why?

My aunt (85 years old) had a pace maker put in the past Friday, the doctor stated she would go to physical therapy for a couple of weeks, and then go home. On Saturday, she was put in intensive care saying she was dying. Hospice stated she had been in the process of dying for 2 months.

My question, is why would a doctor say she needed a pace maker if she was dying already. She pass yesterday. Less than a week after the pace maker was put in.

2 Comments

Why

by SMITTY - 2008-11-06 04:11:41


Hi Tammy,

Like Cabg Patch said, to me a discussion with the doctor, or whoever made the decision for a PM, would be in order.

If it were me, I would want to know what the diagnosis was to justify the PM and did the doctor know the critical status of her health. My next thought is the doctor just a mercenary?

Last but not least. The probability of getting answers that will totally satisfy you and the rest of the family are pretty slim so do your best to put the entire episode out of you mind even if you are not satisfied. Pacemaker surgery is a relatively simple surgery even for a person as old as your aunt. So it is very doubtful that the PM surgery shortened her life and it could have very well extended it a for few days. Until you know the reason for the PM, you cannot pass judgement on that. Of course I have to admit that I am one of those people that live by the thought that so long as there is life there is hope but when a person stops breathing there is no longer any hope.

Best wishes to you and your family,

Smitty

Hospital should investigate

by auntiesamm - 2008-11-09 09:11:40

Hospitals have a Morbidity & Mortality Committee. It might fall under the Quality Assurance/Improvement committee. Things have changed since I worked in the hospital industry. This type of event sends up all kinds of red flags. The big question here is: "what was the doctor thinking" when he implanted the pacemaker in a dying patient???? If she had been under Hospice care for the 2 prior months that makes it even more questionable. Did the doctor speak to anyone in the family about the PM before implanting it? You should be in contact with the hospital to get answers. This will not help your aunt, God rest her soul, but perhaps prevent this from happening again. This particular doctor and any others involved who knew your aunt was near death should also be called on the carpet! I am so sorry for your loss and the added burden of this situation. God bless you and your family.

Sharon (So CA)

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