A quick question about pacemaker problems and suing a hospital easy points if you can answer your opin?

Question

Three years ago, Doctor recommend me to have a pacemaker at age of 47 with no prior heart problems. My questions to him was how many time do I have, and how long will a pacemaker last? He answered that I have lot to live, maybe for another 50 years plus, and with new pacemaker, they usually last around 20 years.

When they installed pacemaker, they shocked me fully while I was awake. That really upsets me. In about 6 months later, they said my pacemaker was defective, battery died. Needed to replace, but they waited about 6 months more before they did. During that period of time I felt real lousy with swinging moods....And Finally they replaced the pacemaker, they had to shock me twice to get pacemaker started....Yes, I was fully awake and it really hurt. Yes, you can guess, within few months later, they said I had to undergo another surgery as wires not working.....They replaced the wires, and thank God for no shock treatment....So, 3 surgeries within 3 years span....And I do not feel well, still have swinging moods....And they wanted me to go for more tests and I am scared.....

Should I sue them or what? It is my heart, my body and all...Three surgeries in three years! Help me

Answer 1

well, you certainly should have your records and yourself examined by another Doctor.

Answer 2

Ask your friends and family members of cardiologists they have heard about, doctors that will take some time to listen and review your case. Go to a couple of them and get other opinions. The other option is to self refer to the MAYO clinic for an evaluation.

Answer 3

There are a number of ongoing class actions against pacemaker manufacturers for the exact thing you are describing.  I know one firm that handles them it's http://www.ogletreeabbott.com.