Take out pacemaker

Hello, My name is alan and I have had my pacemaker since 2006, now im 19 and had my second surgery last year. Since the first day I had it installed I NEVER HAVE USED IT. It has never set off or had any problems. I get checke ups every 3 months. I'm thinking about taking it out for good? what are the risk? what you think I should do?

5 Comments

Hi

by Moner - 2013-02-08 01:02:10

Wow, I was hoping Electric Frank was going to come around and answer this one.

Alanvargas, if you don't mind me asking, why did you get this installed in the first place.

Mine was installed last year, strictly as a safety net, so the next time I come down with a dreadful stomach virus, I can be assured that I can vomit without passing out.

I have no other heart condition other than a hypersensitive vagal nerve.

I don't pace either. It's just sits there waiting for my next stomach virus, which usually comes around every 6 or 7 years.

Frank and Co............

by Tattoo Man - 2013-02-08 07:02:56


..................are, as ever spot on :

Why was it put in.?

What do you readouts tell you.?

Pacemakers contrarary to some peoples ideas do not...Kick In..Jolt..Shock..when they take action you rarely even know it.

Having a low BPM setting might help you and your Tecchie get a better idea of the extent that your PM is still essential for your wellbeing.

Is it that you dont like the IDEA of having a PM rather than a sense that you dont need one ?

Hearts look cute on Valentines Cards but actually have few feelings....they just sit there doing the business from your conception till death....Pacemakers are really good at prolonging the time between Conception and Death.

Its up to you...but do get informed first

Tattoo Man

Removing pacer

by ElectricFrank - 2013-02-08 12:02:21

Do you know why it was installed originally? A pacemaker doesn't fire off or shock you like an ICD. The only way to tell if it is doing anything is to look at the report at each checkup. There is a section that will tell the percent of use.

If the usage is actually zero, AND you don't have some condition where it could be needed, then it could be removed. Another possibility is to have it turned off at the next checkup and see how you make out. (Actually there is no off/on switch, but the settings can set the trigger conditions outside your normal heart rate). The advantage here is that if it turns out that it is needed you don't need to go through surgery again.

frank

pacemaker or ICD?

by Hope - 2013-02-08 12:02:40

Hi! Allan, That is great you seem to have done well since 2006. Fist, do you have a pacemaker or actually an ICD, as an ICD is a device that can shock your heart and a pacemaker does just what the name implies, paces. Was your second surgery you mentioned a new device or other surgery? I think a serious, unhurried discussions with both your GP and cardiologist are in order. Can they work together for your best interest? Perhaps, for such a serious decision, a second cardio opinion is a good idea. So glad you are trying to make an informed decision. I wish you happiness. Hopeful Heart

why

by kiml1123 - 2013-02-08 12:02:46

I don't know why you have one first of all. Mine paces 100% of the time. It has never shocked me. But I'm glad I have it.

You know you're wired when...

Your heart beats like a teenager in love.

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