question

Can they force you to have the pacemaker replaced when the batteries run out if you dnt sign the consent form for them to do it?

6 Comments

Why?

by heckboy - 2008-02-22 01:02:15

I'm curious, do you think that you don't need your PM or that your were better off before you got it? I'm assuming that you aren't PM dependent and that you don't want to die, but as far as I know, it's legal for a sane adult to refuse treatment for anything.

no battery no beat

by rc - 2008-02-22 02:02:15

Hi,
I see two different possible questions here --
is it about being forced to change the PM?
or being forced to change the battery when it runs out?

As to my ICD, I figure that if they've gotta go in for something else anyway (like replacing leads), and there's a better machine on the market why not go for it.

If its a battery issue, and I can only speak for myself,
but if my battery goes out, so do I.
So I'm apt to have them change it when necessary

PM Replacement

by SMITTY - 2008-02-22 03:02:11

Hello Impacing,

If you refuse to sign the release forms, I doubt that any doctor or hospital would have any part of replacing your pacemaker because of the liability to which they would be exxposed.

Of course refusing will probably cause you have conversations with many people, most of whom you have never met. I can think of one scenario where they could replace your PM without "your" signature on the release forms. That would be for a relative or some other person to get the courts to declare you mentally incompetent and then a person appointed by the court could sign the release forms.

As you can see there are many people here are curious as to why you would even ask such question. If it is not too much of an imposition, would you give us your reasons? I'll be facing this decision in the not to distant future and will be asking myself the same questions. A replacement PM for me is not a cinch. In my case there are too many other issues involved for me to jump at the recommendation that I have my PM replaced.

Good luck,

Smitty

go back to feeling lousy?

by VonnieVern - 2008-02-22 04:02:57

Before I got my pacemaker I was not "feeling lousy," nor do I feel better since having it. If someone is questioning their need for the pacemaker, I think it should be just as important for a doctor to explain what the person's condition would likely be with and without the pacemaker. Most people want to make the best decision they can for their own well being. Sometimes the issue is gettting accurate information about one's own condition as opposed to presuming someone else knows what is best for us.

Vonnie

Huh?

by axg9504 - 2008-02-22 11:02:10

Let's see, you have a PM now, obviously for some good reason and assuming that reason or reasons are still valid when time comes to replace the battery, you want to go back to feeling lousy but you're afraid the govt. will step in and force you to continue to feel good? Where do you live? I want to move there.

Hi!

by tcrabtree85 - 2008-02-22 12:02:47

Hi Impacing,
This question was asked a while back and I will be the first to say I think it's a great question. I have got asked by several of my friends who don't understand why I have my pm etc.
At first I had no idea how to answer the question. But we all do have the right to make choices.
Take care of yourself!

Tammy

You know you're wired when...

You prefer rechargeable batteries.

Member Quotes

At age 20, I will be getting a pacemaker in few weeks along with an SA node ablation. This opportunity may change a five year prognosis into a normal life span! I look forward to being a little old lady with a wicked cane!