2nd attempt at pacemaker - advice

Had a biv-icd implanted it had to be removed 2-1/2 weeks after implantation due to infection (pocket infection).

Felt great while I was on pacemaker and had started getting energy and drive back that I had not had in years.

I'm relatively young (53). Due to my arrythmia my doctor wants to reimplant.

Having a hard time being convinced to do so.

1 - expense - I am worth more dead than I am alive

2 - infection was rough and had complications

3 - do not think I can go through it again 

***adding this for clarification***

Cost of treatment for antibiotics self transfused through midline twice a day. $25,538.00 that was just for the antibiotics.Had to usa amidline because the antibiotics tend to corrode your veins. If vein collapses the antibiotic will eat the surrounding tissue.

Neg - pressure vac - cost of treatment over 30K.

none of this even begins to cover the actual surgeries etc...

life insurance if I do nothing +++3.8 m

So yes - I am worth more dead than alive and yes the financial burden is very high.

What type of selfish person would I be to let my family suffer for a few more years of me being here?

 

6 Comments

Don't think much...

by donr - 2016-12-06 23:57:48

...of yourself, do you? "Worth more dead than alive."  Have you asked your family about that?

Donr

Best thing I ever did for myself

by Debs59 - 2016-12-07 00:48:38

And my family!  Can't imagine what an infection would be like...but you said you were feeling better...

I have a CRT D and I had plenty of reservations about getting one, but I am happy I did...

Sending positive thoughts your way!

Infection

by donr - 2016-12-07 09:25:04

Deb:  BTDT w/ a potential bone infection in a toe, following surgery.  I'm allergic to many antibiotics, so options were few.  Only one that would kill the bug was called Zyvox at over $100 per pill - twice a day for 15 days, minimum, w/ potenial of 28 days , Max.  Worst part of the bug was its proclivity to latch onto PM leads & raise &^%^%$!  There was evidence it was doing just that.

By third day the diarrhea was agonizing, & frequent.  Even Immmodium didn't help much.  At the time I was 75.  At the 7 day point, my blood tested clear of infection & Dr. offered to let me off the hook for rest of Zyvox at tenth day.  I told him "NO WAY! I made it this far, I'll make it the rest of the way - I have too much to do yet - educate children & grand children, mainly." I also did NOT want to chance losing my PM to the bug by taking the easy way out.  

Was it worth it - you bet your sweet Bippy it was.  I celebrated my 80th B'day by tellling all our chillun & granchilluns our family history. Took several hours, but they dragged it on beyond my planned 30 min by asking questions.  Have undertaken a 4th career helping MD Daughter open & operate a medical clinic serving a very "Underserved" population in southern MS.  Life is definitely worth living!

I also work at embarrassing my wife & MD Daughter by educating serving staff in Pizza Joints on History - the schools don't do it.  Last night at "Papa's Pizza Pi" our server, sub 20 yrs old, did not even know what happened 75 yrs ago today at 7:30 AM Hawaii time.  MOF - she did not even know WW-II even happened!!!!!  NOT THE FIRST WORD!  So many teenagers - so little time left!

Donr

welllllll

by Tracey_E - 2016-12-07 22:14:35

1. survey your friends and family, see if they agree

2. sometimes life sucks. Complications happen. As long as it's cleared, odds are very high next time will go smoothly. 

3. You're stronger than you think. Stop overthinking, pick up the phone, and make the appointment. 

update

by BOBJ - 2016-12-15 17:04:00

Just thought I would let you guys know. I am opting to forego the reimplant.

I do appreciate your input and donr - look up TENS you think upset stomach is bad. hmmmmm

 

UPDATE 3-29-17

by BOBJ - 2017-03-29 11:09:01

I just thought I would update everyone on this. After a lot of praying I decided that I would make one more attempt at haveing the biv-icd inserted.

As of 3-28-17 (yesterday) I have fully healed and all restrictions have been lifted. Man it is great to move my arm above my head!

My EP is telling me that in the 16 years he has installed these devices he has never had anyone pace as well or show the immediate progress that I have shown. 

I can do things that I have not done in 10 years or so. God is good! God is always good!

 

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