Strange Answer?

I was implanted with a medtronic pacemaker in February of 2007 for A/V block.When I asked my cardiologist what would happen if I didn't get the pacemaker,she said that nothing would probably happen, but the worse case scenario would be that I could suddenly die.Needless to say,I decided to get my pacemaker.I was just wondering what everyone out there thinks about her answer.

5 Comments

Doctors

by joy1 - 2008-07-28 02:07:35

I'm probably the worst person to be responding to your post because of my implant history but I'm going to tell you what I think...We are all going to die sometime. Any doctor who is not willing to give you more of an answer than that one liner is not worth paying.

I hope that your PM has improved your life. And that it has extended your life. The most important question you should ask yourself is whether or not you feel better with your PM and if you like and communicate with your cardiologist well. If you want to know my history, read my bio.

Blessings,
Joy

Honest Answer

by Pookie - 2008-07-28 02:07:43

Hi Sara.

I asked the same question: what would happen if I don't get the pacemaker and my cardiologist simply said: sudden cardiac arrest.

I appreciated the honesty instead of their usual beating around the bush approach.

Pookie

Honest Answer.....

by Bionic Beat - 2008-07-28 05:07:23

I think she was just being honest.

I hate doctors who beat around the bush, would appreciate a doc who just came right out and told me.

The reality is that heart problems can suddenly kill anyone.....but most of us are at higher risk of SCD.

Now that I have my pacemaker, my chances of SCD are gone, as my EP Guy says, you'll have to die of something else.

When I started to laugh, so did he. It is what it is.....but nobody gets off this earth alive.


Bionic Beat

lol

by jessie - 2008-07-28 05:07:33

so very true, i sleep at night tho knowing that i probably most likely won't face sudden cardiac death. whatever way i hope it is quick.there are worse things shudder shudder. jess

It is what it is...

by dward - 2008-07-28 11:07:44

Your Doctor may have sounded a little short, but in the short time I have had my PM, I have heard from friends, Doctors and even my Dentist - about people who were told they should get a PM, and decided not to because "It will leave a scar" or "I just don't like the idea of having something touching my heart" or (the best one I heard) "I'm afraid it will interfere with my golf game"...!
Your Doctor told you the reality - good chance nothing would happen if you DON'T get one, but if something DOES... it wouldn't be good.
I am in that exact same boat. I chose to NOT tempt fate and got my PM. I sleep better and my wife sleeps WAY better.

You know you're wired when...

You have the perfect reason to show off your chest.

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