looking for a cop

I am a police officer. I have a pacemaker/ICD.Anyone out there the same. I would like to hear from you concerning challenges and obstacles.

3 Comments

Still serving

by TheSheriff - 2008-11-10 04:11:59

Hi there.
I had mine put in in 2002 after a rather 'drama queen' style collapse in Court. (After all that, the evidence was accepted.)
I was allowed to see the force medical officer 5 weeks later & was allowed back to work as long as I did not drive signed vehicles, did not leave the station in uniform and had no contact with the fighting classes.
Basically, I drive a desk, but it is amazing how many interesting deskbound jobs are available.
Another good thing is that 'They' are more likely to put you into one of these jobs if you show interest as they don't know what to do with you.
Mine went in at a fortunate time too as my force came under the blanket of the disabilities act and we had to show we employed a certain percentage of 'disabled' officers. I, overnight became a useful statistic.
Today I have found that I am no longer unique. An officer I worked with in the distant past is about to be implanted. I rang him this afternoon to see how he was doing. He seemed happy to have someone in the same situation to talk to.
Any questions, drop me a line.
Keith

Retired Officer

by ann113 - 2008-11-10 11:11:21

I was a police officer with the NYPD when I developed symptoms and needed a defibrillator implanted. That was back in 1992. When my defibrillator was implanted things were very different. The hospital stay was weeks, the machine itself weighed over a pound and it was implanted in the abdomen instead of up in the chest. Because it was in the abdomen it was a major surgery and the leads were actually screwed into the heart itself. The only challenges/obstacles I have had from this entire experience is that I couldn't wear tight pants! I was forced to retire as the very first officer from the NYPD to ever get a defibrillator implanted. I am now on my 8th machine (they do NOT last as long as they promise). I have had 3 children since I got sick. I was monitored very closely and they were all healthy. I am now a stay at home mother, I take my meds all the time, I drive over an hour to see my doctor every few months since I moved away and I wouldn't dream of leaving him since we've been with each other for over 16 years. Having to put life on hold to go in for a machine change every 2-4 years is not fun, but it is absolutely necessary in order to live with the security knowing that the machine will not prevent symptoms, but it will save my life.
I don't know how long you have had your machine, but you will not only get used to it, you will completely forget that you even have it. Will you stay on the job or will you retire because of this?
I hope some of this information was helpful to you.

ret9633

roy22791

by roy22791 - 2008-11-10 12:11:54

I have had a Medtronics defib since 1-06. I was 73 when it was implanted. I was working full time, IT activities in a distribution center. I also was/am a bike rider with a lot of miles for working full time. My standard ride on the Katy Trail, in Missouri, is 21 miles. This is a dirt trail, relatively flat, but windy year round. I ride fairly fast usualy 12 to 14 mph unless against the wind. Also, exercise in the basement 2 - 3 times a week with lite weights and exercise bike for 55-60 minutes.
I have been retired (3rd time) for about three months now. A bit boring at times.
The implant was done as outpatient. I was home the same day. It creates a fair sized lump in my upper chest that took some getting used to. I never even think about it now. That took a month or so.
I would think that you can do all your normal activities with no problem. I do have regular checkups at my Cardiologist office and a nurse/technician "reads" the implant device stats. This tells her if I have had any abnormal heart activity and checks the condition of the device and the three wires plus the battery.
Take care, Roy

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