dizzy, tired, hypotension?

[tanja]

I had a pacemaker implanted on Oct. 13th 1999.  I have a single lead, atrial pacing, rate responsive pacemaker.  
Since implantation, I went for a voltage adjustment because I could feel the pacer kick in and it was hard enough to make me cough.  The voltage was turned down from 4.5 to 3.  I still feel the pacer pacing and sometimes it still makes me cough, but the voltage will get turned down in January to 2.0.
Then a stitch kept the incision from healing and i had a little hole that wouldn't close.  I went in and had the stitch pulled out and then the incision closed and I have no signs of infection.
Prior to last week, I was feeling terrific with lots of energy and back to my former self before the sick sinus developed.
Now, however, I am getting more tired everyday and dizzy nearly all the time.  My blood pressure stays in the 90's over 50's even tho I am 50 lbs overweight and out of shape.  I called my doc who said push fluids.  I have been pushing fluids to no avail.  I called again and was given a prescription for Florinef over the phone.  The doctor didn't even want me to come in and get checked.  I was given NO information on florinef from the doctor and the pharmacist wasn't familiar with it.  The doctor gave me a 12 month prescription.  
I feel terrible and scared.  I am wanting to know if this could be pacemaker syndrome.  I had a tilt table with no signs of syncope, etc.  Should I really be taking florinef if this is pacemaker related and not blood pressure related????????  Do I need a second opinion?  Should I have another lead placed in the ventricle??????
Thank you for this forum; I have received much help and support since my illness began.

[CCF CARDIO MD JMF]

I would consider a full evaluation and full information prior to starting the florinef.  I would recommend a second opinion if you do not feel comfortable with your physician.

[CCF CARDIO MD JMF]

Thank you for your comments.

[Dee]

Hi Tanja,

YES..... you need a second opinion !  Please do not let any doctor blow you off !  These doctors here take time to help patients, and they will be able to give you direction, so you can get the help you need. They are great here !  
But what you feel is not right.  I had bad feelings with my pacemaker and someone told me to get it checked out.  This person had a pacemaker too with a ton of stuff wrong. They feel better now, but I went to my doctor and was told it was in my head too !  He wanted to put me on drugs too.  BUT, I asked my GP doc to help me and after he did a holter and asked another EP doc to look at it, the pacer was set wrong. I got a NEW EP DOCTOR and I also got a new dual chamber pacer. I feel much better now. I wish these EP doctors would take MORE responsibility for the pacemakers they put in, and not have INEXPERIENCED nurses and "techs" doing the work these EP doctors should be doing.
Do what you can to get a second opinion.
Hope you feel better soon.