Breathless in bed: Aussie grandma's health hiccup unmasks medical mishap
- Replies 6
In a startling turn of events, an Australian grandmother has come forward with a troubling experience involving a commonly used medical device.
Her claims have raised significant concerns about the potential health risks associated with these essential aids, prompting a closer examination of their safety and efficacy.
This incident underscores the importance of ongoing scrutiny and regulation in the healthcare industry to ensure the well-being of all users.
Eva Lindbloom, a retired nurse and grandmother from Mandurah, Western Australia, voiced her fears and frustrations after being exposed to what she claims are ‘toxic particles’ from a medical device designed to safeguard her health.
The device in question, a Philips Electronics CPAP machine, was meant to be a lifeline for her sleep apnea, but instead, it has become a source of anxiety and potential harm.
Lindbloom, involved in a forthcoming class action lawsuit against the company, claims she never received any communication from Philips regarding the machines recalled in June 2021 due to potential health risks.
‘It’s been nearly three years since I informed Philips about my machine and I have heard nothing,’ she pointed out.
‘I’m frightened of the health impacts of using this device.’
Lindbloom's ordeal began with the discovery that the CPAP machine she had been using for four years might have been compromising her health.
The foam used in these devices, specifically polyester-based polyurethane (PE-PUR), was allegedly breaking down and releasing toxic particles and gases.
These substances could lead to a slew of health issues, including respiratory problems, potential ‘carcinogenic effects and toxicity to liver, kidneys and nerves’.
The shock came when Lindbloom learned of the device's recall in June 2021, not through official channels, but during a routine purchase of a new mask and filters.
‘I went to buy a new mask and filters and [the] staff said, “Do you know this machine was withdrawn in June?”’ she narrated.
Philips Electronics has since been compelled to recall an estimated 76,000 devices in Australia and millions more worldwide.
Lindbloom's recall notice was just the beginning of a series of challenges. Advised to register her machine with Philips and await a replacement, she found herself in a precarious position.
With no immediate alternative, she continued using the faulty device without a replacement on the way.
‘First we were told to get a filter that would stop you from inhaling the microscopic plastic foam,’ Lindbloom said.
However, the filter of the machine's humidifier was made unusable, leading to the onset of ‘really bad’ sinus issues for her.
A visit to her GP resulted in the advice to cease using the machine altogether.
‘I was without a machine for three months,’ the grandmother shared—a decision that had significant implications for her lifestyle.
Lindbloom's driver's licence required her to use the CPAP machine, and without it, she was not only risking her health but also her ability to drive.
The situation took a toll on her well-being. 'I noticed I was getting really tired, and sluggish and couldn't get any joy out of the health department or anything from Philips. I was fearing for my health. I felt like I was walking through molasses,' Lindbloom recounted.
Ultimately, she took matters into her own hands, purchasing new ResMed CPAP machines for herself and her husband at a steep cost of $3,000 from her pension.
While this decision was necessary for her health, it unfortunately led to her being dropped from the free health department's care.
‘It’s just despicable,’ she remarked.
Lindbloom asserted that she has now been diagnosed with chronic airway inflammation and asthma, necessitating the use of a daily inhaler to manage her breathing.
These conditions, which her lung specialist documented as potentially related to the use of the defective machine, have significantly impacted her health.
Lindbloom urged others to participate in the class action to ensure that Philips ‘take responsibility’ for the situation.
‘I don’t know what the future is going to hold,’ she said about her health condition.
‘It plays on your mind.’
Legal proceedings for a class action against Philips Electronics are underway, following Gerard Malouf and Partners (GMP Law) taking over the case from a previous law firm that withdrew.
‘Since taking over the class, we have uncovered significant faults with their products, which will be substantiated by evidence during court proceedings,’ Chairman of GMP Law, Gerard Malouf declared.
Reports indicated that in addition to directly contacting customers, Philips also urged hospitals and independent distributors to inform patients about the recall and the repair and replacement program.
According to a spokesperson for Philips Australia, the company is ‘committed’ to supporting patients who depend on sleep and respiratory care devices.
‘Our priority is patient safety and quality and we understand how important Philips Respironics’ sleep therapy devices and ventilators are to patients that use them,’ the spokesperson stated.
The company characterised the recall as an ‘abundance of caution’ measure pending further conclusive testing, which is still ongoing.
They emphasised that ‘extensive’ testing ‘concluded that use of the sleep therapy devices is not expected to result in appreciable harm to health in patients’.
The spokesperson further stated that in Australia, the company is close to finalising its repair and replacement program for impacted products, with 94 per cent of registered devices already addressed.
‘As we move to complete the program in Australia, we continue to encourage all patients and customers to register if they have yet to do so, and to do so without delay. We will continue to support patients and customers seeking replacements, and encourage them to contact our call centres,’ they added.
As concerns regarding the safety of medical devices continue to surface, with reports of adverse effects emerging from seemingly life-saving equipment, Australians are increasingly vigilant about their healthcare.
The shocking claim made by Lindbloom, regarding toxic particles from a vital medical device, underscores the importance of rigorous quality control and accountability in the healthcare industry.
This incident echoes the growing discontent among consumers, as highlighted by thousands of Australians filing a class-action lawsuit over faulty implants last year.
These developments raise critical questions about the reliability and safety of medical devices and emphasize the need for thorough investigation and oversight to protect public health and safety.
What are your thoughts on this issue? Have you or someone you know been affected by a medical device recall? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below.
Her claims have raised significant concerns about the potential health risks associated with these essential aids, prompting a closer examination of their safety and efficacy.
This incident underscores the importance of ongoing scrutiny and regulation in the healthcare industry to ensure the well-being of all users.
Eva Lindbloom, a retired nurse and grandmother from Mandurah, Western Australia, voiced her fears and frustrations after being exposed to what she claims are ‘toxic particles’ from a medical device designed to safeguard her health.
The device in question, a Philips Electronics CPAP machine, was meant to be a lifeline for her sleep apnea, but instead, it has become a source of anxiety and potential harm.
Eva Lindbloom reported health issues from a potentially defective Philips Electronics CPAP machine used for sleep apnea treatment. Credits: Shutterstock
Lindbloom, involved in a forthcoming class action lawsuit against the company, claims she never received any communication from Philips regarding the machines recalled in June 2021 due to potential health risks.
‘It’s been nearly three years since I informed Philips about my machine and I have heard nothing,’ she pointed out.
‘I’m frightened of the health impacts of using this device.’
Lindbloom's ordeal began with the discovery that the CPAP machine she had been using for four years might have been compromising her health.
The foam used in these devices, specifically polyester-based polyurethane (PE-PUR), was allegedly breaking down and releasing toxic particles and gases.
These substances could lead to a slew of health issues, including respiratory problems, potential ‘carcinogenic effects and toxicity to liver, kidneys and nerves’.
The shock came when Lindbloom learned of the device's recall in June 2021, not through official channels, but during a routine purchase of a new mask and filters.
‘I went to buy a new mask and filters and [the] staff said, “Do you know this machine was withdrawn in June?”’ she narrated.
Philips Electronics has since been compelled to recall an estimated 76,000 devices in Australia and millions more worldwide.
Lindbloom's recall notice was just the beginning of a series of challenges. Advised to register her machine with Philips and await a replacement, she found herself in a precarious position.
With no immediate alternative, she continued using the faulty device without a replacement on the way.
‘First we were told to get a filter that would stop you from inhaling the microscopic plastic foam,’ Lindbloom said.
However, the filter of the machine's humidifier was made unusable, leading to the onset of ‘really bad’ sinus issues for her.
A visit to her GP resulted in the advice to cease using the machine altogether.
‘I was without a machine for three months,’ the grandmother shared—a decision that had significant implications for her lifestyle.
Lindbloom's driver's licence required her to use the CPAP machine, and without it, she was not only risking her health but also her ability to drive.
The situation took a toll on her well-being. 'I noticed I was getting really tired, and sluggish and couldn't get any joy out of the health department or anything from Philips. I was fearing for my health. I felt like I was walking through molasses,' Lindbloom recounted.
Ultimately, she took matters into her own hands, purchasing new ResMed CPAP machines for herself and her husband at a steep cost of $3,000 from her pension.
While this decision was necessary for her health, it unfortunately led to her being dropped from the free health department's care.
‘It’s just despicable,’ she remarked.
Lindbloom asserted that she has now been diagnosed with chronic airway inflammation and asthma, necessitating the use of a daily inhaler to manage her breathing.
These conditions, which her lung specialist documented as potentially related to the use of the defective machine, have significantly impacted her health.
Lindbloom urged others to participate in the class action to ensure that Philips ‘take responsibility’ for the situation.
‘I don’t know what the future is going to hold,’ she said about her health condition.
‘It plays on your mind.’
Legal proceedings for a class action against Philips Electronics are underway, following Gerard Malouf and Partners (GMP Law) taking over the case from a previous law firm that withdrew.
‘Since taking over the class, we have uncovered significant faults with their products, which will be substantiated by evidence during court proceedings,’ Chairman of GMP Law, Gerard Malouf declared.
Reports indicated that in addition to directly contacting customers, Philips also urged hospitals and independent distributors to inform patients about the recall and the repair and replacement program.
According to a spokesperson for Philips Australia, the company is ‘committed’ to supporting patients who depend on sleep and respiratory care devices.
‘Our priority is patient safety and quality and we understand how important Philips Respironics’ sleep therapy devices and ventilators are to patients that use them,’ the spokesperson stated.
The company characterised the recall as an ‘abundance of caution’ measure pending further conclusive testing, which is still ongoing.
They emphasised that ‘extensive’ testing ‘concluded that use of the sleep therapy devices is not expected to result in appreciable harm to health in patients’.
The spokesperson further stated that in Australia, the company is close to finalising its repair and replacement program for impacted products, with 94 per cent of registered devices already addressed.
‘As we move to complete the program in Australia, we continue to encourage all patients and customers to register if they have yet to do so, and to do so without delay. We will continue to support patients and customers seeking replacements, and encourage them to contact our call centres,’ they added.
As concerns regarding the safety of medical devices continue to surface, with reports of adverse effects emerging from seemingly life-saving equipment, Australians are increasingly vigilant about their healthcare.
The shocking claim made by Lindbloom, regarding toxic particles from a vital medical device, underscores the importance of rigorous quality control and accountability in the healthcare industry.
This incident echoes the growing discontent among consumers, as highlighted by thousands of Australians filing a class-action lawsuit over faulty implants last year.
These developments raise critical questions about the reliability and safety of medical devices and emphasize the need for thorough investigation and oversight to protect public health and safety.
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