20 second pause,

51 year old male, decent shape, acooasional smoker and drinker. regular exersize 5-11 204 lbs. no heart history in family.
2 weeks ago, I was admitted to the hosptal with ehrlichiosis. Started treatement with antibiotics and started to feel better but was very dehydrated. 2 days later i had a twenty second pause ( flat line )  followed by a 11 second pause 2 hours later and then an 8 second pause. Temporary pacemaker put in that day.All  heart tests came back negative including ep for sinus node. I was released today with everything ok, no restrictions. I am a little nervous, is there any reason to be?  

[Michael J. McWilliams, M.D.]

Sounds like you have had a rough few weeks.  If there are no more pauses and you are feeling better, there is probably no reason for concern.  There was probably some cardiac involvement of the infection and that should be resolving with antibiotics.  You probably saw a heart rhythm specialist in the hospital.  I would have considered sending you home with home telemetry to monitor your recovery, but the reality is that if you have symptoms, you will call your doctors anyway.

If I were you I would avoid activities like climbing ladders for a while.

thanks for posting.

[jbjmrd]

Thank You, If I have anymore trouble i will call You!!

[PikaPika88]

Good idea.  MJM is a good doctor.  If you need a pacemaker, the first I thought of he wouldn't pace on your right ventricle....  He'll love your heart as his.

Did you feel faint, short of breath or light headed when your heart paused?  What symptoms did you feel or non?

Take care.

[jbjmrd]

First pause I just felt a little dizzy for a second, saw "the white flashing lights" and became incredibly relaxed and at ease. Second time had shortness of breath and extremely  dizzy. Third time, again extremely dizzy and very short of breath, had difficulty comning back

[PikaPika88]

I got all that all the time but they all said is "Menopause" symptoms.  Most of the time I got few fast beats then it clicks.  I saw "stars raising" then short of breath, dizzyness (spinning), head like a balloon (pressure)?  Will follow with chest tightness...  My chest likes a garbage truck loading!  Hard to explaint, Dr reassured that it is all menopause symptoms.  Asked me to live with it.