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No Afib Until Pacemaker
I was walking 2 miles per day until I got a pacemaker installed. I was told that I needed it because of my bradychardia, but as soon as I got the pacemaker I was on Afib (had never been diagnosed with it previously). By "as soon as" I mean while still in the recovery area. To be honest, I now regret getting the pacemaker as I now can barely walk a quarter of a mile or do simple shopping, My best days now are far worse than my worst days before.
I was also diagnosed with atrial flutter and am taking Eliquis and Amniodorone. I am scheduled for an ablation next week and am wondering what to expect. If this makes me feel even worse or weaker I don't know what I'll do, I am hoping to at least be off the Amniodorone as I suspect that it is causing severe vision problems. I am not aware that I am having any side effects from the Eliquis, but I am not sure that it isn't contributing to my lethargy and fatigue.
Any comments are welcome.
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I had AFib erratically. Got pacemaker and went into AFib full time for 3-1/2 months, which was devastating. All of a sudden, just when I had appt with cardio, I “converted” into completely normal rhythm
And I remain in that for 18 months. Give yours more time. Mine is set @ 70 bpm and it’s been a miracle. Good luck.
BTW I only take 25 mg 2x day of toprol XL. I had left atrial ablation and the Maze surgeries, so I don’t have to take blood thinners.
Bradycardia it’s not uncommon in someone who is athletically fit as you seem to be with your walking. My doctor suggested the pacemaker to me for various other reasons. I told her no thanks. That’s just me that’s not for everyone. I think I would get a second opinion from an outside source of doctors. See what they have to say about the matter. Is it possible to have the pacemaker removed? I don’t know, but I would definitely get a second opinion.
This article (which I received from someone through Mayo Clinic Connect) states that AFib does happen frequently after a pacemaker: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6221846/
Since I am currently in my 4th episode of AFib since my pacemaker, I printed it out and highlighted items when I last saw my EP. He felt that the only reason people went into AFib after a pacemaker was because they were generally elderly! I wish my doctor had been as open to this possible connection as jsajovec's doctor! What I would like to know is - are there any ways to circumvent these electro physiological issues. I don't want to keep going into AFib!
Although I am very unhappy about the effects of the pacemaker, I don’t think I was rushed into it. I did get a second opinion and more than 18 months and quite a bit of monitoring elapsed between when I was identified as a candidate for a pacemaker and when they recommended I get one. I have my fingers crossed that the ablation will help.
I’m glad it is all working out for you. I wasn’t criticizing. I was just pointing out for me. I don’t think I could psychologically tolerate a pacemaker. I wish you well.
It’s not an easy road. I so relate to your journey as I was also very fit, however my symptoms of extreme lethargy and fatigue
kicked in the moment my a-fib began. (over 2 years ago now with virtually daily episodes). Three months ago a rushed trip to hospital- pacemaker was inserted due to blackouts. Lower chamber set at 60.
Still get a-fib regularly but grateful I am now able to walk a few kilometres again as energy levels are greatly restored. Against doctors orders I am also gradually eliminating diltiazem Feeling more alert. My system has never tolerated medications easily.
Wishing you all the best with the next part of your own journey. Will be interested to hear re ablation.