Advice - implantable defibrillators (ICD)

[macwoozy]

I'm just about to book a holiday in Majorca and I'm hoping someone could give me a bit of info before I do.

I have an implantable defibrillator which needs a new battery anytime soon. I've been told that I'll start bleeping beforehand so I'll know when it's running low. So far no bleeping! I'm planning to go on holiday in about 2 1/2 weeks but I'm concerned that should I start bleeping, say next week, my holiday will be ruined due to fear of battery dying whilst out there. Is it safe to travel now or should I wait until the battery change? What is the time scale between bleeping and op?
Secondly, is there a hospital in Majorca that can stop multiple shocks, should that happen?

I know there is a mumsnetter that knows about defibs and I'm hoping that she might notice this thread!! Could anyone help? I just need a bit of reassurance before I make that booking.

Oh and about planes as well. Do planes generally carry the special magnet to stop multiple shocks? I tried to find out this info last time by ringing up the airline but they were clueless.

Thanks

I would contact your pacing clinic and ask for advice re battery change, as they will have all the details from the last time your ICD was interrogated. Bear in mind that if your device has delivered any shocks that the battery will wear down more quickly. They will also be able to give you a list of hospitals in Majorca which have CCU facilities.
Time between battery change and op will depend on how frequently they have pacing slots in the cath lab, and their pacing waiting lists. I wouldn't have thought that an aircraft would carry the magnet - they will have an automated external defibrillator on board where they just stick the pads on and follow the instructions.

Thanks Stanusaruswrecks for replying. You kindly gave me advice last time and I do appreciate it.

I have rung the ICD clinic but I didn't feel any reassurance partly because when I had my last ICD check it was mentioned that I had about 3 months to go, that was in July, which would make the holiday fall around that time. I wanted to ask that should my ICD start bleeping whilst on holiday or perhaps a week or so before, am I OK to go. But I didn't really get any definate responses. They did say that because my battery review is not until Novemeber, it should be assumed that I have time left, but I didn't get that impression with the last ICD check.

I rang the airlines as well but just as you mentioned, they said they didn't carry the magnet on flight. They mentioned about a guy who brought his own magnet! But I have to stop myself from getting neurotic here, because multiple shocks are unlikely to happen and getting my own magnent sounds abit OTT...........or what do ya reckon???.

During my last holidsy abroad I spent too much time worrying about my ICD, this time I just want to feel relaxed. This is why it's important for me to get answers before I go. Sorry to burden you!! Feel free to ignore.