Medical Care

We, in Canada, have a two tier medical system. People come from all over the world to get surgery in the very hospital that has me on a waiting list for urgent replacement of Pacemaker due to recall.

After ten days of knowing that imminent death is a possibility for myself, my health is deteriorating from the related stress.

I would be more than happy to give them a 'donation' to move this to now! I do not have that option.

Does the name Eugene Melnyk ring a bell? To circumvent his demise and waiting lists for transplant at the very same hospital, he used social media. He has a ton of money, much much more than I will ever see but he also broke every rule in the Socialized Medicine handbook.

If I do die from this recall, my death will have been totally preventable. I am just a widow in her 60s, but I would gladly give them a donation to live to 70+.

If anyone knows how to tap into the First Tier, please advise.

Thank you.

This is not a political message, one should have the right to use either tier, when it does exist!

5 Comments

Bionic Beat

by IAN MC - 2015-12-05 11:12:40

In your position I would want the PM replaced as soon as possible so I understand how you must be feeling.

I assume that you have reminded your cardiologist that you are PM-dependent and that if there is any sort of priority list for the replacements then you may need to be moved up the list.

BUT , having said that, I see that the F.D.A . lists this as a Class 2 recall , which is not as urgent or serious as a Class 1

The FDA definition of Class 2 is " where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote " . The likelihood of your imminent death is probably statistically little different to mine but it is easy for me to say that !

As you know, it is the batteries which MAY , in a tiny number of pacemakers, develop a fault. As far as I can tell, this fault LIMITS the power flow from the battery ( i.e it is unlikely to suddenly pack up ) . You would almost certainly have warning signs that the power was not quite as it should be; probably light headedness or dizziness.

If you are not having any symptoms your battery must be working 100 % and the chances of it's power output beginning to fall off in the next few weeks are very very slim indeed.

I am not familiar with the Canadian Health system and haven't a clue if cash would move you up the list or not in a situation like this.

Let us know the good news when you have had it replaced and that your worries are over.

Best of luck

Ian

you could try

by jessie - 2015-12-05 11:12:49

going to emerg at this very hospital that you will be receiving your replacement. it is sat night so you may wait for a long period. you also may get some answers. it is worth a try since your anxiety level is very high. they will most likely check you out to be sure you are still pacing.they will also most likely send a report to the family dr. and the dr. who is doing the replacement. a thought for you on this lovely december weekend. jessie

Hi Jessie

by Bionic Beat - 2015-12-06 02:12:14

My GP called him but couldn't get him, so he sent out a fax on Thursday.

Trust me, if that doesn't help, nothing will.

Shall see if I get a call on Monday.

Have you heard from Pookie?? I keep thinking of her.
Hope all is well in her world.

Monday I have a zillion matters to take care of....perhaps we can talk on Tuesday or just message? Let me know.
Thanks for your help.

Hi

by Bionic Beat - 2015-12-06 02:12:30

Thanks for the replies. Much appreciated.

Ian, oh, he knows that I am pm dependent. I also do not have an AV node, so I WILL die if it depletes suddenly and catastrophically, as my doctor says it may. I have NO underlaying heart rate to allow me to survive. Most peeps will faint, then be able to get help.
Thank you for trying to keep me calm.

My main points were that IF I die it will be from a totally treatable cause. This is just plain unacceptable.
Also, that if I were politically connected or exceptionally wealthy, it would have been done by now. Lastly,
Joe/Jane Average should have the right to ALL levels of care as they exist.

This sounds a bit snappy, not meaning to. I do appreciate your reply.

the system is strained for sure

by jessie - 2015-12-08 05:12:33

from baby boomers entering retirement and it will get worse. all one can do is live healthy as much as possible exercise and eat well. some people have two chronic illnesses or more which can be addressed like never before.in some areas we have too many drs and in some too few. it is good if you are lucky enough to have supplemental healthcare plus regular. maybe it is living in a smaller community as we have had excellent healthcare and are referred quickly by some drs and if you are lucky enough to have that them then you are blessed. jessie

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