question/advice - digoxin, defibrillator & a-fib

[overactor2004]

ive recently had a duel chamber pacemaker installed, which im gr8full4 because no dr untill now has been willing to get it4me (i have sick sinus syndrome, mvp, 3 valves regurgitating, chf & right circumflex artery missing). however since the pacemaker ive been getting a-fib & flutters with my hr jumping to120 bpm & my other symptoms (fainting, etc) getting worse.  the dr tried me on digoxin but im severely allergic to it (rash & throat swelled up) he doesnt want 2put a defibrillator/icd in me.  what should i do? any advice greatly appreciated

[overactor2004]

also the dr is shocked because my heart is still pausing & skipping beats & my blood pressure still dropping dangerously low even with the pacemaker.  ive been getting some v-tach but the a-fib is more frequent.

[overactor2004]

i cant take beta-blockers because they lower my already low blood pressure & im allergic 2 several of them.  a-fib is known 2 cause syncope/fainting & the sick sinus syndrome does 2.  

[Brooke_38]

Hello...

I imagine that your Dr isn't suggesting an ICD because these are implanted for those who have life threatening ventricular arrhythmias or who have a severly compromised (diseased) heart that puts them at risk for life threatening events.

I'm a little baffled by why you would be fainting with a heart rate at 120 and a pacemaker that would cover you from a rate too low. What has your Dr said the cause of your fainting is from?

Digoxin is not really used much anymore. Has the Dr thought that maybe you might benefit from an anti-arrhythmic like Flecainide, Rhythmol, Sotolol or Tikosyn, which I am currently taking for Afib.