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pacemaker in 90 year-old

My 90-year-old mother has advanced heart disease and went into the hospital with angina.  Her heart rate was in the 30s and dipped into the 20s and the the teens.  She told the nurse in the ICCU that she did not want a pacemaker and just wanted to have relief from the pain.  The hospital has her advanced directives on file and she is designated as DNR. She made me promise that I would not let them put in a pacemaker.  But, as the pain worsened and they wouldn't give her anything for it, the doctor and nurse told her that the pacemaker was the only way to make the pain go away.  The doctor compared it to having an infected tooth pulled to alleviate the pain.  She finally gave in and told me to sign the consent form.  Before she went in she was living in her own apartment.  Now, she has to be in a nursing home -- another thing she didn't want. Her heart stopped 4 times -- once before the pacemaker and 3 times in the cath lab.  

Is there anything else I could have or should have done?  I am feeling so guilty.  

Thank you for reading this long explanation.  I appreciate any advice as I may be in a similar situation again.
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592969 tn?1248325405
Why is it that she did not want a pacemaker?  Young people as well as elderly get pacemakers.  Sounds like she was confused as to having a pacemaker.  She should be feeling better with the pacemaker now.  With her heart rate so low, she must have felt very weak.  She will most likely be feeling better now, so do not feel guilty.  
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3 Comments
do you know that pacemakers last 10 years?? we allowed a pacemaker to be placed in my 90 yr old mom without the benefit of knowing how long they last. My mom is in a home barely existing, her husband has passed, she would love to join him but the pacemaker continues to keep ticking. I think it is an abuse of medical community to suggest pacemakers in 90 yr old people!
My 92 year old mom passed away in her sleep in June. She had a pacemaker input 2 years ago. She had a device check in late April and everything was fine. I don’t understand what the unit at home was for as it did not notify anyone that there was a problem.
To each their own. I don't see why anyone would condone allowing someone to die because they feel that way. People still die if they get a pacemaker and their body is tired. It's not like you're cruel for allowing her to live. I find it odd that you feel more guilty that she lived than if she has died.
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