Living Wills and ICD's

Hello-
I am trying to find more info on Living Wills and Advance Directives in association with having an ICD. I did find one really good article with info but not neccesarily specifics.
Here is the link if you want to check it out-

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3798/is_200710/
ai_n24394969/pg_1?tag=artBody;col1

I do have a device clinic tomorrow and I will also ask there and pass on any new info I find.
Thanks-
Candi

3 Comments

Living wills

by joy1 - 2008-10-27 10:10:35

I'm not sure what your asking. Are you wanting to arrange to have your device turned off at a specific point? If this is the case, just talk over your wishes with the person you give medical power of attorney to. Doctor are pretty good now about turning the buggers off when it is apparent that end of life is near. On the other hand, you should write it down what you want and be fairly specific about things such as intubation versus tracheotomy that sort of thing. What do you consider would be a dignified death; how do you want to be remembered?
If you are wanting to bequeath your device? You can't. The FDA has ordered all used ICDs be returned to their issuing companies. Personally, I think it's a bunch of phooghy since we buy them but I have had mine taken out and I was not given it back.

Donating PM and or ICD

by mrag - 2008-11-03 06:11:31

I do not believe the FDA (or any other governmental organization) requires the return of a PM/ICD (or other medical device). In fact, one person, Bill Daem of 220 34th St West, Billings MT 59102 operates a one person non profit (named Heart Too Heart) that sends "used" PM/ICD's overseas where they can be re used. They can NOT be reused/reissued in the US. Another interesting bit, PM/ICD's must be removed before cremation (apparently the batteries explode!) although I doubt you would care much at that point. You can find more about Bill via Google and or through the Funeral Consumer's Alliance at:
http://www.funerals.org/
They are a non profit with chapters around the US. There is typically no membership fee and their web site has a wealth of information (and 'final' planning kits). For me, their local chapter is at:
http://eccentrix.com/members/memsoc/index.html
and that has details specific to Pennsylvania on "Durable Power of Attorney" which I understand is more functional than a "Living Will."

sorry

by candi51 - 2008-12-09 12:12:03

I'm sorry- I should have specified.
I am concerned about how a living will would work if there is a DNR (do not ressucitate). For many of us as heart patients there are procedures where they stop the heart and then shock it to restart. According to what I have found a DNR would keep the Dr from restarting my heart even if he was the one to stop it.
That is what my question is. I am looking for what wording needs to be in place so that I don't "die" from regular procedures but am not kept alive in case of an accident and I am a vegetable.

You know you're wired when...

Bad hair days can be blamed on your device shorting out.

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