anti arrhythmics

Posted By Pete F. on April 27, 1998 at 22:14:38:







I have been taking Norpace CR for 10 years.  I seem to suffer from many of the side effects the manufacturer claims are rare.  After 3 1/2 years of Norpace I required a pacemaker.  Doctors indicated the Norpace had suppressed the function of my natural pacemaker, thus requiring implantation of unit.  The pacemaker really does not help me too much in regard to my level of activity.  It is a rate responsive unit, but does not respond unless i am jogging or walking rapidly.  I suppose my question(s) is, is there a pacemaker available that responds to something other than a jarring movement and also is there another antiarrhythmic that does not induce so many side effects?  My cardiologist seems to take the "if it ain't broke" attitude on this.  I am 46 years old and very active, but feel pretty rotten most of the time.  I am grateful to be alive, but would really like to feel better than i do.  I also had an AVR in 1994.  I suppose, too, that I am waiting for the other shoe to drop.   help!