Medication management and pacemaker death

[outwardspace]

My 79-year-old mother was having constant episodes of passing out-- every few days. For each episode the paramedics were called. The episodes were occurring after she took Cardezem LA/180, so she eventually started taking only a half of a pill.  When she went to her physician, she complained of the episodes, and feeling constantly cold and tired.  Her blood pressure was 210/60 on the day of her last office visit.  Her doctor gave her a few ‘sample boxes’ of Tarka 2/240 and Coreg 3.125 to take taking immediately. (She was also taking Coumadin.)  Three days after that office visit, she was found unconscious with a “black hue” to her face.  At the ER, she was diagnosed with SSS (which had never been diagnosed), diabetes and hypertension.  Two days later, she regained consciousness  and they took her into surgery to insert a pacemaker.  Her heart came to “an abrupt halt” and she died during the last few minutes of the insertion process.   The events of her last days and her dead haunt me. I grieve EVERY day. She was amazingly viable and active woman until the 'episodes' of passing out started. I realize that this is tough question but… What went wrong and could she have been saved?

[CCF-M.D.-MJM]

I am very sorry to for your loss.  Without being there, reading the records or listening to the thought processes involved, it is difficult to speculate about what went wrong if anything.  Unfortunately, I am not sure how else to answer this question.

Again, I am very sorry for your loss.  You and your family will be in the thoughts and prayers of those that frequent this forum.

[Momto3]

I'm so sorry that you are going through this very difficult time.  I wish there were words I could say to take the pain away.  Please know that many of us are thinking of you and your mom.  I hope you are able to get some answers as it may help you to understand her untimely death.  

Wishing you brighter days ahead.

Connie

[Erik36]

I think you would need an autopsy to find out the exact cause of death. Your mother had many different health problems going on at the same time that could have contributed to her death.

I am sorry for your loss.

Erik