removal

Good morning-
I was happy to see there is a 'club' for pacemaker patients.
I have browsed through the site. I am hoping someone could help me with a decision I have to make.
I am 44 years old and had my PM implanted in 2010 because my HR was around 20ish. When it was first implanted, my PM was used around 80% of the time. Then it was used less and less every time I had to check. Last time was 6 months ago and it was used 13% of the time which I have to assume was when I was sleeping.
With that being said, I have a HUGE deductible, $4,000 a year. I get my PM checked every 6 months since I am so young and in good health. Since my PM is being used to infrequently and my deductible is so high, I am considering having it removed. I asked if it could be turned off but I was told it can't.
I'm not sure if this is normal or not, but sometimes when I sleep on my left side I feel what seems like electric. Sort of like when you walk on carpet and touch someone and get that little shock.
Any input would be GREATLY appreciated.

4 Comments

thank you

by Happycamper - 2013-01-14 03:01:01

I do appreciate your input. I will consider everything people have said. It is a very tough decision but one I must make in the near future.

Hi Happycamer..........

by Tattoo Man - 2013-01-14 03:01:21


................the financial burden that you have is ..well..just that and I really understand that seeing your % numbers fall will have you thinking that you can do without the PM. Now just before Christmas I was told that my PM could be removed because I was down to 7% Atrial pacing..then last week my Surgeon phoned me to say that far from that they will take my existing kit out and stick a new single-wire PM in my right shoulder. Doc says 7% is still too much.

Some things to think about:

Passing out while driving

Various Insurance issues...Motor..Travel etc

Driving Licence eligibility

Just plain old being able to relax in confidence


I am sure that others will put forward more views

Tattoo Man It still remains a bummer though !

ElectricFrank

by Happycamper - 2013-01-15 03:01:28

I like your name by they way...nice play on words...LOL
When I met with the surgeon today, I asked if all the settings could be turned off to see how I respond and if I don't use it in six months, have it removed.
He said there is no way to turn it off but the settings could be lowered so the PM wouldn't pace unless my HR dips to the lowest setting.
He wouldn't give me a solid answer but was against taking it out. I told him I wanted it removed; he told me this is America and I have the right to any healthcare I choose. BUT he wasn't a fan of removing it.
I am waiting for him to call me about lowering the settings. At least if he can do that, I won't have to have it checked twice a year which will save us some money.

It's not that simple

by ElectricFrank - 2013-01-15 12:01:33

13% is not a small amount. All it take is to be without a heart beat for 10-15 seconds to cause you to pass out. 15 seconds is a very small % of a days beats, yet can have severe consequences. It will cost you a lot more to have one installed again.

As for turning it off it may be the terminology you used that resulted in telling it couldn't be done. Most pacers don't have a simple off/on switch, but the same result can be had with the settings. All that is needed is to set some of the thresholds so that it is never triggered.

frank

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You always run anti-virus software.

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I’m healthy as a horse because of the pacemaker.