St Jude battery problem
 

My battery is getting warm and needs to be replaced. Anyone have experience with this? Surgery scheduled 12/6 if approved by insurance.

Hey NJ
 

We have had folks whose battery had to be replaced, due more to the failure of a charge holding than a temperature rising. If someone here has experienced your phenomenon, they will chime in and usually pretty quickly, as we have a pretty inclusive, helpful group of folks.

Hoping the best for you,
Mark56:grouphug:

Battery replacement
 

Hi

I had my St Jude implant done in Aug 2010. However, 6 months later the battery wouldn't recharge for me and I had to have it replaced. It was replaced without any charge to me at all by my insurance company. But it was only 6 months old. I didn't experience any heating of the battery it just wouldn't charge up.

How long do you have your implant?

Jackie :)

Hello Njbackpain!
 

Welcome! :hug:

You've come to the right place for support and great input!
I'm sure you'll be hearing from others who've been where you are now.
We can help track down some members who've had the same problem with the battery heating up, in case they don't see your post.

How long have you had this battery? Just curious.

It's great to have you with us!

Rae
:grouphug:

Hi NJ!
I have two St Jude stimulators, they were implanted in June 2011. I received a letter from St Jude a month or so ago regarding battery overheating in certain models (mine being one of them). I have noticed that mine do get pretty hot when charging. My rep told me to charge more often since it would cut down the amount of time spent charging each time. It really does help. They told me that they would not do anything about it (replacing it) unless charging got painful. I am good with that since it is not hurting.

Sorry you need to have your battery changed out. Good luck with your surgery.
Nanc
:hug:

Heating.... OH, HEATING!
 

OK, here is a well "Duh" moment on Mark56.... even my Boston Scientific internal unit warms when charging if I have allowed the residual power of the internal unit to de-charge too much before a recharge session. Especially my external charger will become warm to the touch if charging for longer than 45 minutes during a session.

Having learned thus, I attempt to charge my unit for 30 minutes at a time.

Yup,
Mark56:)

Lol, well, as a newbie to an scs (July 2012), I assumed heat was normal due to everything else I have heating up when I charge(cell phone, Laptop, iPad, etc.) my main issue is considerable weight loss has caused my battery to stick out and hurt me. Oh well, can't have another surgery due to massive amounts of blood thinners. I'll live With it. I've been told it doesn't cause problems. Hopefully no recall for the next nine months since I'll be on Coumadin.

TK

Thank you for the thoughts.

My implant was June 21, 2012.

My overheating is when I use it NOT when I charge it.

My surgery is 12/6 if insurance approves it.

Ahhhhh USE not Charge
 

I can absolutely see why there is concern in your situation NJ. If excessive heat during use, it would seem anomalous and bear checking by the manufacturer and your Doc. I know Jackiey had to have battery replacement due to failure to retain charge, so it stands to reason there are other issues relating to the device as well. Goodness, if one does something as simple as pop the batteries from a NiCad flashlight after long use, discernable heat dissipation is noticed from the batteries just as an FYI.

I realize heat as an issue in the use of the Stim was not a bargained for outcome, and I truly pray as you indicate- insurance will respond with a favorable nod to pursue your need for addressing the issue.
Waiting with you,
Mark56:hug::grouphug:

Thank you everyone for your thoughts so far. Found out today that my insurance approved my surgery. So dec 6 is my date.

Thanks for the update. So glad insurance approved your surgery!!

I wish you the best of luck on your upcoming procedure!

Nanc
:hug:

Great news :)
 

Ah thats terrific news....Im so glad that your insurance has approved you and that you now have a date to work to........fantastic :)

At least now you can sit back and relax until your date....the very best of luck

Jackie :)

Yay for insurance approval!
Gosh, you haven't even had this for 6 months and this problem came about!
That stinks dunnit.
As expensive as these things are, you'd sure think that the manufacturer would fess up to a faulty device which is this new.
That's the frustrating part and I get so peeved when I see this happening.

BUT the important thing is to get you up and running properly. Your date will soon be here!

Rae
:grouphug:

yup
 

So THRILLED for the Date and the insurance Green Light, now help is on the way and not too far in the future! Be glad for the insurance, wow, been receiving the bills on my fusion and at near $250K I am beside myself at peace the insurance moguls were willing to have my arms saved by fixing my neck.

Go NJ,
Mark56:)

Thank you for all the encouragement and thoughts. Hoping the next 5 weeks goes fast as in a lot of pain. Can't use STS except for a few minutes at a time.

May Time Pass
 

As though rapidly in your case
and may life be restored with a semblance of haste
while the doctors with care
and the company with flair
bring a proper one WORKING to be given you there.

Prayin,
Mark56:hug::grouphug:

Thank you Mark!

A little concerned. SJM rep thinks the battery is ok and just needs to be deeper. I disagree as I don't want a 3rd surgery. Any thoughts?

Well MY REP
 

Was no way, no how, not educated as a medical doctor, let alone a surgeon... plus if the indications have been the battery unit has been overheating, there is precious little to be gained by burying it more deeply than to cause you more grief. Why oh why do those who are manufacturer reps have such a difficult time acknowledging the random occurrence of defective merchandise????

Oh, right, duh on me.... acknowledgment of products liability brings on the full complexity of potential liability for the cost of the complete redo...... OF COURSE!! Why be caught with defective merchandise in your hand when there might be a willing patient in whom it can be buried more deeply. Does this seem appropriate? Not to the grey matter between my ears.....

How about before anyone [rep included] declines to draw conclusion beyond the present known facts until the unit itself can be tested? Is it beyond the realm of the possible for the unit to be tested once it is visible to the naked eye? Who stands in the OR to protect you Nanc while you are under general anesthetic if defective widgets are withdrawn from your body? A supernumerary whose job it is to preserve evidence? This entire line of thought truly gives one pause to wonder how in the grand scheme of things any of us know what is emplaced..... after all, we are asleep.

Hmmmmmm.
Mark56:confused:

You put in words elegantly what I was thinking. I am going to talk with doctor and try calling SJM customer service. Any other thoughts/ideas are appreciated!

Also, thank you Mark!

NJ - I agree with Mark. Your rep is not a doctor, so those kinds of decisions should remain between you and your surgeon. I would think that if the battery is overheating in general, who is to say that it will not do the same thing when it is buried deeper? I would think it would cause more issues there.

Have a conversation with your surgeon about it. Be upfront with your concerns, etc. SJM knows that there is an issue with some models overheating while charging (mine), do they not think that some might just be defective enough to overheat when in use??

Anyway, I wish you luck with your dr and upcoming surgery!
Nanc
:hug:

Talked with my doctor. She is replacing battery! Seeing her to discuss meds and procedure tomorrow, only 3 weeks away to procedure. Can't wait. Thank you everyone for thoughts and prayers. Convinced The Lord answered prayers.

Hooray!!! Again!!
 

Goodness, do you reckon it is almost time to share Thanksgiving?!?!? With answered prayer and all?????
This is overwhelmingly awesome!!!!
Yup,
Mark56:smileypray: :smileypray: :smileypray: :smileypray: :smileypray: :smileypray: :smileypray: :smileypray: :smileypray: :smileypray: :smileypray: :smileypray: :smileypray: :smileypray: I counted them.....

Amen!
 

So glad to hear this! In time for the holidays even :)
At least you don't have to wait til after the new year when most insurance deductibles start all over!

Rae
:grouphug:

Thought I should tell ya'll: I followed up w/ the st Jude nurse to make sure I was getting a new battery. She never got back to me so I called st Jude tech service and stated my concerns and no confirmation. Stressed I would hire a lawyer if there were issues and the battery was not replaced. He said he would check with legal dept and Mary, the nurse. A half hour later Mary called and said she had not heard back from the rep but said she heard from tech and I will get a new battery. What wish important is I did the right thing in calling st Jude. She said it was good I was being pro active. She hopes to see me Thursday at the hospital. I stressed I would prefer her if possible. So, everyone, be proactive with issues! Thank you everyone for prayers. I am keeping ur issues in prayer also.

Dean
St. John 3:30.

Proactive Involvement Gets Results
 

Yea Dean :I-Agree::You-Rock::winner_first_h4h: taking initiative, showing a vested interest, being part of the forward looking process all indicate you are in it for keeps. It is thrilling the company reacted positively in following through with the affirmation you receive a replacement battery.

I hope and pray as well they will do the "right thing" and own up to the costs in full of causing the replacement to be implanted/the old one removed. Therein will lie the demonstration whether the company is fully behind its product and word.

Blessings on you as this process approaches realization,
Prayers surround you from all of us,
Mark56:hug::grouphug:

Way to GO, Dean! :cool:

You are SO right, sometimes we have to really 'get in their face', otherwise we can easily become 'forgotten' in this fast-paced .... and GREEDY medical arena of high-dollar "hurry-and-get-to-the-next-patient-to-further-our-revenue-and-fill-our-pockets" ideation. :eek:

Thanks for sharing the update!

Rae
:grouphug:

My surgery is today. About ready to have a drink os diet sprite and go to bed. Need to be at the hospital early at 1pm! :wink: thank you everyone for your help and prayers.

Dean

Dean
 

Prayin all will be well.
Mark56:smileypray::grouphug:

in prayer
angels watching

Knowing this is the time
 

Dean in our prayers.
The Lord watches and guides surgical hands,
Mark56:hug:

Yep, Prayer Warriors on the moooove!
Take it easy, this'll be over before you know it!

We'll anxiously be awaiting an update, when you're up for it!!

Caring,
Rae
:grouphug:

Well, not good. Could not put me under, cancelled till January, need special meds approved. Thank you sooooo much for the prayers. My throat is Very painful right now Thank you again.

Arghhhhh////////.........,,,,,,,,,,
 

Yeah, the tube. Mine was sore after the fusion this last time due to the tube. Then there were the holes in my head from the halo....... I guess mine had fallen.:)

Dean, I am saddened to read of your postponement due to anesthesia not working properly. This surely had to be a hard one for you. Even so, you have prayer coming your way to help with the passing of time in the interim and the prep for January! Praying all will be well.

Marry Christmas,
Mark56:hug:

so so sorry
all for a reason
believe that
God Bless

someone who cares

I was real sorry to read this, Dean. I can surely see what a letdown this has been.
I hope the pain in your throat clears up very soon.
We will bide the time if we must, and just know that you got a whole bunch of us caring....

Rae
:hug:

dang
 

[QUOTE=Njbackpain;937449]Well, not good. Could not put me under, cancelled till January, need special meds approved. Thank you sooooo much for the prayers. My throat is Very painful right now Thank you again.[/


Oh man...just feeling your let down...of course the throat hurts...not only the medical invasion....the constriction of wanting to yell and scream and ask why.

I know you will come to acceptance and release the discouragement...


We are right here with you Nj :grouphug:

Round 2, January 17!
 

Merry Christmas everyone. I was told today that my surgery is scheduled. My pain has been a lot more bearable the past few days, thank you all for your thoughts and prayers!

I just joined this forum so I could respond to you. I had my SCS implanted 3/2/12. Had the battery replaced 2/14/13 b/c it would get so hot people standing next to me could feel it!

Wow. Same brand? They put the new mini in this time, no problems. How r you doing?

Oh Sharon!
 

So sorry to read you had to deal with a HOT battery! Glad you were able to gain replacement!
Hoping all is better for you at this point.
Yup, :hug: