Hi monchiqueman, Welcome to healing well forum we are happy to have you. I can tell you are scared and worried about what is going on. I have some experiance with this as I am 33 yrs old and got a pacemaker last September for Bradycardia (low heart rate). Mine was in the 20's and showed no signs of coming up on its own after 2 weeks in the hospital. I also have an autonomic disorder that causes low blood pressure and a septial defect in my heart (hole) & Multiple Sclerosis which I have had for 5 years prior. As far as I know there isnt any alternative medications to help keep your heart rate up. I was terrified of getting the pacemaker and even demanded to see one before the surgery which they were totally nice about. My scar is about 3 inchs long and had I not had so many problems with passing out from low blood pressure and pulling out the pacer leads and having to have a lead revision done 2 times you most likely wouldnt be able to see it now. You have to be very careful with the arm on which ever side they place it for many weeks like not lifting anything or putting your arm above your shoulder as this can pull out the leads. You can play tennis or do anyother exercise and even have sex with a pacemaker after your done healing. To tell you the truth I really dont even notice mine anymore.
As for a nurse telling you to drink and smoke to bring up your heart rate...well, it may be working for the short term but it has lasting effects. Especially smoking, so I am very surprised that she would give you that advice.
If you do have any more questions I will be more than happy to try to answer them in any way I can....Please let us know how you do and go along....take care