Waiting for Pacemaker Procedure for SSS & Afib

Fatigue

by AgentX86 - 2022-05-19 14:43:33

If your pulse and BP are normal and you're having these symptoms, I don't think an emergency PM implant is going to help but I'm certainly not a doctor. AF can certainly cause these symptoms and may be worth treatment at an ER but a pacemaker wouldn't be much help.  A cardioversion would help but probably only a temporary solution.

In any case, follow his instructions. If it becomes unbearable, go to the ER. If you pass out or nearly pass out, go to the ER immediately. If you do pass out, EMT intervention and an ambulance ride to the ER is in order.

Are you on any drugs,  particularly new ones?

Thanks agent

by Dond59 - 2022-05-19 14:59:41

Appreciate your reply. Yes, not new but for my anxiety I take a small dose of Xanax so I think this might be contributing to my lightheadedness and fatigue. I think it's the paranoia and anxiety and constant worrying that's driving me crazy. When I try to bury head in work I have to take a lot of breaks and lie down. Glad I work from home. 

Are you keeping well hydrated?

by Gemita - 2022-05-19 15:09:36

Don you say your BP and pulse are normal, so I don’t really understand where the lightheadedness and severe fatigue is coming from unless it is the intermittent AFib causing your present symptoms.  Some patients can still experience symptoms of fatigue and lightheadedness well after an episode of AFib and even though you say your pulse is normal, could it be that you are still experiencing irregular heart beats (not necessarily AFib) which may be causing your lightheadness and fatigue?  

Has your doctor given you any medication to help control your AFib and SSS until you receive your pacemaker?  AFib can be at a slow, normal or fast heart rate and it can trigger fluctuations in both blood pressure and heart rate.  Perhaps this is what is happening to you?   Of course there are other causes for lightheadedness and fatigue too, unrelated to AFib and SSS, so do seek help if you are at all concerned.

A beta blocker or other medication can help to treat your rhythm disturbances (if this is the cause of your symptoms) and can often help with any anxiety at the same time, so don’t suffer in silence.

Don, I feel sure you won’t have a cardiac event.  If there was a risk of this happening, I am sure your doctors would have kept you in hospital until they were able to provide appropriate treatment.  I wish you well.

fatigue and lightheadedness

by Good Dog - 2022-05-19 16:46:07

Don,

I just want you to know that I have had fatigue and lightheadedness from lots of stress. I have also experienced shortness of breathe from stress. It has always amazed me how stress can mimic some of the symptoms that I've experienced when I was in full 3rd degree block. Maybe not exactly, but pretty darn close! There is just no way for me to know if that is what you are experiencing, but I want you to know that it is possible to confuse one for the other. Of course, some symptoms from Afib or other heart issues can be way worse and different than any caused by stress or anxiety. I have a prescription for 0.5 mg xanax that I can take as necessary to help me sleep. I have taken one on a rare occasion during the daytime when I was really stressed-out and it helped tremendously. It did make me sleepy, but it really helped to diminish those symptoms of shortness of breath and lightheadedness. I am sure they react differently on different people though. Thing is, you have to be really careful taking that medication. It is extremely addictive. 

I can appreciate that the anticipation of waiting for a pacemaker procedure can really stress you out, because of the unknown. However, if it is any consolation, having a PM implanted is a piece of cake. It is a relatively safe minimally invasive procedure. The recovery is also a piece of cake. So try to chill-out as best that you can. Sometimes we can be our own worst enemy. I am speaking from experience!

A quick edit: I just realized that I used the term stress when I sometimes meant to say anxiety. It is usually stress that results in anxiety. In any case, they are both bad!

I wish you the very best! Please come back and post after your procedure (or sooner if necessary) and let us know how you are doing! 

Sincerely,

Dave

Good news

by Terry - 2022-05-20 17:09:10

The vast majority of pacemaker implanters now do cardiac "conductioin system pacing" for long-term better outcome. Google that to build confidence then confurm with your doctor.

stress and anxiety

by athena123 - 2022-05-21 17:02:54

Following what BIG DOG has said anxiety can mimic lots of heart related issues. If you need something to relax you by all means take something. The pacemaker implant is nothing to worry about and you will be fine. I was in your boat not to long ago and i made it out ok. Your going to be fine. good luck