What would you do?

If you don't need your pacer or ICD, will you have it out or leave it in? If you have every reason to believe that you can do without your device, will you want to get rid of it when the chance comes?
I do believe there are people who really need their device and have a good reason to have it in the first place, but what if you are one of those few that got one because doctors didn't know what to do or what was wrong with you at the time?

7 Comments

Keep it

by chillks - 2008-10-21 04:10:41

As nice as it would be to not have it in, I think I would keep it regardless. I actually had to deal with the question as I only used mine less than 1% when it was checked...my question to them was did I really need it? YES was the answer...that less than 1% could still have been the one that killed you. I asked if they ever removed the devices and they said absolutely not! Just what I was told. Mine was implanted in late June and still is very sensitive to touch, downright hurts sometimes and you can really see it. But, I am also still very much alive!

keep it

by Tracey_E - 2008-10-21 05:10:04

it's better to have it and not need it than get rid of it and find out you're wrong. And it's not doing any harm being there, so why have an extra surgery?

Cabg Patch

by 1of4kids - 2008-10-21 05:10:56

First of all, thanks for your advice and secondly I don't need any professional counselor. I post this only to see how many would have their device out if they were offered the chance to do so by their doctors after tests being done that it is safe to do so. I understand there are people who truly need their devices, I will never recommend someone to have their device out just for the fun of it.
In my case, my pacer is in the ERI mode now and of course I can just leave the dead device in when the battery dies or have it taken out. I just happened to pick to have it out as I was offered the choice. I only want to know what others might do, to have a dead device in them or have it out?

If it was me...

by turboz24 - 2008-10-21 06:10:42

I actually hope to be in a similar situation eventually. If my doctor came to me and essesntially said "curtis, you are Vtach and shock free for the last 5 years, it's time for either to replace or simply remove your ICD". If he thought that the risk of recurrance was extremely low, I probably would have the device, wire, etc removed and not replaced.

If the choice is leave it in dead or remove it, I would have the PM removed as well as the leads if possible.

I have to make that choice!

by PattiAnn237 - 2008-10-21 06:10:44

My 16 year old pm is probably on its way out the door (ie my body), and so I have to make that exact choice, do I want it replaced or not. I am symptom free since an ablation 10 years ago. At this point Im leaning towards the might-as-well just keep it side, but Im not sure!

this doesnt even make sense

by walkerd - 2008-10-22 06:10:35

If the device is dead and will not function, why would a doctor, or more importantaly why would anyone want a useless piece of technology in your body. Not me, doesnt make sense to me. The choice if that is what you are asking doesnt make sense to this little mind of mine, but given the choice leave a dead devise in my chest umm no take it out. Now my second question would be excuse me you are the doctor do I need or dont I need another replacement, has my heart healed and I will not have a situation where i will not need the pm/defib????? If in your medical opoion that im at risk then by all means give me a replacement one, if i dont then close it up.

dave

why

by Tracey_E - 2008-10-22 07:10:27

Dave, why is because every time you have anesthesia there are risks and side effects. Minor, but still there. And removing leads is easier said than done. It's a relatively new process and not without risks. I know I'll always need mine,but if I were given the choice to take it out, I would keep it. No need to even think twice.

You know you're wired when...

You invested in the Energizer battery company.

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I am very lucky to have my device.