what to do with old pacemaker

I just had my first pacemaker replaced. I have the old one and just looking for ideas of what to do with it. I've heard of prior turning it into a paperweight. I was thinking of creating some kind of jewelry with it to give my wife. Any ideas out had anyone done anything similar?

9 Comments

Donate it - mantle piece

by Theknotguy - 2014-02-03 05:02:28

You could leave it on the mantle as a trophy.

I've heard used PM's are given to veterinarians, cleaned up, new batteries installed, and then used on dogs. So that may be another option.

Don't know if the PM's can be cleaned up, new batteries installed, and then donated to third world countries. Sound kinda creepy I know but it may be another option.

Worst case, carry it around in your pocket and show people what is keeping you alive. That may weird some people out but you'd never be lacking for a conversation piece.

Glad you got your second PM and everything is going well.

Theknotguy

Old Pacemakers

by Heidijayne - 2014-02-03 05:02:34

I am on my 6th pacemaker, so I have 5 old ones. Medtronic used to engrave names and dates onto the pacemakers after they were taken out. I have all mine in a shadow box hanging on my wall. I always thought when I got older I would turn one of them into some sort of broach!

pacemaker boxes

by Pacemum - 2014-02-03 06:02:09

Don

Here in the UK some are cautious about giving the old batteries as, on occasions, they have turned up on certain selling sites.

My daughter was given her first pacemaker box but was made to promise that she would keep it for herself. It has been useful to take to school science lessons to let other children and teachers see and feel the box.

Don, is that a State law?

by SaraTB - 2014-02-03 06:02:15

Because I had no trouble, here in CT: I just asked, during the procedure, and left with the old one all sealed in a plastic bag. I'm pretty sure it had a Hazmat label on it, but that was it. My doctor wasn't at all put out, in fact he said people ask for them all the time.
Maybe you should have asked them exactly what law it was that they thought they'd be breaking?

Lucky Youngsters!!

by donb - 2014-02-03 06:02:40

Hey, How do you youngsters do it. I've asked 6 times prior to removal of 5 pacemakers, haven't seen one yet except pictures. I specifically requested my 5th as I only had it for a few months. Actually I only got normal usage out of my 1st & 2nd unit. Having spent all my life doing surgery on PC's in Electronics I really have wanted at least 1 to play with like some of our other engineering members have in the past.
I was told by my surgeons that they can't risk breaking the law by giving them back to a host.
DonB

Do you want to stay married?

by Bostonstrong - 2014-02-03 07:02:28

I can think if other ideas for jewelry. Diamonds. Sapphires. Tanzanite. Rubies. Emeralds. Can't imagine why some one would want to wear a used piece of someone else's med equipment as jewelry. If you like your wife rethink this one!

SaraTB Pacemaker Law ??

by donb - 2014-02-03 11:02:23

Hi Sara, You're probably right !! Hope Government in any of our States go overboard with controlling our medical needs. I really am not concerned about keeping my expired pacemaker but when I will be told I'm " too old" for my next replacement pacemaker and will have pay 100% for the implant & also for the surgery, then it's time to speak up.
DonB

DONATE IT HERE PLEASE

by Jonny - 2014-02-04 05:02:23

Around 2 million people in the 3rd world die each year for want of a PM that they cannot afford. You can arrange to donate your PM through this website:

http://www.pace4life.org/#!donating-pacemakers/c1vl1

You can also arrange for your PM to be donated after you die. This is a really good cause we should all be subscribing to. John

used

by Shell - 2014-02-04 07:02:29

I have my old pacemaker on my bureau right now. I have brought it to work to show people and told my kids if they need it for a school thing they can borrow it. No prob getting it. The doctors cleaned it and then have it to me in a biohazard bag. When I got it home I just wiped it down again with a clorox wipe.

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