Medtronic Failure

I feel I would not be a responsible patient if I did not comment regarding the recent failure(s) by Medtronic and the spinal cord stimulator I received in 2008. My spinal cord implant had been an overall happy story until a few weeks ago (less the physician form the get go). I should have listened to my instincts and at least switched to a new physician (I almost cancelled the surgery the day of, even after already receiving the I.V. I began having problems with the medical device (it had protruded); giving me the worst stinging/burning sensation at the implantation site. My 'pain specialist' doctor and Medtronic have not been helpful - they have been the complete opposite. It's as though they consider me an enemy and could care less now that the Medtronic implant is in (though failing). In addition to the shifting of the device, the battery has failed. It hasn't even been two years. I cannot impress upon others considering this life changing event to thoroughly research before going through with the surgery. I was utterly desperate after living with chronic pain for years - I would have done it differently had I known what I am experiencing now. I also had a blood clot form in my heart within three months of my surgery, thus suffering a myocardial infarction, of which I am lucky to be alive.  I am hopeful that my situation stems from an irresponsible physician and Medtronic representative. I truly hope that all who have the devices already implanted have continued success.

Prevent a Blood Clot

Health Tip: Help Prevent a Blood Clot

Friday, January 15, 2010

Don't sit or stand in the same position for too long

(HealthDay News) -- Blood clots most often occur in people who don't move around enough and among people who have had recent surgery or injury. A clot can travel to the heart or brain, leading to a heart attack or stroke.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services suggests how to help prevent a blood clot:

• Wear clothing and socks that fit loosely.
• Occasionally lift your legs to about six inches above your heart.
• If prescribed by your doctor, wear compression stockings.
• Follow your doctor's recommendations for exercise and take all medications as prescribed.
• Avoid sitting or standing in the same position for longer than one hour.
• Limit your salt intake.
• Avoid crossing or bumping your legs.
• Don't put pillows beneath your knees.
• Elevate the end of your bed about four to six inches.

Me, Myself and I vs. What, Where, When & Why

The article below peaks my interest since I still have no other reason for my blood clot/heart attack other than being told that I had "a lot of stress and bad luck". I wonder how the doctor officially wrote that sentence!? In fact, I am hoping to get something official in writing at my next appointment. It's a horrible feeling not knowing why. I always wanted to be a journalism major - the who, what, when, why and how is the first thing I learned (I didn't get very far in that journalism endeavor!). Anyhow, in this situation, the only answer I have pertains to who. The answer is, me. 

I went through all sorts of genetic tests following my heart attack (lupus, leukemia, I can't remember them all...) yet everything came back negative. The reason I want to know isn't just a need to know based upon reaction, I want to know so I can try to prevent it from happening again. So, for now, I still mention every little thing I can think of as it comes to mind to my doctor, no matter how silly it may seem. I think I've been in the room to many times when my husband is watching the t.v. program 'House'! Probably more ridiculous is the fact that I still have a shoe box sized box with the empty bottles of the vitamin supplements/medications I was taking when I had my heart attack - as though some recall will occur and I will have the bottles with the manufacturing information that link the mysterious contents to my heart attack (again, too much 'House'). I need to begin to accept the fact that I will never know; that I have to look at people and say "stress and bad luck", and believe it myself.  Well, on with the article (below):

Genetic Link to Heart Failure

ScienceDaily (Jan. 1, 2010) — A team of researchers, at Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, has identified a group of 12 genetic variants in the HSPB7 gene that is associated with heart failure in humans.

The research is reported in the Journal of Clinical Investigation. The team, led by Gerald Dorn, used an approach they have recently developed that allows ultra-high-throughput targeted DNA sequencing to identify genetic variation in four genes with biological relevance to heart failure. They identified in a large group of Caucasian individuals with heart failure, 129 separate genetic variants in the four genes, including 23 that seemed to be novel.

Further analysis of 1117 Caucasian individuals with heart failure and 625 nonaffected Caucasians indicated that a block of 12 genetic variants in the HSPB7 gene was associated with heart failure. Confirmation of this association was provided by analysis of an independent group of individuals.

The authors hope to use the same approach to identify further genetic variants associated with heart failure, a disease that is influenced by multiple genetic factors.

Oral (Birth) Control Pills?

My heart attack received much speculation in regards to oral contraceptives.  Normally this is a topic I would relegate to my private blog, but it seems that somehow many people outside of my immediate friends/own mother knew about my method of birth control.  That being said, my blood pressure was regularly monitored because of a different medication I was taking in addition to the oral birth control pill.  My blood pressure was always at a healthy range.  The day I was taken to the emergency room my cholesterol levels were also at healthy levels (as in previous testings).  Despite my weight gain over the last several years my blood pressure and cholesterol have been and remain extremely good.  As for the cause of my blood clot's and subsequent heart attack, the cardiologist and oncologist who ran extensive tests were unable to come to a conclusion.  When pressed, my cardiologist has told us that I had 'bad luck and a tremendous amount of stress'.  Lastly, I had an EKG just a few months prior to my heart attack in preparation for surgery unrelated to my heart.  It is very difficult not having a diagnosis; not knowing exactly what to avoid (as if I could control the situation in any way).  It's the ultimate fear of the unknown (and I am the type of person who likes to know).

Nonetheless, here is an article regarding the same, very serious subject, oral contraceptives:

Is There Any Risk For Heart Disease With Birth Control Pills?


Sharonne Hayes, M.D., Director, Women's Heart Clinic; Associate Professor of Medicine;
Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
February 6, 2008

Question: As A 30-Year-Old Woman, Should I Be Concerned About Taking Oral Contraceptive Pills And Is There Any Risk For Heart Disease With These Pills?

Answer: Oral contraceptives are some of the most effective birth control methods. And so, if you have chosen to be on oral contraceptives, presumably you're trying to prevent pregnancy. Where oral contraceptives got a bad rap, in a sense, was the first generation of oral contraceptives, which were 10 to 20 times higher doses of estrogen and progesterone than currently available oral contraceptives. So the oral contraceptives we're using today are much safer.

That said, even today's oral contraceptives, many of them can slightly increase blood pressure, they can adversely affect your cholesterol -- particularly by lowering the good cholesterol -- and they can slightly increase the risk of blood clots. So all of these things need to be taken into consideration.

There is no evidence that taking oral contraceptives today increases your risk of having a heart attack down the road after you stopped it as an older person. So that's very reassuring. If you choose to be on oral contraceptives, because that's the best method, one thing you should know, is that the risk, the cardiac risk of going through a completed pregnancy is actually much higher than taking oral contraceptives. So that's important to compare those risks. Taking care of yourself and reducing your cardiac risk factors, making sure your blood pressure is under control after you start, is a good way to reduce that risk.

The other thing is there are a number of newer oral contraceptives, and ones in development, that may actually reduce cardiac risk. Several that contain drospironone, which actually can lower blood pressure and has some other beneficial effects, are available now.

And so, we recommend you take the lowest dose for the time that you need it for oral contraception, but the cardiac risk shouldn't weigh too heavily when you make that decision.

Watch Your "Own" Heart Attack

I came across a public service announcement (PSA) on You Tube about a year ago.  I believe it's from the  United Kingdom.  It reminds me of the PSA about drugs where the egg is frying in the pan ("...this is your brain on drugs").  


Okay, back to the dramatization at hand; it answers the question that people ask, 'What did it feel like?'.  If you want to know, watch this video.  My main symptoms were different:  I did not have any chest pain.  I had tightness and pain in my shoulder blades/upper back.  This is a symptom usually associated with female heart attack patients.  


The day I went to the emergency room I used the search engine Google to look up the words 'heart attack symptoms' because I knew something wasn't right within my body.  After that, recalling commercials for aspirin, I found an old bottle in my medicine cabinet.  Just as the commercials suggested, I opened it, and took a dosage.  I decided that it couldn't hurt anything and now that I had read the list of symptoms, if I had any others I would go to the hospital.  Before I knew it I was making the next decision to call 911 for an ambulance.  The actor in the PSA below is correct:  every second counts.  Why take the chance of dying?  Nobody knows your body better than yourself.


The ambulance personnel didn't think anything of it when I told them I thought I was having a heart attack.  When I was taken into the emergency room I was left in a hallway on the gurney from the ambulance.  I didn't remember much of the ride from my home to the hospital, but as I lay there on my back, I still new something was wrong.  I started asking for someone to help me, continuing to state that I thought I was having a heart attack.  A couple of staff looked at me like I was crazy.  I can't blame them, I was only thirty-three.  I wasn't about to stop asking for help though, so I was moved into a room and set up with an EKG monitor.  Within minutes the room was full with personnel; I knew I was correct when I saw a man dressed in golfing attire enter.  He calmly told me that I was having a heart attack.

I encourage everyone to not only watch this clip, but familiarize yourself with the symptoms for heart attack/stroke (differences between male and female).  Likewise, discuss with your primary care physician ways to prevent blood clots, stroke and heart attack.  For example,  a physician might recommend taking a specific dosage of aspirin daily depending on your age and other factors.  


WARNING:  This video may be upsetting for stroke/heart attack survivors and loved one's.  Please only watch if you want to know more about symptoms (otherwise refer to other sources such as the American Heart Association or a physician).

American Heart Association Fundraising Webpage: Why!?

I survived a heart attack on July 12, 2008 caused by a blood clot that formed in my heart. As a result of my experience, I have learned that heart disease is the #1 KILLER for WOMEN. While my heart attack was considered a random occurance, my wish is that we will all lead healthy lives and learn the warning signs for heart attack, as it is frequently misdiagnosed in women resulting in death. I am getting involved by participating in two American Heart Association's (AHA) Start! Heart Walk's. The first walk is in September located in Santa Maria, California. The second walk is in October in San Luis Obispo, California.

Please support this cause by making a donation in any amount you are able, that will help provide cardiac research and education to stop our No. 1 (female) and No. 3 (male) killers.

1. Donation(s) are tax deductible (now there's a silver lining!)
2. Your employer might match donations; find out here: http://www.matchinggifts.com/aha/

I have fundraised in the past (for Special Olympics, collecting donations and running) however, surviving a heart attack and now being able to participate with the AHA in a Heart Walk is an amazing feeling. I'm obviously not the only person affected by cardiovascular problems, I, like many others, know so many people who are all too familiar with heart disease.

If you haven't heard my personal story and you want to hear it, just ask me. Knowing the signs could save a life!

Thank you for taking the time to read this information!

* I have declined any prizes associated with funds raised for participating in either walk.

Heart Attack vs. Cardiac Arrest

Heart attack vs. cardiac arrest: Reports indicating a Michael Jackson cardiac arrest generated much interest in the difference between sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) and a heart attack.

According to the American Medical Association (AMA), a heart attack occurs when the blood supply to part of the heart muscle itself — the myocardium — is severely reduced or stopped. The reduction or stoppage happens when one or more of the coronary arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle is blocked. This is usually caused by the buildup of plaque (deposits of fat-like substances), a process called atherosclerosis. The plaque can eventually burst, tear or rupture, creating a "snag" where a blood clot forms and blocks the artery. This leads to a heart attack.

If the blood supply is cut off for more than a few minutes, muscle cells suffer permanent injury and die. This can kill or disable someone, depending on how much heart muscle is damaged.

Sometimes a coronary artery temporarily contracts or goes into spasm. When this happens the artery narrows and blood flow to part of the heart muscle decreases or stops. We're not sure what causes a spasm. A spasm can occur in normal-appearing blood vessels as well as in vessels partly blocked by atherosclerosis. A severe spasm can cause a heart attack.

The medical term for heart attack is myocardial infarction. A heart attack is also sometimes called a coronary thrombosis or coronary occlusion.

The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association has an excellent cardiac arrest fact sheet available for download. They write,

"Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a leading cause of death in the U.S., killing nearly 300,000 people each year. That’s more than the total death rate for breast cancer, lung cancer, and HIV/AIDS combined. SCA can strike persons of any age, gender, race, and even those who seem in good health, as evidenced by world class professional athletes at the peak of fitness.

During SCA, heart function ceases abruptly and without warning.

When this occurs, the heart is no longer able to pump blood to the rest of the body, and in over 90% of victims, death occurs. This is usually caused when the electrical impulses in the affected heart become rapid (ventricular tachycardia, or “VT”) or chaotic (ventricular fibrillation, or “VF”), or both.

These irregular heart rhythms are arrhythmias. The general public and media often mistakenly refer to SCA as a “massive heart attack.”

SCA is an electrical problem, whereby the arrhythmia prevents the heart from pumping blood to the brain and vital organs. There is an immediate cessation of the heart. In most cases, there are no warning signs or symptoms.

A heart attack is a “plumbing” problem caused by one or more blockages in the heart’s blood vessels, preventing proper flow, and the heart muscle dies. Symptoms include chest pain, radiating pain in left arm, between shoulder blades, and/or jaw, difficulty breathing, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, and sweating. In some cases, a heart attack may lead to a sudden cardiac arrest event."

Media interest in cardiac arrest
The day after Michael Jackson's presumed sudden cardiac arrest death, cardiac arrest was discussed in all the major media, a (very slight) silver lining to Michael Jackson's tragic end, since sudden cardiac arrest awareness is frightfully low and publicly accessible defibrillation is also low.

The LA Times noted, "The L.A. County coroner’s office will determine a cause of death. A Los Angeles Fire Department source told The Times that Jackson was in full cardiac arrest when rescue units arrived."

USA Today wrote,
Q. What might have happened in Jackson's case?

A: Jackson most likely had ventricular fibrillation, an electrical disturbance of the heart that occurs when the heart begins beating 400 to 500 times a minute — much more than the normal 70 to 75 beats, says Douglas Zipes, emeritus professor at Indiana University School of Medicine and former president of the American College of Cardiology.

"When you look at the heart in ventricular fibrillation, it looks like a bag of squiggly worms," Zipes says. "The contractions are totally ineffective. ... Therefore, no blood is pumped to the brain, causing him to black out.

"The heart's pacemaker is the sinus node," Zipes says. "It is the conductor of the orchestra, coordinating the heart's electrical rhythm. When all the instruments are playing in a coordinated manner, the result is music. In ventricular fibrillation, it's as if the orchestra is warming up and what you hear is cacophony."

Q: What can you do for someone in cardiac arrest?

A: Sudden cardiac death occurs within minutes unless someone gets the heart working again, either through CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) or with adefibrillator, which uses an electrical shock to get the heart pumping correctly.

Brain death begins in just four to six minutes, so restarting the heart quickly is vital, the American Heart Association says.

CPR can buy patients time until they can be shocked with a defibrillator, says Abhi Mehrotra, assistant professor of emergency medicine at UNC-Chapel Hill. By compressing the chest, rescuers circulate blood and get oxygen to vital organs such as the brain.

A victim's chances of survival go down 7% to 10% every minute that passes without CPR and defibrillation. Few people are revived after 10 minutes, the American Heart Association says.

Resuscitation from SCA
The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association writes, "When someone collapses from SCA, immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) are essential for any chance of recovery. As many as 30 to 50 percent would likely survive if CPR and AEDs were used within five minutes of collapse.

The AED analyzes the heart rhythm of the victim, and if necessary, a computerized command will instruct the user to press a button to deliver an appropriate shock to restore the normal operation of the heart. [The Powerheart AED G3 Plus Fully Automatic does not require a button press to deliver the shock; the AED delivers the shock automatically.]

These devices are failsafe and will not cause injury to the user, nor will they deliver a shock if none is needed. For patients in “VF”, studies show that if early defibrillation is provided within the first minute, the odds are 90 percent that the victim’s life can be saved. After that, the rate of survival drops ten percent with every minute.


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• Powerheart AED G3 Plus
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