How do I get it back??

I got my pacemaker replace last year, I had a Medtronic one. I had to replace it because the battery was low and it's been 10 years. I asked the doctor if I can keep the old one, they said no cause they have to use it for testing. It's been a year do you think if I asked they would let me have it now?? 

 

Thanks youu

4 Comments

too late

by Tracey_E - 2019-02-10 16:52:04

I'm sure it's long gone by now. They dispose of them. I wasn't aware they tested them unless there was some question if it was defective. Some hospitals and doctors won't release them, others do. I have my first one but not the other 3. They asked me if I wanted it as they were wheeling me out of the cath lab and handed it to me sealed up in a cup. 

keeping it

by Shell - 2019-02-11 17:04:05

Like Tracey said, it's gone by now. Never heard of testing on it. When I got my first one replaced I asked to have it. I got it in a biohazzard bag. (they did clean it and I also cloroxed wiped it my self) All my friends liked seeing it.

Analysis when there is a problem

by Grateful Heart - 2019-02-11 19:20:33

My device company wanted mine back for analysis/ testing since there was a problem with it at EOL.  Once they take it back, you won't get it back again.  

I'm still trying to find out the results. 

Grateful Heart

too many lawyers

by dwelch - 2019-02-12 01:37:47

Note, I married a lawyer, its not a bad thing, they are just doing their job.

 

I think the testing thing is totally bogus.  I am on number five and have my first three, didnt even have to ask for the first two, did have to sign some paperwork to get number three.  But went back to the same person I went to for number four and she said no way. 

well...

Okay two ways, 1) religion, there are some religions that you can keep it but the funeral home has to come get it.  which means you arent here to have it  2) lawsuit, if you are in a lawsuit (well you probably arent here your family is) then your lawyer can have it.   Neither of those cases can you have it.  And if it isnt one of those cases they destroy the device a few days/weeks later.

From the testing angle I would believe that they are holding the device in case someone wants to check it out and do some testing, but otherwise they dispose of the device.  

In this lawsuit happy day and age, I dont see us getting our devices back now matter how much we pay to the insurance companies directly or indirectly nor that these were part of our body for a significant portion of our lives.

Sorry that we are all telling you the bad news.

You know you're wired when...

Jerry & The Pacemakers is your favorite band.

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