to your body!!!! ") More people should try it!

Ginger said...

I rejoice with you at the good news. Thank you.

Mac Mable said...

Great to get the second opinion. Fantastic news, absolutely delighted for you x

Helen Kalb said...

Wonderful, so happy for you!

Patt H. said...

Such great news! I'm so happy this turned out well for you.