confusedi wan

i want to thank everyone for answering my questions. i would like to know what you would do in the following situation. i have always had a high heart rate because i jog and play alot of tennis. it was usually 70 to 90 beats. three years ago i did too much and hadarrythmia and my heart was going too fast and went to the doctor . he put me on digoxin the cardiologist gave me alot of tests which i passed and put me on 25.mgs of toprol eve rything was fine for 3 years. the digoxin slowed my heart rate down to the 50s three weeks ago the doctor checked my heart and said my heart was irregular and put a haltar on for 24 hrs which showed slowed down under 50 and stopped for 3 seconds he immediately took me off digoxin not to slow the heart any moreand sent me to cardilogist. helooked at chart and said i need a pm. now here is the problem. since i am off digoxin, 3 weeks, my heart rate is back to 70 to 90 in day and around 60 to 70 at night. . i can jog two miles my heart rate goes as far as 150 but as i slow dow n to cooloff so does my heart into into low 90s. which is good sign. so the question is would you still get a pml

3 Comments

pacemaker

by Trish - 2007-04-13 06:04:51

I agree with Smitty. No I would not get a pacemaker. What is the reason?

Based on the results of a 24 hour halter monitor?

First off....Get yourself another cardiologist. One who will run his own tests.
You may need still one, but make certain it is your last option.
Trish

Yep, delay getting the pacemaker

by valbob89 - 2007-04-13 08:04:34

R7:

This seems like a good time to question whether you were on digoxin and Toprol longer than you needed to be. Smitty and Trish make good points: Wait to be sure, and ask for another opinion to be sure.

A treadmill stress test may prove that you have excellent heart response when exercising, and it may help explain other things. Be sure to describe sensations. I had to ask my cardiologist to wait for several minutes after the treadmill so I could point call out times I felt strange sensations. When he saw that on the trace -- which he would not have waited for otherwise -- it was telling.

You may have to see the doctor several times, but it will be a lot cheaper than pacemaker surgery. Hurts less, too.

I think Trish means "you may still need one" pacemaker. Of course, we all hope you don't -- but it's not the end of the world, it's a portal back into it.

Best wishes.

Bob

Yes or No

by SMITTY - 2007-04-13 12:04:52

No, if it were I would not get a pacemaker.

As I stated in my reply to your last message, once you get a pacemaker, you very likely will have one for the remainder of your life so be convinced that you need one.

Now my disclaimer, I’m not a doctor and even if I was I hardly have enough information about your condition with which I can base a valid answer. So again, if you are not comfortable with what this doctor says, I say get another opinion. With that said, I’ll admit that the way I feel right now because my pacemaker and medications are not cutting the mustard today, I should not be allowed to even talk to myself, let alone trying to tell someone else what they should do.

Good luck,

Smitty

You know you're wired when...

Your kids call you Cyborg.

Member Quotes

I have had my pacer since 2005. At first it ruled my life. It took some time to calm down and make the mental adjustment. I had trouble sleeping and I worried a lot about pulling wires. Now I just live my life as I wish.