I'm a 2 week Pm newbie & have meds questions

I've had my PM for about 2 1/2 weeks now and have also been on sotalol and digoxin for the same period of time. My PM was inserted to resolve my bradycardia and is set to about 70 bpm for my normal rest level. I have no upper limit set on my PM.

I've also been told I have a moderate to high probability of going into flutter again (which is what originally sent me to the hospital about 3 months ago -- the very start of my heart problems).

I am being treated medically for the flutter with both digoxin and sotalol. I'm still very new to all this heart-stuff, but think it is the meds that are giving me a slowed down/yucky feeling during the day, at times.

For example, I walked along a beach path today at a moderate pace and just felt not great -- not bad enough to stop, but most definitely not like my old perky self (I'm a 42 year old female and used to play tennis 3-4x a week).

I've been taking my meds at 6 am and about 9 pm, (the sotalol). The digoxin says to take only in the morning. I'm going to try taking my sotalol at 10 am and 10 pm, to see if I feel better in the morning hours prior to 10 am. I'd love to hear if one's body ultimately adjusts to these meds, or if there are other meds out there, that don't make me feel like this.

I want to not feel this weird pressurey/uncomfortable feeling so I can ultimately get back to as near normal a life as I had. I may be dreaming........I hope there's something that can be done! It is so annoying to have to try this, adjust that.....etc. when of course I want a quick fix!

6 Comments

new

by bradnissan - 2009-10-08 11:10:52

Hi, I`m new also, but haven`t had the procedure yet, still gathering info. My prob is a-f, along with slow rate (athletic heart syndrome) I`m wanting to be convinced that I really need one. Tried meds, some wierd side effects.sotolol really slowed mr down as I have a normally low rate. Where do you live? I`m in OC and would like to talk to someone 35-50, active lifestyle who can give me an idea what to expect.
Brad

caution-meds

by Philman - 2009-10-09 01:10:34

I feel your pain as I enjoy my tennis. You may find with some tine your side effects will lesson, and you can return to the courts. Taking both of your meds in the am might cause some concern for your doc as they may have conflicting properties.
Do you have your rate response on and have you tried any adjustments? This a great informative site and can shed so much light on all your concerns. If you want some info on meds type in beta blockers in the search box. The side effects of fatigue,fog, dizziness are common with b/b's and its important to not have too strong a dose. I have reduced my dose of atenolol to 1/4 of .25mg and take it 5or 6 hrs. prior to playing. No a-fib and even this small dose creates fatigue. When taking 25mg I would have a-fib all over the place. For me the b/b was causing the problem in the stronger doses. Why not see if your doc will lower your dose and raise it if it is needed.
The real issue is what causes your "flutter".... cure the cause not the symptoms. Keep a diary on how you feel, what you eat, and your emotional state etc. and you may unlock the answers. Mine was pretty much exercised induced ,but stress could also be a trigger.
Work with your doctor and Medtronic rep to get you settings right as well.........
I'm rambling ...time to go, don't forget to search some of your concerns on the home page....The pacers here are your best friends.
Good luck -Philman

REF Lenora

by pete - 2009-10-09 02:10:19

No wonder Im feeling good. Cheers Peter

MEDS

by pete - 2009-10-09 03:10:09

Digoxin is well known to cause nausea. It made me feel that I was washed out and life was not worth living. However since getting a pacemaker I have been able to tolerate it without side effects. Try taking your digoxin mixed in with some cereal at breakfast time. I have mine mixed in with a bowl of porridge. I just pop the whole tablet in half way through eating it. I keep telling myself that in order to become a doctor you need to be bright enough to remember a vast number of facts but dim enough to believe that medication is generally good for you. You need to maintain a healthy scepticism towards drugs. I am often horrified at the incredible long list of drugs that some old folk are taking and what it does to them. Drugs are poisons, and they have to be, otherwise they would not work. No drug company is going to admit that. Cheers Peter

MHOEFT Keep pushing!

by GMan - 2009-10-09 08:10:45

Also Tennis player...Fierce singles matches! Mostly 20/yrs ago. Miss it but moved on. Keep doing what you want! Let the Doc's work out the adjustments. Think TENNIS not PM!!!

Gary

Digoxin and high fiber

by lenora - 2009-10-09 12:10:06

It's fine to take digoxin with a meal or on an empty stomach but digoxin should not be taken with a high fiber food such as cereal or a bran muffin because the drug will bind to the fiber and not be completely released into the bloodstream. Take it 2 hours before or after eating high fiber foods to ensure that you're getting your proper dose. That's what we advise our patients.

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