Not Replacing the Battery

not easy

by Tracey_E - 2009-03-24 09:03:00

Poor guy. I'm so sorry for both of you, that he feels so hopeless and that you have to make these decisions. As Patch said, it depends on what his heart does when it's turned off. Some have an irregular beat but still chug along, going but probably not feeling too energetic. Some of us have a very low beat without it and our hearts would slow down until it simply stops. I'm no doctor and you didn't mention why he has it, but my best guess is he will be tired, probably dizzy, and he will eventually just go to sleep.

The battery doesn't die suddenly. If it's time to be replaced now, it can still have anywhere from 3-6 months left. If you ask, they can tell you. After that, it goes into a back up mode with minimal function and can last another 2-3 months in this mode. It'll keep him going but he'll probably be tired, dizzy. When it stops working completely, his hr will be whatever his underlying rate is. How high it is will determine how he feels and what happens next.

Can I make a suggestion? If you are ok with his decision and not going to try to talk him out of it, stick with his GP and forget the cardiologist. It's hard enough to deal with the loss of a parent when your doctor is behind your decision, it's hellish when he's not. We went through something similar with my grandmother. She was 95 and failing. She wanted, and the family supported, not to be treated. One of her doctors wanted to continue doing all sorts of tests and treatments, and he tried to put us on a guilt trip when we refused. Her other doctor was fully supportive and respected her decision. We all felt much better when we ditched the first one and saw the second one exclusively. He referred us to hospice.

You may want to ask the GP about hospice. They are utterly wonderful and they can help you through decisions like this. I always thought they just came in the last days but they do much more. They can answer all sorts of questions from the practical to the spiritual, and they have counseling and pastoral care for all members of the family. Grandma was in their care for 4 months from the time she made her decision until she passed. One of their pastors came to visit her as often as she wanted/needed and she died completely at peace (she was depressed, not at peace, when she made her decision). One of their staff talked to me and told me what to expect. A child psychologist even called and offered to talk to my kids, sent me materials on how to talk to them. Amazing, wonderful organization.

Hi Betsey

by walkerd - 2009-03-25 05:03:06

Ill pray for you have strength in this one. Just wanted to say that, for Im not going to jump into this one. I just hope what ever descision you two make or your father it is the right one, lots of things to think about, I have been thinking about the samethings myself on this subject for a few months and I know its not an easy one.
good luck to you both
dave

A Big Thank You

by betsey46 - 2009-03-25 08:03:32

Hello Again,
I wrote earlier asking if anyone could give me some advice on what to do about my dad refusing to have his battery replaced in his pacemaker. The helpful comments I received after posting is remarkable and I want to extend a thank you to all that gave comments. I am going to take all of your advice and have a long talk w/ his family doctor and forget the cardiologist since he didn't have an answer for us at all. I will keep you all posted on what takes place. I took care of my mom until she died...she was in hospice after being diagnosed w/ advanced pancreatic cancer. She was 71 years old...my dad is 85 years old..and is having a hard time grasping that mom is gone. He has lots of things wrong..some of them are: going blind, needs another hip replacement, congestive heart failure, prostate trouble, severe shaking..and other stuff too. Thanks again for all your wonderful support and advice. God Bless you all...Fondly, Betsey

My thoughts

by ElectricFrank - 2009-03-25 12:03:14

First off ask a direct question of both the cardiologist and the GP as to what your fathers condition is as far as his heart is concerned. A possibility if he is willing is to schedule a checkup and have the pacemaker turned off for a short time. The computer that does the programming has a feature where the operator sets up the test and then the space bar (on the Medtronics programmer) turns pacing off when it is held down. This makes it easy and safe to determine what happens with a loss of pacing. This would keep you from getting into a difficult situation if the loss of pacing was very uncomfortable for your father. He would know in advance what he was getting into and have the chance to make an informed decision.

I'm glad you are supportive of your fathers decision. I had a similar experience 2 years ago with my wife when she decided not to treat her sleep apnea. She felt so much more in control of her life and in the end went peacefully. I have felt very good about my decision to support her. I feel the same myself. There will probably come a time when I have lived my life, and I don't want someone second guessing me.

For those who don't understand this I would say that you have the right to make a different decision, and I support that as well.

best,

frank

He is very fortunate

by ElectricFrank - 2009-03-26 12:03:16

Your father is very fortunate to have you to support him in his last days. I can tell you that even though difficult at times it is an honor to be able to help someone we love at a time like this.

Ill be thinking about you,

frank

Electric frankI

by GerryJ - 2020-09-26 13:43:40

I joined the PacemakerClub in 2012 when I had my Medtronic implanted.  Can remember some of the members then. Do remember the  'other' Frank.  You  all were very helpful & knowledgeable when I had questions.

Was just told yesterday that my Medtronic PM  needs to be replaced & I have grace thoughts about having it done.  Should I keep with Medtronic or another brand?

this is my  Ist message to this group in years 

gerryJ