2007-07-03 08:23:18 · 7 answers · asked by usaknight77 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Heart Diseases
It it interesting that when something doesn't go perfectly, the knee jerk reaction seems to be to inquire about a law suit.
Do you think there is any chance this puts you in an adversarial relationship with those who care for you?
To answer your question - the human body is a dynamic system. What was the case five years ago may or may not be the case now - so in retrospect it is very difficult to know whether the pacemaker USED TO be indicated, but now it is not. I can not honestly say I have ever met a cardiologist that was "pacemaker happy" ; that is, unnecessarily putting in devices that are not needed.
Ironically, your very attitude may be what prompted the pacemaker in the first place. If there was even a chance your condition could deteriorate and a pacemaker will be needed...well, we better put one in or this guy's going to sue (complaining that we didn't do enough to ANTICIPATE what might go wrong).
In sum, I would give it a break. Your medical people are human rather than all-knowing deities. The human body is far too complex to know with perfect accuracy what will happen in the future. Unless you are alleging reckless indifference or gross negligence, you do not have a case.
Good luck.
2007-07-07 06:40:58 · answer #1 · answered by c_schumacker 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Well, let's see, most people see a cardiologist to get a pacemaker. And a general practise doctor doesn't know as much about the heart as a specialist does. So, it comes down to who do you believe, the cardiologist that put it in, or the gp that thinks you don't need it? Have you felt better since having the pacemaker put in? What made you think you needed one to begin with? Has that stopped. I suggest you consult a lawyer, but bet he will tell you that you have no case.
2007-07-03 15:31:32 · answer #2 · answered by essentiallysolo 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It depends on your condition at the time it was placed. If they had reason to believe that it was medically necessary they are covered, even if it later turned out to be unnecessary.
Also, you would have to prove harm. If the pacemaker hasn't caused any problems you have no basis for a suit.
2007-07-03 15:29:33 · answer #3 · answered by Harmony 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I assume this doctor is not the doctor who put the Pacemaker in. I suggest getting a second, or third, opinion.
2007-07-03 15:40:25 · answer #4 · answered by SapphireSeaFairy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I got an ICD put in 2-14-07 at the age of 38. I qualify for sudden death and have Ventricular Tachycardia and Supra Ventricular Tachycardia. It paces my heart out of life threatening rhythms. I asked my doctors and cardiologist if I would ever get it taken out. I was told if my heart is stable and I haven't had alot of episodes and my heart has gotten stronger that when its time to replace the battery they could take it out of me. Maybe the feel you are doing well enough to not need it now. God bless you. Be thankful for that.
2007-07-03 15:37:34 · answer #5 · answered by fuvila 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For a lawsuit to have any validity, you have to have suffered harm. It sounds like a difference of medical opinion between the doctor that put it in and your doctor now.
2007-07-06 21:43:35 · answer #6 · answered by ckm1956 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
were those his exact words...you don't need it?...or was he saying that when he looks at your EKG your own heart's rhythm is fast enough, or regular enough, or the medication you are on is working well enough, that the pacemaker doesn't need to pace your heart right now....but why was is it placed to begin with?...I think you misunderstood his meaning, ask him what he meant by his statement....
2007-07-04 02:54:12 · answer #7 · answered by mago 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋