St Jude recall Re: Bad Batteries
 

I think this might have been mentioned before, but I spose it bears repeating.
I saw on TV that they are recalling St Jude neurostimulators on account of bad batteries (malfunctions, overheating) which could cause serious burns.

I'm sure most people here who have St Jude are doing just fine, but in case this issue arises, there's a number to call (It's a legal firm)

If this is old news, forgive me :o. I've been gone a lot this summer

Caring, as always,
Rae
:grouphug:

Hi Rae!!!!

I received a letter from St Jude sometime last year about a recall. There were three models affected and mine happened to be one of them. They have come out with new chargers and since I did have some over heating issues, I got one as soon as they came available and it works better. The new charger cycles on and off while charging so it doesn't overheat...can't even tell it is cycling off.

Hopefully this is the recall you heard about, would hate to think there is another one :eek:

I hope you are doing okay!!
Nanc
:hug::hug:

I also got the new chargers. They don't get hot, but they take twice as long, or seems that way.

My left battery is making me so mad! It's not scarring in. It has filled with fluid twice now, and here it is not even a month post op, and it's surrounded by fluid again.

I don't know what the problem is. The right one is fine!

TK

Sorry you are having so many problems with your left battery. It is very odd that fluid is forming around it, seems like the docs would be able to figure out why. Glad your other battery is ok!

One of mine is twisted, so irritating!!

Nanc
:hug:

TK,

I'm so sorry to hear you are having trouble with the battery scarring in. I was wondering if you are wearing an abdominal binder or some other type of compression around the battery? I am new to the whole SCS thing (just had mine placed on Monday) but, I am all to familiar with seroma formation after surgery and how it can become a permanent problem if not treated aggressively. I had one build up after a recent hip operation and how it was managed was by needle aspiration and compression wrap. My OS has also placed me in an abdominal binder for 4-6 wks to ensure battery stays in place and to prevent this fluid (seroma) buildup. I certainly hope it resolves quickly one way or another so that you can benefit by this amazing technology.

Wishing you the best,
Tessa

Where did you get an abdominal binder? Every binder I've gotten keeps riding up and making it worse instead of better.

TK - did they not put an abdominal binder on you after surgery? They put one on me both times, implant and revision. I woke with it on and was told to wear it for six weeks. It was very sturdy and did not ride up at all.

Hi TK,

For my trial my local pharmacy ordered it after taking measurements for fitment purposes. For the permanent implant one was placed on me before I even woke up from surgery. They are not comfy by any means but, the reasoning behind the placement is to keep swelling down and to sustain placement of the device and components while it heals. I am to wear this at all times except when showering and sleeping for 6 weeks. There is also compression tape that might help with your situation. It is a stretchy tape that you would place over the battery site with tension and underneath the tape (just over the battery) use a tube of gauze to apply gentle pressure. My seroma was aspirated every 48 hours and compression wrapped for just over 2 wks before it finally went away. My doctor explained that it is important to get a handle on it quickly so that it doesn't create it's own envelope much like seran wrap inside the wound which would require another major surgery to remove. That being said I do hope you can get this resolved quickly without additional problems!

God bless,
Tessa

No, they did not do that for either surgery! :( maybe that is why I keep having fluid build up! I may ask my dr about this. I really don't want another surgery and recovery. Especially with a new job. I may call my doctor. I am supposed to start physical therapy which we are also waiting on the battery site to get better. The devices themselves are doing fine. In fact yesterday was the one year anniversary of getting good 'ol Sheldon, my thoracic stim. I still wouldn't trade it for anything!! I am also a little worried about pt. my last pt did not know about rsd and made it worse. I now have it everywhere. I want to walk again, but I do NOT want to make things worse. Anyway, I am intrigued that I was never braced up. It doesn't seem to have affected my scs stimulation, but it has definitely affected the cervical battery! Thanks for the help guys!! :)

TK

Hi Nanc!
Thanks for those little huggy guys :D. I'll take all the hugs I can get :p. Yes, I'm sure this is the same recall that you speak of. The ad didn't give any specific model #'s. I'm glad they got ahold of you right away.
Other than my head feeling like a bubble due to a cold, I'm doing fine :rolleyes:

TK, I sure hope they get you taken care of soon! The fluid issue doesn't sound good. Thanks Tessa and Nanc for the good input on this.

Rae
:grouphug: