17 days post op....bradycardia (low heart rate) Anyone experience this?? Waiting for MDs...

Last night, I had an overnight oximeter testing done to see if I need oxygen at bedtime, as I did in the hospital.  During the test, I noticed that my heart rate was in the mid to high 40's.  I've never had my heart rate that low...usually the lowest was in the low 70's.  As I watched the monitor, became a bit upset, my heart rate went as high as low 50's.  I'm reading some articles about pacemakers being placed, damage to the vagus nerve and having bradycardia years after surgery. 
Has anyone else experience this as a new problem after RNY surgery?  If so, what were the outcomes of your experiences?  
I really don't recall this discussed as a potential problem, but there's SOOO much information to take in, I may have heard but not really absorbed?
This morning, I called my PCP, skipped my B/P meds and called the RNY surgeon. 
I'm ready to walk in the mornings, but I'm scared I may pass out along the way! 
Any info will be greatly appreciated :) 

I dont have any info, but I hope you feel better soon. I myself am going to see the doctor this morning to see if what going on with me too. I hope it has nothing to do with my heart like others have posted.

are you having symptoms from your low heartrate (light-headedness, shortness of breath)?  Some blood pressure meds can drop heartrate - perhaps you are absorbing them differently.  I wouldn't panic yet.  If you are symptomatic, I would follow up asap with your surgeon, otherwise I would discuss with PCP and see.

Although 40's is considered bradycardia, there are many people (usually athletes) walking around with this low reading and as long as they are not symptomatic, it is usually not be a problem.

You should follow it up, but may not be as scary as it sounds.

Good luck,

Andrea.

Many post ops experience similar issues.  My personal expereince resulted in feeling really dizzy, to the point I had to hold onto shopping carts, furniture, etc. or sit down immediately to avoid falling. I did also have episodes where I passed out for a minute or so in my home.  I sought a diagnosis from my PCP.  Pulse rate was low, and tests were ordered. I was fitted with a Holter Monitor and my pulse rate was 45 at that time.  I later had an Event Monitor test, and my pulse rate was documented at a 38 at that time.  I finally got a referral to a cardio doc, and my 3rd Holter Monitor test resulted in a diagnosis. I needed a pacemaker. Doc said:  I would expereience brief periods of elevated bp and it would return to my normal low--but for some unknown reason, my bp would "dip" below my normal low, and that's when I would have my episodes. I had a pacemaker implanted 4 days later, and was put back on my bp meds again.  No more issues since the implant, some 5 years ago.  This result is not always the outcome--just keep an eye on the issue, and if you notice dizzy spells or passing out, consult your doc for a diagnosis.  I became extremely worried when I was driving down a residential street near my home, and I was making a left wide turn and my front tire bounced off of the curb.  I remember going into the turn, but have no idea why my turn was so wide to hit the curb across the street.  I knew at that time my issue was more than minor. DAVE

I have been experiencing low heart rate.  I thought it was just me, but now to think about it I do get light headed and dizzy.

I had the same issue.. Never felt it though. I think it had something to do with dehydration. I had a real issue trying to boost my fluids.. Once I got that under control it got a little better. But it still drops into the 50's from time to time. My Doc always asks if I'm a runner.. LOL no, not this girl

Everyone needs to understand that getting a pacemaker is a wonderful thing!  The procedure is quick and it has saved the lives of so many people.  My folks had them put in and everyone I know who have had them put in have done really well. I don't have one.....yet.  But if I needed one, I would be the first to jump on the OR table to get it done.  My brother who assists in these procedures told my dad years ago to look at this as a back up battery and and how lucky is that to know when your bp gets too low, your pacemaker kicks in.  Now, there are many reasons for pacemakers, not just for low bp so it's so wonderful what technology in the medical field has provided us with.  Our heart is the most researched part of the human body, so that is why there is so much advancement on the heart with life saving procedures.   Jane

Just got back from an immediate care center.  After several calls, my surgeon's nurse recommended that I go there because they are "cheaper than the ER copay". True, but I honestly wish I had just gone straight to the ER last night.  Not thinking clearly, though. 
Anyway, I take two blood pressure pills.  One has a diuretic, the other tends to lower the heart rate.  This morning, I skipped both, as I waited for my PCP or surgeon to call back.  When I got to the immediate care center, my heart rate was in the 50's, but my blood pressure was high at 148/104.  Almost right away, my heart rate went up in the 60's when I saw my blood pressure reading.  lol  I told the nurse that she cured my bradycardia!  The heart rate went back down, however.  The doctor did an EKG, and he feels that it may be related to the BP meds AND possible dehydration.  I'm not really taking in enough liquids...I think, and so does the doctor. 
I'm to skip the one med tomorrow, check my BP and pulse, then see my PCP next week.  Oh, and FYI...if your heart rate drops into the 30's, ER immediately!  Some of these things I know, but when scared,  not thinking clearly, all sensibility goes out the window. 
It's soooo nice to have this forum to ask, learn and vent.. 
It's nice to hear success stories, as well as struggles.