Can't do much better than Traceye's bucket list, but I wanted to post about something that is of concern to me

it's quite simple

by The real Patch - 2017-08-24 13:19:03

it could simply be because people with problems are the ones who frequent these support sites, the millions who have no issue move on. There's not an increase, just more visible here.

- or -

The medical community makes far more money when you develop an infection. Longer hospital stays, more equipment used, more drugs required, more surgical procedures so it's to their advantage to infect you...then again

Infection can never be completely avoided

by IAN MC - 2017-08-24 13:45:49

Hi Marty    I like Patch's suggestion that we are deliberately infected so that someone makes more  money out of us. I used to work for a company which was a leader in the antibiotic prophylaxis field . I wish we had thought of that !

An unfortunate fact is that postoperative infection can never be completely avoided no matter how much care is taken, no matter how good the protocols are.  Facts are :-

- Hospitals are continually being invaded by patients with infections.Bugs have the nasty habit of being airborne and latching on to all hosptal surfaces / materials etc

- The presence af any foreign body including a surgical implant increases the chances of infection

- The longer you stay in hospital , the more likely you are to get an infection. There is alot to be said for returning home the same day

- the longer the operation takes , the more likely you are to get an infection. Any op which lasts longer than 2 hours is associated with an increased risk of infection. Moral is , choose a surgeon who is a quick worker !

-  Patients immune systems vary enormously, some are at far greater risk than others . For example raised blood sugar levels make it more likely that you will acquire an infection.

Our biggest worry should be what will the medical profession do when the antibiotics stop working because increasing bacterial resistance is becoming a real problem

Sorry to finish on such a gloomy note but as Patch said this site gives a false perspective on all problems associated with pacemakers.

Ian

TYRX Antibactereral Envelope

by zawodniak2 - 2017-08-24 14:03:42

Any input on this anti-infection envelope?  Watch video, but be aware of blood if squemish!       http://www.tyrx.com/index.htm 

Has anyone had this inserted with their device?  Is this something advisable on my next replacement??   Should hospitals require it???

                             Rodger

Wow - Rodger - That is impressive -

by MartyP - 2017-08-24 14:21:48

Assuming there are no side effects, it would almost appear that that should always be used - it certainly can't cost anywhere near to cost of treating an infection.

I did a little digging - the cost appears to be about $500 list price and if the insurance covers it, it would look like a no brainer as the cost of treating and infection seems to be about $32,000 !!

Perhaps you might think about posting this information separately so others could be aware of the option?

Thanks for knowing about that.

I will keep it in my "medical folder" for when mine needs to be replaced.

Marty

Infections

by Good Dog - 2017-08-24 14:41:52

As Ian stated, there are folks that are much more suseptable to infections than others. One of the pre-op questions I was asked was; did I ever have an infection after any surgery? Was I prone to infections?

As you stated, most hospitals will publish their infection rate. It is important that we take heed. 

My implant hospital provided me with a pre-op kit that I was instructed to use before the surgery, but after taking a shower the night before. It was a chemical that I was instructed to swab over my entire upper-body. I had no idea what the chemical was, but was told it was a preventative measure for infections. Yes, I do whatever I'm told. It could have been cyanide or a deadly dose of arsenic for all I knew! I trusted without verifying.

David

bwaaa ha ha

by The real Patch - 2017-08-24 14:42:37

Those antibiotic envelopes have been around quite awhile...ever wonder why they are rarely used? Because the infection doesn't come from the pacemaker. It's carried in the air and on people's hands/gloves. I had an infection and lost 8 months but would never consider one of those, much like putting a brain in men...why, it won't help

Men's brains

by Good Dog - 2017-08-24 15:05:54

Men have a brain, It is just located in a different part of the body than where a womans brain is.

Infections

by TBrous&Chip - 2017-08-26 08:50:47

I do agree with Ian''s comments about hospital acquired infections and the problem with antibiotics becoming less effective.  My cardiologist believes it is bad to not remove the initial bandage after a day or two, check for redness and replace it with a lighter cover to protect the wound.  Also we all live a different home life and some infections are self acquired from our daily activity.  Good hand washing is the best safeguard.

Well Said ......

by MartyP - 2017-08-26 09:48:13

I think I remember the wound dressing I had, there was a somewhat small piece of gauze that covered the actual wound, but over that was a larger clear plastic (or something) covering that I could see through and I guess if my wife or I saw it getting red, we would have called the doctor and had it checked.

But hand washing - you bet - it's extremely important.