AF and Pacemaker

[pusska01]

I am new to this and have found your posts very informative.

I was diagnosed with AF about 2 years ago and have been on Flecainide and Apixaban since. I found pretty much straight away that I felt light headed and off balance but telling my GP didn't go anywhere. Also I find now my pulse and HR are in the low 50's and sometimes lower.Saw the cardiologist and she suggest a Pacemaker. Has anyone else experienced this then had a pacemaker fitted. I am worried about the whole issue.

[jeanjeannie50]

It sounds like your low pulse may be the cause of you feeling light-headed. What dose of Flecainide are you on and are you taking any other pills?

What is your blood pressure, as if that's low that can certainly make you feel the way you describe?

Jean

[pusska01 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

I am on 50mg Flecainide twice a day, 10mg of Apixaban. Also take BP meds and Metoprolol 50mg 1/2 x 2 daily. My BP is usually pretty good.

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to pusska01]

Sorry I thought you said in your post that your BP was low?

I would want to explore every other option before having a pacemaker.

[S11m]

When they decided to give me a pacemaker I was waking up paralysed from the neck down - with SPO2 75. My pulse was 35... When I was fit, a pulse rate of 30 was OK (apart from a bit of postural hypotension), but with AF 35 (at night) was not good.

I have recently changed to Apixaban - but have not noticed much change.

[Buffafly]

If you do a search on the site for 'pacemaker' you may find some previous comments. Several members have had pacemakers under similar circumstances and the results usually seem to be very good. If I need a higher dose of medication I have to have one. It is very understandable to be worried but you have to ask yourself if you want to feel like you do (zombified - I know because I've been there) for the rest of your life?

Best wishes 💜

[Khatpi]

I would consider the meds being the culprit or at least try and rule them out one by one per your MD ‘s orders. I was on a beta blocker which also put my pulse low. Very tired then eventually diagnosed with A Fib and Sick Sinus Syndrome. Hence Pacemaker implanted several years later. Your MD must listen to you or .... go find a new one. That’s the best advice I can give you. We have to be our own best advocates. Best of Luck. Sarah