ICD Battery check

I am having a very hard time getting my batteries checked.Need resources and referal to a new location in my area to get this under control. It's been 10 months since last check. I am starting to have the fluttering and wake up in the middle of the night sometimes gasping for breath. Can you help?

[stevie_wonder]

Hi Cindy,
You need to have your ICD checked as soon as you can. I would suggest going straight to your local emergency department to make sure you are okay. The hospital might even be able to interrogate your ICD right there.
What type of ICD do you have? Have you just moved that you haven't been checked lately?
Here is a link to Medtronic of a map with hospitals that have Medtronic programmers. Just click on the state you need.
http://www.medtronic.com/Traveling/regions.jsp?country=US
I'm sure the other ICD companies offer similar info on their websites. Or you could call a patient rep.
Please get this checked right away. I would also suggest you change doctors if he/she hasn't contacted you after 10 months.
Take care

[kevk]

I agree with stevie_wonder,  You need to get to the ER.  Most ER`s have the ability to do your ICD check and give you information on any clinics that may do check ups. You can also check with the manufacture of your device.  I have a Guidant ICD and use the Latitude home device and do my check ups over the phone.
GOOD LUCK...

[Cindy018]

I also have Guidant.How does that work?Will my Medicare/Medicade cover?

[jlaracuente]

I have a Medtronic ICD with remote-monitoring capability. Was the home monitoring service offered to you right away or did you have to ask for it?  I will see the implant doctor this Monday and plan to bring up the issue.

[kevk]

The home device was offered about two years ago, It was real easy to hook up and use. I have medicare / medicade insurance and had no problems getting coverage. Before that I had to go for interrogations every 3-6 months for 15 years.