Do I HAVE to replace my pacemaker

The question I have is a hard one and a personal one with my own valid reasons. If it offends or is distasteful to some and their own beliefs I apologize in advance and pls move on from this posting. I am NOT interesting in posting comments about counseling nor religion. Here it is: I don't want a replacement pacemaker when the one I have now needs replacing. I am on complete pacemaker control so without it my heart would stop. Does anyone know the legality of such a request and if it can be granted or do I have to run to the hills and hide out in a cabin. Is there a slow decline to the battery or will it end abruptly. Again, sorry for the content of this posting and the above is just thought not deed at the moment.

8 Comments

replacement

by Tracey_E - 2013-02-18 09:02:36

No, they can't make you get it replaced, though I suspect they will put a lot of pressure on you if you go for an appointment.

There are two modes at the end. First is ERI, elective replacement mode. It's still fully functional and lasts about 3 months, sort of like the gas light on your car.

The second is EOL, end of life, and it also lasts about 3 months. During this time, extra function is turned off so it will no longer go up and down as needed, your rate will be the same all the time, probably 60. If you are dependent, this will likely not feel good, you will be dizzy and likely to pass out if you try to do too much.

Do you know what your rate is without pacing? It's very rare to have no underlying rate. Even after an ablation a ventricular escape rhythm usually develops, very slow but still there. Mine is in the low 20's so I'd likely live for a while without pacing but be unable to do anything. To be blunt, it would most likely be slow and uncomfortable.

Good luck to you. May you find peace in your decision, whatever you decide to do.

DNR

by Tracey_E - 2013-02-18 10:02:56

if you haven't already, make sure you have a Do Not Resuscitate order in effect as well as whatever other advanced directives are needed where you live.

Living will

by jeanlancour - 2013-02-18 11:02:33

In most states you can get a living will that has a do NOT Resuscitate statement on it. It also has statements about what you are willing to have done, what you want done with your body etc. But you must have someone that will make sure this is carried out, that someone may have to stand very firm. So be careful who you pick. This will also help you to go over everything and think about your decisions and what they mean for you and your fanily. Good luck to you and peace.

Escape rhythm

by golden_snitch - 2013-02-19 04:02:34

Hi!

Like Frank and Tracey, I'd doubt that your heart just stops. I have got to know loads of pacemaker patients, but there is none without any underlying rhythm. It might be slow, but something will kick in when your pacer quits its job. And I bet you'll feel lousy. But chances that you'll die, if that is what you wish/hope for, aren't that high. The heart has quite a few back-up modes.

So, you will most likely have the choice between feeling lousy for years or getting the pacer replaced, and then feeling better again. It's really not that easy: Just switch the pacer off or not replace it, and then you die. Doesn't work that way, at least I don't know a single case where this was what happened.

Best
Inga

Sleep

by LeeT - 2013-02-19 07:02:11

I would think the battery will slow to nothing it will not happen quickly you will then die as you wish with little pain. You can may want to secure meds which will let you rest comfortable until it's over. Farewell

Escape rhythm

by ElectricFrank - 2013-02-19 12:02:06

This could be a problem to you as TraceyE mentioned. My HR was down to 26 before getting my implant. I was able to walk around without passing out, but sure felt crappy. I'm sure I would have had some sort of organ failures develop if I was in that condition for an extended period.

I wouldn't want to depend on a lack of pacing to end my life. There are much better ways to handle it. PM me if you would like more information on it. I won't counsel you!

frank

?

by ambers - 2013-02-20 06:02:29

In some states, if you have any prior mental health diagnosis documented the physician and/or your family can push for the courts to force you to receive medical care. Although they cannot force you to have a new device, they can force other options such as 24 hour hospitalization. I have checked into it myself for future reference.
The argument is that if you have a mental health diagnosis, you aren't capable of making the decision about your medical health. I know it isn't always okay for that to happen. I have had clients that chose to not treat their diabetes and their families were able to have them court ordered into an ICU for treatments.
Just make sure you have all of your ducks in a row. Also, I hear its perfectly acceptable in Switzerland. Might be a nice place to end up....
Best of luck!

Candid Question....................

by Tattoo Man - 2013-02-20 07:02:52


....................deserves a Candid Response.

Simple scenario...you pass out at the wheel,..you swerve across the road and some poor b*****d ,.... a young Father driving home to see his loving Wife and Kids gets a bit dead.

We are none of us alone in this World.

And indeed we all have choices...............

Tattoo Man

You know you're wired when...

You have an excuse for gaining an extra ounce or two.

Member Quotes

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