Decision not to get pacemaker replaced

Are we allowed to make the decision not to get our pacemakers replaced when the batter wears out? I was asked this by a friend and did not know the answer.

Regardless of the consiquenses, do we have the right just to let it run out of battery and let nature take it's course?

5 Comments

NOT A GOOD IDEA

by peter - 2008-01-23 01:01:23

This could be construed as an attempt at suicide. Your doctors will do everything in their power to stop you doing this.I cannot reccomend it. The end may not be as pleasant as you might imagine. You should stop driving if you pacemaker is not being properly monitored or changed when necessary. Just imagine your pacemaker stops whilst you are driving and you crash into someones car and take an innocent party out as well. Could anyone have that on their conscience. My advice to you is to keep right on to the end of the road.Life is worth living. Cheers Peter

Decision not to get pacemaker replaced

by BOB 1 - 2008-01-23 01:01:59

Sure, I see no reason a pacemaker cannot be refused. In reality, a pacemaker is no more than medicine. For example, a person may take medicine to slow down their heart rate and a pacemaker just speeds up the heart rate. I think of my pacemaker about the same as I do in refusing chemo or radiation treatment for cancer. It is my body and I have the right to say no.

But, I doubt that refusing a replacement pacemaker will be easy as the doctor will do every thing possible to get the person to get that pacemaker. The family may have some say here.

Also, depending on why they have that pacemaker, they may be begging to have another implanted a few days after this one stops. I know many people think death will follow an inoperable pacemaker shortly after it stops, but that is not necessarily so and it can be a slow and miserable death.

Hi!

by tcrabtree85 - 2008-01-23 03:01:56

I totally did not take this like everybody else did because I have had friends ask me the same question. Of course you have choices. My choice would be that I love life so much of course I would want to have my ticker replaced.
I also am a believer that God has a set time for all of us and that he has provided a battery to keep me going.
If you are thinking of not getting your pm replaced I am very curious at your reasons? I would say if this is the case then take everybody elses advice. They are all very wise.
I wish you the best and have a great week!

Tammy

hi

by jessie - 2008-01-24 12:01:14

i have a reason to get up in the a.m. he is called john and also i have a cathy a michael who are our children and i have a don our son in law and i have jessica who is eleven and michael who is eight who spend a few weeks with us in the summer here in southwesten ontario where we have a house and a pool and it is very hot and humid.so turning off my pacemaker is just not an option right now. life is good but i also don't expect it will always be so wonderful healthwise. i also feel that as long as i can gaze at these people life will be worth living jessie

To all

by stillshocked - 2008-01-25 11:01:33

This posting in no way was an attempt at suicide or not wanting to live beyond the life of the pacemaker. As said previously, a friend and I were having the discussion as to whether it was my right or not was more the intent.

The friend is not from American, we were having discussions on several topics one included euthenasia for humans Dr. Kavorkian and such as this. We possibly at times are morbid people but RIGHTS was the discussion not suicide or lack of will to live. Sorry for the confusion.

Lori

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