Might have to have a pacemaker

Hi everyone not sure if I am posting in the rIght place but sure hope so.

i am a 50yr old female who suffers from bradycardia and low blood pressure.

i have had this since my late 30 s with really no symptoms. However, now I am  experiencing quite a few symptoms such as, severe fatigue, dizziness, not sure if  tinnitus is a symptom but have that as well.

i has the cardiac loop placed a couple of weeks ago and the  physician that installed it told me that my heart rate dropped to 38 and that he feels I need a pacemaker. I just want to know has anyone after receiving the pacemaker felt much better and if their symptoms went away, and if they regain energy.

thanks 

Dee

6 Comments

Pacemaker needed

by mcsparkie - 2017-11-08 19:54:26

Hi Dee. I had my pacemaker inserted when I was 52 after similar symtoms to you, including the tinnitus. In my case the pacemaker resolved my symptoms and after the recovery, which for me was 3 to 6 months, I felt so much better and had the confidence knowing that my pacemaker would be there when needed. Hope this helps you and best wishes for whatever eventuates.

 

Possible pacemaker needed

by Dee1219 - 2017-11-08 20:27:17

Thanks for the response! I am so nervous but want to feel better. The lowest my heart has been is 38 but stays around 50-60. 

I am just so tired of feeling tired. Want to feel better. I also hope it help my blood pressure come up some. Not sure if the pacemaker helps with that just assuming if your rate goes up so will the pressure.

Dee ❤️

yes!

by Tracey_E - 2017-11-08 22:33:08

If it's confirmed your low heart rate coincides with your symptoms, it's a bit of a no brainer. You're not getting enough oxygen when your rate drops, it makes you feel bad. Everyone varies, but for me it was night and day. 

All a pacer will do is raise your heart rate. It may indirectly help bp, but not directly. There are diet modifications and medications that can bring up bp. Have you had a tilt test?

Response

by Dee1219 - 2017-11-09 13:24:32

years ago I had the tilt table test and it was normal. I just fell horrible. In my 30s and 40s I could better deal with bradycardia. Now not so much. 

I feel defeated. The PVCS also are horrible when they hit I feel like I am dying. No beta blockers can be prescribed because I am so low.

i just want to feel better.

the fix

by Tracey_E - 2017-11-09 19:52:27

As we age, the body has more and more trouble compensating with a low rate. My condition is congenital and I made it to 27 before getting the pacer. I wish my doctor had encouraged me to get it sooner because no one ever told me how much better I'd feel. 

Beta blockers may or may not work on pvc's but no way can you try them without getting your rate up first. I found that the side effects of the beta blockers were worse than what I took them for in the first place, but not everyone reacts like I did. Honestly, you have nothing to lose this is just yet another reason to get it done. 

You are not defeated, this is a perfectly normal progression and it's time for the fix. Most of us find the surgery is easier than expected and we come out of it feeling better than expected.  

pacemaker

by ladybug55 - 2017-11-11 23:02:24

I have dysautonomia with bradycardia. The pacemaker keeps me at 62 ( instead of 40s) which feels much better. 

While a pacemaker cannot effect blood pressure, mine senses the bp drop and increases heart rate. I believe it is the only kind to do this - BIOTRONIK

I am 54, was 49 when did it.

You know you're wired when...

Your pacemaker interferes with your electronic scale.

Member Quotes

I am just thankful that I am alive and that even though I have this pacemaker it is not the end of the world.