How long before I feel more energetic

Beta blockers

by Gemita - 2023-02-04 07:40:42

FletchP,

You write "also my cardiologist has given me beta blockers for my current low blood pressure".  I presume you have high blood pressure and/or high heart rates which is why you received beta blockers?  Beta blockers are not given for low blood pressure because that would reduce blood pressure even more and could be dangerous.  Unfortunately beta blockers will reduce blood pressure as well as heart rate and a pacemaker cannot control a fall in blood pressure as it can control a fall in heart rate.  I would have a word with your doctors as soon as possible about the low blood pressure.  They may decide to try a lower dose of your medication, or to change your medication to better control any remaining tachycardia.

With a blood pressure reading of 90/60 I would imagine you wouldn't be feeling very energetic.  Also your pacemaker was only implanted a few days ago and it may take several weeks before your heart settles from the implant procedure and you get used to being paced.  It depends too on your heart condition as to when you will again feel energetic.  With tachycardia/bradycardia symptoms, it can cause extreme fatigue as I know only too well, so until your condition is better controlled, with either beta blockers or other meds, you may have to be patient for a little while longer.

I see you have a single lead pacemaker.  I presume to your Right Ventricle?  Do you have persistent Atrial Fibrillation by chance?  This is one indication for a single lead pacemaker.  My husband has a single lead too to his Right Ventricle for his chronic Atrial Fibrillation and bradycardia.  I have two leads for tachycardia/bradycardia syndrome, since I only have intermittent Atrial Fibrillation and am mainly paced in the Right Atrium.

I hope you will soon start to feel much better.  We are always here to try to help in whatever way we can if you have any further questions, although the healing process cannot be rushed and the next few weeks will be a learning process for you and for your doctors.  They will be keeping a close eye on you for wound care and you will usually return after six weeks for a proper pacemaker check too.

Replying to Gemita

by FletchP - 2023-02-04 09:34:57

Hello and thanks for your response.  I had both high and low heart rates, and my BP kept dropping so I experienced Syncopee which is why I assume Im on the (low dose) beta blockers. I dont quite see how they can be right for me if my BP is already low (pre pacemaker).  However I assume my cardiologist knows whats hes doing! 😋  I will let him know in a few days about my low BP readings and see what he says. 

And yes I do have persitant A-Fib and I do believe its the right ventricle.

I am interested to know how long before other people noticed any improvement.  What you say makes sense, that your heart has to get used to the new 'pace'.

Healing time will be different for each one of us

by Gemita - 2023-02-04 10:23:33

Yes your cardiologist certainly knows what he is doing (!) but it is often trial and error at first until he finds the right dosage and medication to suit because tachycardia and bradycardia can be difficult to manage, especially when combined with blood pressure spikes and falls.   They give us beta blockers to help calm a high heart rate and any arrhythmias, then implant a pacemaker to prevent the heart rate from falling too low with beta blocker treatment, but unfortunately low blood pressure cannot be controlled with a pacemaker as can a low heart rate so we might still experience some dizziness and fatigue and beta blockers are renowned for causing fatigue anyway.

It is difficult to say how long it will be before you notice improvements. It will be different for each one of us depending on our heart condition and any other health problems we may have, on our age, on how well we respond to treatment for our heart disturbances.  We all heal at different rates.  It took my heart at least three months to settle after pacemaker implant and to get my pacemaker settings and medication adjusted to suit.  Some members though with uncomplicated heart block have felt instantly better following implant and hopefully they will give their personal experiences too

Replying to Gemita

by FletchP - 2023-02-04 13:15:21

Thanks you Gemita, you have been very helpful.  I feel that I know very little about Pacemakers and all the issues around these heart problems!

energy levels

by Julros - 2023-02-04 20:45:23

The tiredness of beta blockers does usually go away, eventually. And sometimes, if you take them at night, you won't notice the tiredness feeling. Your doctor may be able to switch you to one with fewer side effects and less impact on your bp. Your device may need several tweeks to get fine tuned to get you feeling top notch. 

Thanks

by FletchP - 2023-02-05 13:37:51

Thanks Julros for the advice.

Only four days in

by Lavender - 2023-02-05 22:17:33

You will be tired while your heart is healing. I used to fall asleep sitting up so I started lying down while healing for a short daily nap. The emotional strain of a surprise pacemaker can be an adjustment.  My blood pressure can go pretty far down but I am not on meds. Drinking water is crucial when you're new to the pacemaker. Stay hydrated and be good to yourself!

Thank you!

by FletchP - 2023-02-06 04:18:57

Many thanks Lavender...I appreciate your advice.  My BP is also low on the Bisoprolol and I will tell the cardiologist about this tomorrow which will be a week after my pacemaker was fitted.  Take care .