Personal Stories and Inspirations from Patients:

Pacemakers      Defibrillators      Heart Failure      Fainting/Seizures

Although the defibrillator is not a cure, it does act as a safety net against cardiac arrest and rapid heart rhythms. Many patients say that they and their families view the device as a symbol of security.

Beating the Odds
From the beginning, Matt has beaten the odds. His mother, Debbie, had been diagnosed with long QT syndrome . . . continue to full story

Peace of Mind and Freedom to Travel — Medtronic CareLink™ Network
Dawn, mother of a young baby, was given freedom and peace of mind when her clinic provided a new option for monitoring her defibrillator. ... continue to full story

Device Therapy Eliminates Fainting Spells Caused by Abnormally Fast Heartbeat
Not one to slow down, Sam, at 68, is still riding his Harley, working out in the gym, and traveling with his wife after his defibrillator implant. ... continue to full story

Making a Difference
Janice is a speech and language pathologist since 1987 and loves helping her "special kids." She recently sent us an email about how her defibrillator has changed her life. ... continue to full story

A True Outdoorsman
At age 68, Joe continues to do the things he loves after the implant of his defibrillator; Walking, jogging, scuba diving, and skiing. ... continue to full story

Motivated Mom
With a new sense of security and more confidence since her defibrillator implant, Jennifer enrolled in a local college and now is a registed nurse. ... continue to full story

Recording Tells The Story
From the information collected by Kim's insertable loop recorder, doctors were able to determine her fainting was heart related. After the implant of her ICD, Kim reports feeling much better. ... continue to full story

Family Inspiration
With his "I can do anything" attitude and the inspiration he feels from his family, 84-year-old James continues his busy lifestyle after the implant of an ICD. ... continue to full story

Life's Drama
Fine arts professional and zoo docent, Gladys is practicing the art of self-awareness to balance life after the implant of an ICD. ... continue to full story

"James"
Eleven-year-old James, who received an ICD in 1999, enjoys a busy life of playing tennis, saxophone and piano. He also surfs the Internet with equal agility. ... continue to full story

On the Road Again
Lorraine is back traveling again but now with the comfort of knowing she has her own "implanted paramedic" always with her. ... continue to full story

A Personal Triumph
At age 47, Jay obtained a personal fitness goal thanks to his ICD. Jay shares his story of a personal triumph in his own words. ... continue to full story

Believing in Miracles
"It is hard not to believe in miracles," explains Father Cusack as he recounts his story. ... continue to full story

3 Years Later
Joe, age 46, was walking into work when he suddenly felt ill and collasped in the parking lot. His condition required an implanted defibrillator. That was three years ago and Joe reports how he is doing today. ... continue to full story

Gift of Life
Timothy continues to fish, ride a stationary bike, travel, and coach Little League since the implant of his defibrillator. ... continue to full story

Farming Is Good for the Heart
Sam continues to maintain his family farm. "People cannot believe I have a defibrillator, a pacemaker, and even a mechanical knee." ... continue to full story

A Defibrillator on His 71st Birthday
On his 71st birthday, Joe found himself in the hospital emergency room. Enrolling in a cardiac rehab program and a support group helped him adjust to the defibrillator that was implanted. ... continue to full story

Newly Wed, Newly Employed, and the New Recipient of a Defibrillator
Jeff was born with a congenital heart condition that required several open-heart surgeries. Now, at 26, Jeff has completed college, recently married, and is adjusting to a new job in a new city. ... continue to full story

Get Set, Go!
After implant of a defibrillator, Jason continues to be a member of his high school varsity cross country team. ... continue to full story