Syncope

Hello to all of my pacemaker friends! What a joy it is to be able to write to you this afternoon.
I was in a car accident on Monday morning after an episode of syncope while driving to work caused me to hit a tree. Although my car is totaled, luckily I was wearing my seatbelt and the airbags deployed, so I was not seriously injured. I was taken to our local emergency room and then life flighted by helicopter to the nearest trauma center because of the nature of the accident and my prolonged loss of consciousness.
I am happy to report that I have no injuries other than extensive bruising caused by the airbags to my chest and abdomen. I am sore beyond belief, but so happy to be home after 3 days in the hospital.
While I was in the hospital, I was seen by a new EP. He made some adjustments to my pacemaker and started me on Metoporol. I am feeling really good with these changes as far as my heart is concerned, but the beta-blocker has caused my blood pressure to plumit. I have always had low blood pressure, but this is making it much worse. I am having to take Fludrocortisone and Midodrine in order to counteract the Metoporol, but my bp is still very low. I am staying at around 75/50 and at best 100/70, but that is a rare occurance.
The docs say that I am doing better because I am now 100% paced because of the beta-blocker. My question is, what would be the difference between taking the beta-blocker and a sinus node ablation if both would cause me to be paced 100%? I have already had 2 sinus node modifications and was paced at around 85% before starting the beta-blocker. Because the medication causes side-effects that effect my bp and I will not be able to take it when I am ready to have children, is there any reason that I would not benefit from a complete ablation so that I would not have to take the medication?
Sorry that this post is so long, but I am expecting a call from my regular EP and would like to discuss this with her, but I wanted a few other opinions from you guys first.

Thanks,
Amanda

5 Comments

100%

by tpod - 2008-07-11 04:07:10

hey, amanda.

i'm SO GLAD you're all right. i'd been thinking of you this week -- now i understand why.

i don't see why, other than the usual suspects as far as risk for complication goes, you shouldn't at the least ASK about a full ablation. it could be, though, that this could be a temporary thing. (much like the hypoglycemia i was experiencing after rec'ing my pacemaker, and changing medications. that's all gone now. :) yay!) let me know what your EP says -- i'm very curious.

have a great weekend, and again, i'm so glad you're all right.

hang in there!
amy

Long term pacing

by Pika - 2008-07-11 06:07:32

Permanent pacing at the left ventricle can cause heart failure in the future. I also read some responses that 100% pacing can lead to a heart life around 20 years. I don't think it is true and I hope it was a mistake or a typo. You better discuss it with your doctor.

Honestly, I wish someone or a doctor would explain or give me a truth choice/warning that before I go ahead with my His bundle ablation.

Take care.

Beta Blockers

by candi51 - 2008-07-11 09:07:11

Hello-
I don't know anything about ablation but I have had experience with beta blockers. Toprol and metoprolol both did not work for me and actually did the opposite of what they were supposed to do. Now I am on Coreg and it is just fine. Much different than the toprol drugs.
You could ask your Dr if a different beta would be better.
Also- if you have been on toprol for a while- don't go off it cold turkey- that is bad news! Ask about being weaned off of it. My bpm was hitting 200's resting rate when one Dr decided to take me off the toprol cold turkey.
Glad you are OK from your accident!
Candi

Glad your OK

by bini - 2008-07-11 09:07:48

Hi Amanda,
I am so sorry to hear you were in an accident, but I am glad you are OK! My EP won't let me drive until I am 6 months faint free, which will be a while from now!

I wish I could help with the albation thing, but I know nothing about it.

Anyway, rest up and take care yourself!!!
hugs,
Christine

Atrial Pacing

by scadnama - 2008-07-11 10:07:14

At this time I am only pacing in the atria at 100% becasue of the beta-blocker. My ventrical lead only paces at 1%.
I have had 2 sinus node ablations and also have sinus node dysfunction.

You know you're wired when...

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Do feel free to contact the manufacturer of your device. I have found them to be quite helpful when I have had questions and concerns.