RISKS OF PROCEEDURE

I am always amused when asked to sign a consent form in hospital. I one had one once that had hand written in big letters accross it "Risk of Death". It took me one second to sign it.
To me all consent forms should also list the risks of not having the treatment as those risks are much greater. I know it is frustrating if something does not turn out as well as it could or should have done. For a very few the outcome can make the patient worse off than before. But when you go into hospital you are running a gauntlet of risks that carry a very low percentage. If it was the lottery there would be a stampede. Because its our body we tend to get a little thoughtful. Fortunately for us pacemaker patients, we are normally taking low risks and the outcome is positive. We may well read here a lot about complications but not so much about the hundreds of thousands of people who are doing just fine with their pacemakers. This site is probably not for the feint hearted or those that cant put up with too much reality. I know a lot of people who have pacemakers who would never even visit this site. It takes all types too make a world. Happy pacing. Peter

3 Comments

Wow

by TKS - 2008-02-21 02:02:03

Peter....

Wow....I'd never seen a consent like that. But as Sydney says, "everything we do each and every day can lead to death" (Sydney, hope you don't mind I quoted you!). I think we all have to take life one day at a time, and be thankful for what we have and the time on earth we have been given.

Have a wonderful day all!!!!

Theresa

Blown away!

by uvagershwin - 2008-02-21 06:02:35

Wow, you actually had to sign that?! I guess some doctors aren't so bright after all. If you think about it, everything we do each and every day can lead to death. You are so right about how people paint way too much doom and gloom here, not that they can't ask what's happening to them, I've done it. I think if you are cool enough to have a PM, you can at least visit a site that may help if you need it. Like you said, it takes all types to make a world. See ya later!

Sydney

Hi Peter,

by Gellia2 - 2008-02-21 08:02:25

Ah, yes. The informed consent! When I had my first dual chamber pacer implanted, I asked what they would do with the wire I already had from my first pacemaker. I had a new resident at the time and his "informed consent" was to tell me,...."Oh, they'll try to pull it out but we can't pull too hard cause when we did that with the dogs, we tore big holes in their hearts and killed them!" To say I was scared is an understatement as dual PM were brand new at the time (1982). So much for informed consent! I did meet my cardiologist out of it so it was a blessing in disguise, but I wish they would informed consent in a slightly more gentle manner! LOL I still have that wire, too.
Best to you, Peter.
Gellia

You know you're wired when...

Like the Energizer Bunny, you keep going.

Member Quotes

99% of the time, I totally forget I even have this device.