Lead Email To Members

In response to the recent postings about the defective lead email that was sent to members, I offer the following comments.

Your email address was not sold or released to anyone. That would be against the law and the Club’s Privacy Policy. I take both very serious and guarantee you that the email originated from Pacemaker Club.

After serious consideration, I made the decision to send the email. I expected the email would generate debate. So if you disagree with the email being sent, please do not blame our moderators or active members.

I strongly feel that the benefits of pacemaker and ICD technology far outweigh the risks of having a device implanted. I’ve been an active recipient since 1978 so I’m living proof of this. It’s unfortunate that problems sometimes occur. When they do, I feel patients have a right to receive information that may help them. The decision to sue is a personal one. If I had a faulty lead, I honestly do not know what I would do.

Thanks,

Blake Hunter

10 Comments

amen

by jessie - 2007-11-20 11:11:14

i knew that our names would never be sold. it should generate debate. i for one will read all the info i can get my hands on. i too honestly don't know if put in that position of a lawsuit what i would do. it is very hard to sue these people. i know in canada almost impossible to sue a dr.i just realizes i am taking a diuretic instead of sulpha after my cataract operation. most people would not notice it but coming from a medical background i did although yesterday i noticed nothingbecause i had had a sedative. you do need to keep on top of things and never take anything for granted. this is what i have learned ask a lot of questions drive them crazy jessie

Thank you, Blake

by auntiesamm - 2007-11-20 11:11:18


Thank you, Blake, for the explanation about this email that seems to have upset a few people. I appreciate the fact that you made the effort to get the word out to people who may otherwise be uninformed. So what if there is a link to a particular law firm? Is anyone holding a gun to the head and saying you must patronize this law firm? Absolutely not! We are all adults and I hope capable of making informed decisions. Summer 2006 I was quite distressed to read of the Guidant recall about the time I had mine implanted. I valued this website and the flow of information as I was eager to know every single thing I could about my pacemaker and any potential harm to me. Thanks again for everything about this Pacemaker Club and website.
Sharon

Thanks

by Janice - 2007-11-21 01:11:18

Hi Blake,

I don't see anything wrong with what you printed. It is better to know all the information instead of any. Like Sharon, I was upset to find out about Guidant's law suits. I had just had my pacemaker put in on Sept. 13, had just found this site, and the first thing I seen up top of the page was the Guidant info. I freaked!! Of course, I thought it included me, because at that point, I didn't have much info. My doctor told me that that was before, and didn't include my pm, and that I had a "very high tech" little machine in me. I remember him saying, that it is the same as anything, no one knows that everything will be perfect all of the time, any model or make could have a recall at any time, it is like buying a new car in a way, because you are expecting everything to be perfect, and not get a lemon!!! Anway, please keep up the info. bulletins, I for one appreciate them. Have a great day.
Janice

Ditto!

by cottontop - 2007-11-21 02:11:05

Blake,

I agree with Sharon. Thanks for thinking of your wonderful members and providing such a great website.
Amy

Keep Up the Good Work

by windway - 2007-11-21 02:11:25

Thanks Blake and all at Admin, for the wonderful facility that we enjoy at Pacemakerclub. Personally I am not affected but I am sure those that are have benefitted greatly from the help and advice given, on this ocassion, and many previous ones.

Somebody has to make decisions,ultimately that has to be you. In this case it was the right one. Even if it had not been appropriate, the decision was taken without any other motive than to help others, and we thank you for that.

Windway

I was one of the upset ones...

by paf - 2007-11-21 03:11:51

I appreciate the explanation. It was unsettling to receive the email the way we did. Perhaps in the future, you might start the email with a short explanation of what you are doing. More information is always better.

Again, I appreciate this site -- the comfort, knowledge, and the fellowship it brings to us.

No problem

by 07041976 - 2007-11-21 09:11:10

I read the email - didn't notice or pay attention to any law firm link - and thought "I'm glad I don't have those leads or know anyone who does but I bet the people who do have them will appreciate this info" and then I deleted it. No problem. Thanks Blake!

comments speak volumes?

by Peter.Nash - 2007-11-22 03:11:16

I think the comments speak for them selves Blake.
The more info we can get the better off we are and the more we understand....what ever you do decide or say ..you will never please all the people all the time!! we all see things different..personally I like to know all I can ..and as a result of your mail ..I was able to ask about my leads today when I had my ICD checked...otherwise the thought would not have crossed my mind ..as it turns out my leads are the older type and seem ok...I had a long interesting talk to the rep as well as the cardio guys who were checking me over and I asked about this lead problem and they were saying that no leads or Pacers ICD's can be 100% safe which is only common sense if you think about it...as I heard it the old leads are as good as 99% and the new ones are 97.8% reliable... I guess what ever leads or pacer you have there is an element of risk...
I for one will take it ..I would probably be dead 6-7 times now if I did not have the goodies wired up.
I just want to stay alive the best way I can.. and for me chasing around trying to find lawyers is not going to fix anything I would sooner put my time and effort in trying to keep on top of my condition,that is hard enough at the best of times..
I know a lot of others won't agree but thats what make the world go round....
So Blake a lot more yeys than neys I rest my case.
Peter.N

I AM affected - and appreciative

by PreciousDays - 2007-11-22 03:11:43

Thanks for letting us know how the information - the lawsuit e-mail - found it's way to our e-mail.

As a person with the bad lead (and not necessarily having an easy time coping with that knowledge either - as the information about my bad lead came out less than 4 weeks after my implant - I wasn't even safe to move my arm before I learned I would never be safe - period) - I have gotten other e-mails in this vein - though none of the others identify the pacemakerclub. I am honestly not sure how the other letter-writers have found me -

any way - I appreciate both your integrity and your thoughtfulness.

best.
PD

Lawyers letter

by complex - 2007-11-24 07:11:19

I am a pacemaker technician. I did take exception to the letter. I have come here a number of times to help others by answering questions about the function of the devices.

Certainly lawyers will always be around and always looking to stir up business. The newspapers, TV, and radio along with the lawyers have a way of frightening patients to sell their ads and commercial time. I have seen many patients panic having come into contact with these groups. It is almost like "THe flesh eating super bug" that was flashed in red and blue across the screen in respect to MERSA , on the new here in FL. Mersa has been around as long as I can remember. It is not new. It is problematic and it is mostly curable. Its portrayal was one to promote horror.


If I answer questions today to the best of my ability as a tech with 30+ years of cardiology experience who knows maybe you will send a lawyers letter against me. I believe the companies should be accountable for their actions. I also know that these patients are suffering more from the press and the lawyers than they suffer from the need to reprogram and watch more carefully. All of them are suffering but how many are really having a problem that will be watched for an hopefully elliminated due to early detection.

I truly believed it was patient education and understanding that we are trying to gain here. I though that through knowledge and communications we could transfer this infomation and allow healing to really begin. That lawyer appeal changes all of that.

You know you're wired when...

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Member Quotes

I had a pacemaker when I was 11. I never once thought I wasn't a 'normal kid' nor was I ever treated differently because of it. I could do everything all my friends were doing; I just happened to have a battery attached to my heart to help it work.