pace maker

I had a pace maker ( Altrua 60 DDDR is-1) six days ago. Now I feel worst. I have shortness of breath and when I stand my blood pressure drops dramatically as low as  84/30. Sitting is pretty normal.  I am taking Sotalol HCL 120 mg 1/2 tablet twice a day.  I can not climb stairs or do much walking  with out struggling to breath. Is this normal for a new  heart Pacer implant? Do I need to give it more time? I might add that I suffer from autonomic neuropathy. I was told that the neuropathy wasn't the problem. I am wondering now if it has something to do with it.


This discussion is related to atrial fib with pacemaker.

[Flycaster305]

after my pacer was inserted, I had similiar symptoms, and my settings were re-adjusted.  I'd insist on a re-evaluation from your doctor, coupled with a check from the manufacturer of the pacer.  Once that was done, my pacer helped me greatly.  Stay in touch

[Mom2four85]

I'm like Flycaster305; after I had my PM/ICD implant I had to be readjusted several times to get it set right where I wasn't fainting and my bp/hr stablized.  Call your dr and ask and have them check you out just in case.

[ed34]

I've never understood why they don't get these things right before sending patients home. They have the facilities to check it during exercise and rest, so I can't see why they just let you go home knowing you will just return if things aren't right. It puts fear and stress into patients, the kind of things best avoided.

[opulex]

Could the brand of pacemaker have something to do with your problem?  I had a St. Jude pacemaker for 10 years before the unit had to be changed and never had a problem with it the entire time.  I am 100 % pacemaker dependent.  It was set to beat from 60 to 120 times per minute.  My new one is set from 60 to 130 but I cannot tell any difference.  The only prescription I take is Armour thyroid. for a low thyroid condition.