Afib/flutter medications led to Pm implant

Pm placed 6/2016.  Dr Dr dx based on ZIO monitor worn for 48hrs. Results -asystole-cardiac pauses 4, 6 and 8 seconds. Dr called me at home and stated PM needed to be inserted soon. Side effects of my paroxysmal fib meds can cause asystole and other toxic effects.  Discontinuing med was not an option?   Hospital stay difficult, chest pain at 0300. Dr on call ordered percocet. (Trauma r/ t procedure)?   Several visits and adjustment later, pain and edema left arm with multiple collateral veins visible. Ultra sound  -  Massive blood clot. TX by Dr was to now safely resume zarelto post 21 days from surgery. From subclavian vein to upper arm permanent clot formed over leads.   " just part of risk of having a Pm for 21 to 65 % of patients. From day one still feeling activation of PM. Dealing with it and continue daily exercise.  My Dr is a Board certified board electrophysiologist with 30 yrs experience. Go figure.  Just my bad luck. ATP modality now activated - results to be determined in October . Otherwise happy to be active and alive!

2 Comments

Don't blame the drugs

by IAN MC - 2016-09-26 15:51:52

Hi NAVY LIFE

I was pleased to read your last sentence that you are happy to be active and alive and hope that you continue to enjoy a better life . Just a few observations though :-

- you have been taking drugs to treat your afib / atrial flutter and you seem to blame these drugs for you having to have a pacemaker . I suspect that what has happened is that one of the symptoms of your afib/ atrial flutter has been too fast a heart rate i.e. tachycardia.

You have probably been given drugs to reduce your heart rate. To enable an adequate dose of drug to be given some people need a pacemaker to prevent the heartrate from sinking too low to bradycardia levels. It is not really a side-effect of the drug,  it is simply a case of the drug doing what it is intended to do.

-  you mention "other toxic effects "of the drugs and imply that these too were responsible for you needing a pacemaker. I don't believe that any  cardiac drugs have  toxic effects  which can increase the chances of you needing a pacemaker!

-  I am sorry that your implant led to blood clots but your statement that this happens in 21 to 65 % of patients is simply not true and is ludicrous.

As you say you have had bad luck and I'm sure you realise that your experience is not typical. I wish you well.

Ian

Cardiac drugs are toxic

by Navylife - 2016-09-26 18:11:28

Just read " don't blame drugs" from ian's comment and have to disagree with you based on my medical background.

Yes, cardiac drugs have many adverse side effects. If one is unaware they can easily look up the details on line. 

When a healthy individual takes cardiac meds to contol rate and rhythm they will indeed have side effects. There is no cure for paroxysmal A-fib which comes and goes so consequently drugs, ablation are tried with marginal relief.

When physicians do not listen to their patients (  7 min or less) for the volume they see then unnecessary problems  may occur.

Yes, thrombus does occur frequently- luck of the draw (stats vary in reporting).

My goal is to continue with the quality of life I'm dealing with and train for my third half marathon.  Try to avoid " over treatment" which is worse than actual problem!

Good running to you.

 

 

 

 

 

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I feel so blessed to have this little gem implanted in me. When I think of the alternative it is quite overwhelming sometimes.