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Too much, too quick!
Hi everybody, my name is Kevin, Im 47 and for the last year I have been living in Cyprus. Around the 15th of June 2007 I suddenly started to have strange and irregular heartbeats with accompanying dizzy spells and slight loss of vision and also a feeling of hot blood swelling and rising to my ears,. This happened only over the course of a few days, prior to that I have had no heart trouble other than an odd beat or palpitation here and then. I decided to go the local hospital on the 18th and have it checked out. After three days they decided that I have (sick sinus syndrome). On the 22nd they rushed me to the hospital in the capital (Nicosia) and within only four hours had a PM fitted and taken straight back to our local hospital. All very efficient I thought (apparently I could have waited for up to six months for a PM in England) And so this brings me to my first question, is that the norm for such things, after all although I was feeling unwell for a couple of minutes a day for a few days I didnt think that I was at deaths door! Is it unknown for example that if such a condition could come as quickly as it did, then could it not be possible for it to have settled down on its own accord without rushing in for surgery?
My second question is that they have put me on 150g Propafenone Hydrochloride and 25g Atenolol I have read up a little on these drugs and dont think that would like to be on them for the rest of my life considering some of the side effects (including possibly making my Arrhythmia worse!) and are these drugs the reason I seem to have a queasy stomach most of the time, slight dizzy spells and sometimes a dull ache under my rib cage. I have to say that all of these things are very mild, no pain as such and after only two weeks my wound is mending very fast and neatly. I guess what Im trying to say is that because of the speed that all of this has happened I am a little bit frightened and would like to have some reassurance and knowledge of what to expect in the weeks and months to come!
One last question, and something I forgot to mention the Doc, is that during April and May I had long period of (sinitus) something that I have has suffered from for many a year. The only thing that would ever really clear my blocked nose was (Otrivin) during the last bout of sinitus I admit that I was using it far more regularly than I should have, I have since read that one of the side effects of this drug can be abnormal heart rhythm, would anybody know if there is a possible link between this and (sick sinus syndrome) of course I will be asking the Doc this when I go for my first check up on the 2nd of August. Thanks in advance to anyone who can help me or at least put my mind at ease.
3 Comments
It takes time
by bowlrbob - 2007-07-08 05:07:51
Just a note to let the newbies know that it takes time. More time than the Doctors will tell you to get to feeling like your old self. My pacemaker was put in at the end of Oct. 2005 for VVS and Bradycardia. I know now that I was sick for at least a year before getting the pacer on an emergency basis. My heart stopped 2 different times for 18 to 20 seconds and was running at 10bpm on the way to the hospital. It took about 6 months time to get the correct settings for me. It has now been a year with these settings and I now feel as good as new. It did take that full year to get back to what I would call normal. I am now 65 and my grey hair color is even getting darker now. Still grey but more brown grey it is amazing what oxygen will do for you. I hope this helps all of you that have just received or are about to get a pacemaker. They are a miracle but it takes time for your body to catch up after being down for a long time. Bowlrbob
Hi Kevin
by randrews - 2007-07-09 12:07:03
Man, if you have to get a pm why not Cyprus? What an exotic location. I am also 47. You found a great site for information. I got my pm 4 months ago and the information, encouragment and comraderie has been a life saver for me. I also have SSS and was taken to the ER by ambulance. In the days following I felt aweful. I almost lost my voice, had a twitch in my chest, felt light headed and was eventually diagnosed with panic disorder. And to top it off, all the doctors and nurses said this should be a piece of cake and my symptoms didn't make any sense.
As you search for answers get lots of rest and know that you will feel better. But it takes time, both physically and emotionally to adjust. We are all different and our requirements are different. Keep on the doctors until you get answers you understand and are comfortable with.
Let us know how you progress,
Rusty
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My pacemaker has ultimately saved mine and my unborn childs life for which I am thankful.
Too much, too quick
by kevton - 2007-07-08 05:07:41
Thank you Cathryn for your caring words. My post op care for the foreseeable future will be in Cyprus, and as I said my first check up is due on the 2nd of August. If its like the care I received in the first place I will be happy! One more comment, I also seem to be having "the sweats" like other members that have posted but up to now have put that down to the fact that most days here at the moment are up in the 90's, perhaps its not just the heat though?