Fludrocortisone

Hi Guys,

I'm being treated with a single chamber pacemaker and have been since 1999. I had no complications or problems until this year, when I started experiencing dizziness and loss of consciousness again (like before I had my pacemaker fitted)

After various tests including another positive tilt table test and fitness test and blood tests galore the doctors have decided I have (I think) postural hypertension. They are now treating me alongside my single chamber pacemaker with Fludrocortisone. The drugs seem to be working, but I'm wondering if anyone else has had similar experiences and is being treated with either Fludrocortisone or Midodrine?

I have a review in January, and the pacemaker technicians said to me that a dual chamber pacemaker may eliminate the need for the steroids. Is this true and if so, how?

Thanks

Ben

4 Comments

Hi

by SianXx - 2009-11-23 12:11:38

Not really the same as you but I have a similar story.
I am a 15 year old female by the way.

I used to faint A LOT right from when i was a baby, and had seizures along with the faints. When I was 12 they decided enough was enough and they put me on Midodrine (Due to sudden drops in my blood pressure), which worked fine for 2 years, until september 2008. I began fainting again, for some unknown reason, maybe due to growth, so they increased my dosage, gradually until I reached the maximum dosage. Still, this didnt work, and so my other option was a pacemaker, which I had fitted in February of this year. This seems to be the correct option for me as it has worked and have had no faints!

However, your situation maybe different to mine, but all I can say is the medication is worth a try, and if it doesnt work, it doesnt work Im afraid.

Me too!

by Pookie - 2009-11-24 07:11:27

I had a tilt table test at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota back in February of 2007...my diagnosis was an Autonomic Neuropathy secondary to Hypotension Intolerance.

Autonomic neuropathy is a type of peripheral neuropathy that affects involuntary body functions, including heart rate, blood pressure, perspiration, digestion and other processes. Instead of a specific disease, autonomic neuropathy refers to damage to the autonomic nerves that results in a variety of signs and symptoms. This damage disrupts signals between the brain and portions of the autonomic system such as the heart, blood vessels and sweat glands, resulting in decreased or abnormal performance of one or more involuntary body functions.

So.......what I did try was Midodrine, it worked wonderfully on keeping my blood pressure up but the side effects were intolerable for me.

What I do know is live with the low blood pressure and the "dizziness" that comes along with it. However, during the winter I wear compression stalkings (because they keep me warm too!!!) and I was told to increase my fluid & salt intake!

However, about one year ago I developed edema in my lower legs and am told to keep away from salt and lower my fluid intake!!!!!!!!!! It's a balancing act for sure.

I agree with SianXx, the medications are worth a try as we all react differently.

As far as the dual lead pacemaker, I don't have a clue how that would help (I have a dual lead medtronic enpulse) and I've been told and read that pacemakers do NOT or cannot help with Hypotension.

You didn't mention why you had the single lead pacemaker. I had my pacer for Bradycardia and SSS, and I read in my medical file the words Heart Block.

Now I'm dealing with what they think may be Junctional Rhythm...yeehaw, another issue to deal with :) However, I see my EP on December 3 and will be told what route we will be taking.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Pookie





It works great!!!

by ermahampton - 2013-01-03 05:01:59

have been taking Florinef for over 5 years for low BP. It has been wonderful! I used to feel extremely tired all the time and would faint on a frequent basis. Since I have started this med I feel great and haven't had a single faining spell!. To know more about this drug visit http://www.internationaldrugmart.com/astonin.shtml

Working for me too!

by benmoulds - 2013-01-03 06:01:11

I have actually been taking fludrocortisone tablets daily now for the last few years, and agree that they have has a big impact on my life. I have felt far more energised and healthy than I previously did, and never experience any kind of dizsiness. The only times I have any issues are PM related and they are extremely rare. I actually had my first PM replaced in January 2011 and have had no real trouble since then - healthy now!

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