"What happened after my cardiac device component failure"

On New Years Eve my ICD alarm sounded. This is the first time this had happened in just over 8 years, it was very worrying as I have previously suffered a sudden cardiac arrest.

Obviously there was no facility to see an ICD technician, meaning the alarm sounded every 4hrs for just over 2 days. Stressed doesn't start to describe how I felt! No one else can turn off the sound, it would be utterly pointless going to A+E etc.

I felt fine showing no signs of any illness. Contact was eventually made when ICD staff returned to work after the festive break. Matters were compounded and introduced a time delay because it turned out that I also had a faulty ICD home monitoring unit. I was not able to upload data from my ICD to the pacing technicians at Barnstaple. I had to wait for a new unit to be supplied by Medtronics (up to 15 days).

I went into Barnstaple pacing clinic for data to be examined from my ICD and for the sound to be silenced. Interrogation by the ICD technician revealed a suspected component failure of the ICD lead, further checks were needed by a consultant. This took place a couple of days later as it was known a specialist would be in the hospital on a set day.

After that brief meeting with a consultant, the process was commenced with hospital admission on in late January to have the ICD and a new lead fitted. This meant hospitalisation at Barnstaple where scans were done.

After verification of the problem and monitoring whilst at Victoria Ward Barnstaple, I was then transferred to Exeter for a new ICD unit and lead to be fitted. I remained on Avon Ward and put on a list.

I was constantly monitored until the end of January when Dr Taylor fitted new components in me. After the ICD was changed and a new lead fitted, I was back on the ward recovering. Later that evening, the alarm on the new ICD sounded. This was after ICD techs had ended work.

I was once again very worried. I was again put on monitoring. I advised ward staff of the results and possible disturbance to other patients and themselves which would occur until an ICD pacing technician could attend.

Later that evening and before the alarm could sound again, a member of the pacing /ICD team, I believe to be called Elizabeth, came to me with equipment. She was off duty and not on call. She chose to come in after receiving a telephone call from staff about the situation. She quickly analysed the new ICD and identified a very small problem. She explained everything to me, putting my mind completely at ease and reset the ICD, ending the risk of it sounding every 4 hours.

Service above and beyond, showing complete dedication and commitment to her role and the profession.