PVCs continued..

[BlondieCO]

Gus,
When I was in the ER I had PVCs every minute for three hours (60+).  So twice what you had, and the ER doctor told me not to worry.  I had no extra beats at all yesterday.  I do think the Xanax helped take the edge off a bit, but I don't want a daily medication. I did not take any medicine yesterday. The unfortunate thing is that PVCs really do make a sane person nutty.:)  Unless you have been in our shoes people are apt to think we are over anxious.  Hopefully someone out there will do more research on all of us with benign events.  When an ER doctor tells me, "I see this all the time...and 90% of cases are idiopathic" (benign)-then I think there is reason to research this further.  Try not to worry, when it happens think about something else - I teach high school, so I know it's easier said than done - it is hard to talk and mid-sentence get a thump, but just assume it's your normal beat for now.:)  Good luck to you:)

[CCF-M.D.-MJM]

I am not sure that this was addressed to me.....if so, I missed the question.

Let me know if I am missing something.

[mom2six]

Gus,

I only get about 10 an hour max and that is enough to drive me up the wall. I have been having mine for over a year and a half. I can tell you that over time you seem to not notice them as much. The only bad thing is if you are a worrier like me if you feel even one then you start to feel them all. I just wish I could make mine stop. I have a 10 month old son (he is my last) I want nothing more than to enjoy him. I will be playing with him then out of the blue thump and my day goes haywire.

Good luck

Theresa

[Cashiers]

I have been having these pvcs for over yr now and what a change in my life, all I get from surrounding people oh it is anxiety, right.  Like you said mid sentence and wham.  Driving has become an issue as well, sometime I get feeling of being just so weak or disoriented.  I still just go about the day and try hard to ignore. Went to Duke couple weeks ago looking for help with the tach part but doesn't sound good for the pvcs though.  Will have another ablation for ectopic atrial tach.  Is there anyone that takes a med that works for the pvcs? The pressure is so intense anyone else have this too.  Hoping for good day have grandaughter visiting want a good visit with no interruptions.

thank you

[Erik36]

You have this hangup about taking medication. Nobody wants to be dependent om medication but there comes a time when you have to decide what is more important. Quality of life or feeling miserable and panicky all the time. I gave in years ago and decided that my sanity was more important thatn worrying about taking medication. I am happy I made that decision because my life was a living hell dealing with these PVC's. Think of it this way. Diabetics take their insulin every day. They have to or they'll die. Our situation is not as serious, but the stress we deal with feels every bit as serious though. You should talk to a Therapist. One that prescribes meds.

[Erik36]

Beta blockers work great for a lot of people with PVC's. It has helped me. Beta blockers are also a very benign drug. It won't harm you  for taking it for the rest of your life. It may even prolong your life according to my doctor.

[Momto3]

I stared getting pvcs in my early 20's (pregnancy brings out the best in people!) and they waxed and waned over the next 15-20 years. In my late 30's/early 40's, they went haywire and I was having thousands every day. Holter picked up 22,000 pvcs in one 24-hour period; thousands of couplets and tons of bigeminal episodes. My point is, as frustrating and consuming as these darns things are, once the doctor confirms that they are benign, try not to let them get the best of you.

My story takes a bit of a twist in that it was determined that my very frequent pvcs actually led to a cardiomyopathy. At that point, medicine became a MUST, not an "as needed" thing. I was put on flecainide and then rhythmol to try and abate the pvcs. The meds definitely helped, but the side effects were not so pleasant.  Because of the CM, I had to stay on an anti-arrythmic or try pvc ablation(s).  After several months of trying to get past the side effects of the anti-arrythmics, I opted for the ablation....ended up with 2 of them.  Ten weeks after the first procedure, a Holter done and picked up about 6000 pvcs.  The Dr. wanted further improvement, hence the second procedure in November 2003.  For me, it was like a miracle.  Ablations are not for everyone, but if you ever get to the point where your doctor recommends one, weigh your options and decide with your doctor what is best for you.  

The point of my whole story (I really do have one) is that for years I had thousands of pvcs on a daily basis.  My EP who I began seeing in the Spring of 1998 commented THIS year that it was the first time she ever heard my heart in rhythm!! YEAH! The nurses on the telmetry floor would celebrate an ekg strip without a pvc...b/c I had so many.  Stay in tune with your body and try and relax (after you've had the standard workup).  Conquer those pesky pvcs!  Don't let 'em take you down...Have a great day everyone!!

connie

[uptowngirl]

Hi,  I agree with Erik about the medication issue.
I understand your concern, but their is nothing inheritly wrong with taking a medication whether it be for your heart mind or something else.  Remember, it could be only for a "season".  It doesn't mean you will be on a medication forever.  

Almost 10 years ago when I was diagnosed with a heart condition I was sad for a little over a year.  Coleagues and people close to me began to notice and I made a choice.  I could try an antidepressant for 3 months and see if things improved or I could continue compromising my professional, personal and family life and be less than I could be.  I decided to try the meds. and I know I made the right choice.

So I would encourage you to give it some thought, get some counsel, and be open to all your options.

I wish you all the best.

Uptown

[va_tony]

Blondie,

You probably aren't aware of the informal rules of netiquette followed on this site. It's inconsiderate to waste one of the two daily "questions to the cardiologist" simply to continue a personal conversation with someone. There are many people waiting to ask a question of the cardiologist, some frantic with worry and some still trying unsuccessfully after months.  Thank heavens that Jend123 was able to get in her question today about her sick baby dispite your thoughtlessness.

I realize that you were just trying to finish up an interesting discussion from your earlier question and that the maximum number of comments had been reached on the thread you started on Friday. But Cindy of medhelp asked (see message below of Oct. 13):

"Our Heart Forum can support only 2 new questions each day. Therefore, we ask that you limit your questions to 2 per 6 month period. We do this so that all in need will have a chance at getting their questions asked and answered by the wonderful cardiologists at The Cleveland Clinic.

We appreciate everyone's cooperation.

Cindy Thompson
Med Help International"

So, you see, even asking a second question so soon after your Friday query would be considered impolite too. Wasting the opportunity further compounds the breech of netiquette.

Best wishes,

Tony

PS  "idiopathic" simply means that the doctors don't know what the cause of a condition is.  It doesn't mean that it is necessarily "benign".

[Momto3]

You will learn the "rules" on this board very quickly.  I'm sure you did not mean to be "impolite" or "thoughtless," so don't be offended.  Please be sure to keep posting as this is not only a great resource for accurate medical opinions, it is also a place to make new friends, find comfort and share concerns. Just so you know, there is a daily limit of 2 questions on this board, so people take the opportunity to "talk" to the doctor very seriously. In the future, if you have a comment (other than a question to the doctor), just ask in the midst of a string. You'll find many caring, helpful people here.

Have a nice day!

connie

[cookie2]

Hi I have had pvcs for over 20 yrs. I get the same story also they are benign ect. I try not to let them ruin or take over my life, not to say that it is easy. I too go into begemeny for 15 20 mins at a time. doc gave me the lowest dose of xnax  I havent tried it yet though. I am not on meds yet but if they continue to act up I will be more then happy to try beta blockers. anyone know the best kind that help pvcs with mild side effects? I have read about side effects that can be worse then pvcs.
                                                        Darlene

[chatto]

I wonder if some of you could describe what PVCs feel like to you.  I know that I've had them because when I had a one-month event monitor, I showed SVT, PVCs, A-fib, and A-flutter.  My palpitations began when I entered perimenopause, & they have gotten worse as have all the other symptoms since I began drug therapy (atenolol 50mg and coumadin).  Recently, I've experienced some very strange palpitations -- it feels like my chest is vibrating (almost like a wall airconditioner) and then it abruptly stops & then starts up again, etc.  It feels almost like a wave of palpitations.  I'm going to be ablated in February for the a-fib/a-flutter, but I was wondering if what I'm describing sounds like PVCs to you.  Prior to taking meds, I had only a few palpitations a month, now I have them everyday.

[Erik36]

I'll bet if your neighbor's dog pooped on your front lawn you'd call the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) to make a complaint and then you'd file a civil law suit against your neighbor. You were very rude to BlondieCO. She more than likely didn't know about the rules of this forum and if Med Help had advised her they would have been courtious. You told her: "Thank God  that poor lady got through about her child's condition despite your thoughtlessness". Well Tony, I guess that poor lady didn't know the rules here either, asking the doctor about a child. You know these doctor's aren't Pediatric Cardiologists and they never answer questions about kids. Why didn't you chastize the poor lady about her misconseption?

You need to lighten up. I think what you did was far more thoughtless than what BlondieCO may have accidently done.

[BlondieCO]

I apologize.  The last thread I read was from Gus, and he sounded concerned.  I saw a lot of people were upset about PVCs and thought I could reassure him some, even though I am new.  I did not know about the limit to posting questions.  Therefore I am sorry that I continued the thread.  Thank you to all that responded.  I am not hung up about meds, simply was saying that I was unsure as to whether I would need them daily. There may come a poin when I do need them, I would never judge someone's taking meds.  I am not confrontational, I simply wanted to help out Gus.  Life's way too short - I didn't know the rules, sorry.

[va_tony]

Well, well Erik,

Perhaps it would have been better if I hadn't told Blondie about the "rules"?  After all, no one else was stepping forward to do so diplomatically. Perhaps she could have done it again tomorrow and wasted more of CCF-MD-MJM's time? It seemed to me that continuing the "interesting" discussion on those harmless but pesky PVCs was upmost on everyone's mind and that somebody better tell Blondie what's what. Sorry if I wasn't as as tactful as you would have liked.

But since you were so kind to speculate about supposed faults I had perhaps I should return the favor. I would venture to say that you are a classic cardiac neurotic, suffering from benign PVCs, with a 12 year "habit" of taking xanax to numb your mind to your palpatations rather than through strength of character and discipline. In short, your a weakling. Of course, that's just my opinion.

Have a nice day,

Tony

[va_tony]

Blondie,

Your apology is accepted.

I'm also very sorry if I offended you.  That wasn't my intention. I was trying to inform you about the customs of the board and at the same time impress you with the fact that questions are valuable commodities around here.  I regret that I did it in such a clumsy way.

Best wishes,

Tony

[Momto3]

It's not like you to be so assertive on the forum.  Hope everything is OK.  Seems so out of character for you.  I've been posting on this board for about a year and a half and every now and again, the thread gets nasty...too bad.

I wanted to point out the my "benign" pvcs fooled my doctors and me...  I am a CCF patient and also have an EP at another major medical center in Cleveland.  Have had my tests reviewed by MANY specialists, etc and the concurrence was that thousands of pvcs led to the rare, but very real complication of cardiomyopathy.  Please be careful about slamming others for the fears, anxieties, and concerns.  This should be a place to vent, share and gather information.  

Take care
connie

[suki1724]

I just wanted to say "hello", and ask you how long it's been since your ablation at CCF.  I was back there over the weekend for my six-week check up.  I had no pvc's on my ekg, and before my ablation the whole ekg was bigeminy.  I was having over 20,000 in 24 hours.  I have only a few pvc's here and there, but then I get nervous that the bigeminy will start again.  It seems that the very few pvc's that I have now almost bother me MORE than all the thousands of them that I used to have!!  I worry that because I've already had one ablation at age 38, that I will be needing another down the road.

[suki1724]

I would just like to say that there seems to be some hostility towards people with "benign" arrythmia's, and I have to say that I just don't understand it.  It seems to me that any kind of arrythmia can be really miserable and I wish that people could have more tolerance and respect for each other.  
Susan

[Momto3]

Hi!

My first ablation was on 8/1/03 and I knew ahead of time that it might take more than one so I was prepared for that.  According to EKG's and EPS, my pvcs appeared to be originating from 4 different sites, but two of the sites were thought to be the predominant ones.  The first ablation was for RVOT.  I had the usual "settling in" pvcs post ablation, so the doctor waited for about 8-10 weeks and then ordered a second holter. The holter showed about 6000 pvcs and the doctor asked if I was up to a second procedure.  Hey, if I could get rid of those things, I'm there!

The second procedure was on 11/7/03 and it turned out to be for LVOT.  Since that time, I have had very few pvcs (especially compared to the thousand I used to get).  Some days I don't have any, at least that I am aware of.  It's strange but I commented to the doctor about the exact same thing as you mentioned.  I actually feel the isolated pvcs in a much different way than I used to feel the constant bigeminy!!  Weird!!  The doctor thought it could be because my heart is beating "better," stronger.  Sounds good to me : )

connie

[suki1724]

Connie, my ablation was also for rvot.  I did have one night (during my cycle, sorry gentlemen!), when I had a little flare up with some trigeminy, but it only lasted a few hours.  Did you have "flare ups" during your first few months also?  I'm thinking about trying a low-dose bc pill to possibly regulate things, ( my EP was all for it), in the past when I tried bc pills, my pvc's would get a lot worse, so I'm a little hesitant.

[Marilyn (runner)]

I've visited many, many cardiac boards and have never witnessed such hostility from some people regarding violation of the question 'rules'.  

Unfortunately, I've also seen many people on this board look for the doctors on this board to 'hold' their 'hands' !!!  

I don't see how doctors have the time to 'hold' some patients hands and still treat the truly 'sick' patients.  

I feel fortunate to have a doctor who takes the 'time' to treat both patients.

Best Wishes
Marilyn (runner)        

[Momto3]

The last big flare up I had was on Christmas Eve last year.  I remember because we went to Midnight Mass and for 6 hours that evening I thought I was headed back to constant bigeminy. After that, things settled down until I hardly noticed any.  Three out of my last four check up the doctor said my heartbeat sounded great - no ectopics!  YEAH!!

I definitely notice a slight flurry of activity at particular times of the month. Fortunately, my doctor is female and gets pvcs, so she really understands. She firmly believes that hormones can/do play a role for many women with pvcs.

I can go weeks without pvcs now...it is unbelievable.  Strangely enough, last week right before I began my stress echo...they were back!! Nerves maybe...who knows.  During the test, they disappeared.

I'm not sure how the bc pill would be for me since I got pvcs during pregnancy and still get some during different points in my cycle.  My GYN and I have discussed the possibility, but my EP understands my apprehension.  She feels I could try it, but unless the pvcs start to bother me, I think I will leave well enough alone.  Email me if you want to talk more. It's always nice to talk to others who understand the frustration of pvcs. If you're comfortable just talkig on the forum, that's cool too.  Take care!!

***@**** (connie)

[Rick9897]

I simply do not understand why everyone obsesses about PVCs.  I have had them like forever...and am so use to them.  Once I knew my heart was structurally okay I just coped with it.  Yes, I had all the thumping and stopping and all that stuff that everyone talks on and on and on about.  Now I have severe heart disease and these things concern me a bit but life goes on.  

It also amazes me how critical people are when they make a posting mistake.  Hey, it must be nice to be perfect.  Most of us aren't so perfect and do make honest mistakes.  Take a deep breath and be kind to others.  You never know when you may need the same favor.

[Erik36]

I am a 36 year old male with an 18 year history of PVC's and have had Atrial Fibrillation for the past three years. I take Xanax for an Anxiety condition which I've had for 18 years as well. If this makes me a weakling, well then I guess you've got me there.

You were rude to BlondieCO earlier on this thread. If I was wrong in pointing this out to you then why did you apologize to her?


Erik

[BlondieCO]

I think most people who get PVCs and PACs are obviously scared when it happens, especially when you get them and you can't find a link to anything. I now know the importance of this forum and saving questions for everyone.  I can't fault Tony for telling me the rules, and I appreciate your kindness Erik.:)  I honestly have been taken aback by this crazy palps, and to find a forum where I could get some answers and read similar experiences has been great. I think anything heart related is scary. People here are new, have had them for years, have found answers, are still searching.  At some point in time everyone has been at the beginning. I hope we all get answers and get through what we have to.

[va_tony]

"You were rude to BlondieCO earlier on this thread. If I was wrong in pointing this out to you then why did you apologize to her?"

Actually, Connie (Momto3)was the first "pointing this out" in her post to Blondie immediately following mine. Without addressing me directly, she very skillfully conveyed the message that I had over-reacted and likely had offended Blondie. So I had made up my mind at that point that I would apologize to Blondie if she showed contriteness. Your later 'scolding' only served to enflame the situation.

BTW, referring back to your 'scolding post', I think Jend123's question was entirely appropriate. This is a Heart Forum.  I don't believe there is a prohibition against pediatric cardiology issues. Are babies hearts structurally and functionally much different than adults? CCF-M.D.-MJM simply cautioned that his answers might be a little dated because he hadn't "taken care of someone his age for almost 10 years". He did provide Jend with some useful info as did Suki (Susan) and Momto3 (Connie).


Have a nice day,

Tony

[Erik36]

I wasn't downplaying Jend123's problem, just using her as an example. My intention wasn't to scold you, I just felt bad for BlondieCO. I have nothing against you. I apologize for inflaming you. I hope we can put this behind us.


Erik

[va_tony]

I'm sorry that I said such unkind things to you Erik.  My apologies.  Let's put this behind us and forget such nonsense.

Tony

[~*CaMeO*~]

And life goes on ....................!  Good going, guys!

[Guss]

Blondie, and everyone here thank you very much for your encouraging comments.  It really helped me cope with my pvc's, which, by the way, are benign.  They are very scary still because you do not know if the Dr.'s are correct in their diagnosys.  

Blondie, I am very sorry you were scolded like you did in answering my question by Tony.  That was not called for although he applogized.  The aplogy does not automatically nullify the bad action.  To think so is childish.  

After all, this forum is about sharing thoughts with each other.  All your comments are helpful to all of us.  Please keep up the good job. My PVC's started only 3 weeks ago, being on this forum helps me to put things in prespective.

Gus

[VikingColumbus]

Greetings Everybody,

If anyone has an opportunity, in the context of
their own specific hardship with PVCs and or PACs
and or NSVT etc, please ask the Cardiologists to
comment on whats on the horizon with respect to
research into technology(ies) and or drugs which
may possibly help to rid us of the mixtures of
heart rhythm disturbances which plague so many of
us.

CCF should be abreast of that kind of info. It may
help us psychologically to aware of what's happening
on the 'fronts'.

Whatever happened to stuff like quinidine which is
supposed to 'quiet' irritable heart tissue?

Is there likely to be a revisit to older drugs to
retest their efficacy in helping out rhythm problems?

Any non-invasive techniques showing promise, as for
example pinpoint radiation/ultrasound directed
'heating/burning' of troublesome heart tissues?

Some Qs I'd like to have As to from the horses mouth
so to speak.

[hankstar]

Sure good suggestions, I thought the same things myself.

Regards.

[Momto3]

Great idea!  This could be a great time to ask since about 30,000 doctors, nurses, techs, etc. are currently attending the American Heart Association's annual conference!!  The conference ends today, so maybe help is on its way "home."

[caramich]

Obviously PVC's are a big worry and a hot topic so those who are bothered by it should go read other threads.  That makes it simple.

I've had a PE, I have ongoing health issues and my PVC's popped up suddenly sometime in the year prior to the PE.  No one has ever tied them together or till now tied it all to Vioxx. My PE was blamed on a major surgery and smoking.

My PVC's are not, I repeat not, due to anxiety. Possibly aggravated by stress, possibly by nicotine and the little bit of caffiene I drink.  Then again.....maybe not.  I've never been evaluated as all my docs and the ER(for another reason) have written it off as 'benign'.  Now with the news on Vioxx I'm not as certain that it IS benign.

We're not experts so be careful what you advise.  Anyone who hasn't been evaluated SHOULD DEFINITELY be encouraged to see a doctor. IF they've been to a doctor who has told them that their PVC's are benign and they're still worrying then MAYBE you can tell them to 'chill out' about them but be careful what you're saying and who you are saying it to.  

Medical issues are not things for laymen to mess with and especially for women we get 'blown off' enough as it is.  

Ladies, we need to encourage each other to get help, to demand good care. Not put each other down(and this is directed to women in particular since we tend to get the short end of the Healthcare stick!!!)

[rlascody]

I've just found this site today after a stressful weekend of wondering if things are "normal" LOL  Glad to have company!

Vibrating chest like an A/C?  I have experienced that a few times over the last few years and have been again the last few days.  Sometimes I'll be falling asleep while its happening and suddenly it stops.  Feels like somebody my power supply off :D

My irregular beats usually feel like a bah...BUM rather than the normal bam-bum.  A pause with a strong beat.  Sometimes they are barely there and other times are strong enough to jar me awake.  Usually one but sometimes 2, 3 or more.  Occasionally i have funny fluttery things that feel like a squirrel doing somersaults.  Sometimes I get a flush and feel dizzy and other times they don't phase me. Started with my 2nd pregnancy five years ago.

Since Saturday, I've had a constant flurry of off-beats that make my upper stomach tingle and feel almost like a zap under the solar plexus - like when you get startled badly.  That's different for me.  In addition to that i have the weird humming-like your voicebox feels while talking.  Comes and goes.  Im wondering if it's something with digestion and the vagal nerve.  Otherwise I feel just fine- sleeping okay and keeping up with the kids.

I think i get indigestion or reflux occasionally and when i do it seems the pvcs come along with it and visa versa. Since this weekend Ive had more pvcs sitting down than standing - so maybe the pressure of sitting is annoying the vagal nerve too?  A while back i found someones post that suggested reflux can irritate pvcs and they stopped after using tagamet or something.
Haven' tried it though - don't like drugs LOL  I'm paranoid after getting overdosed on one Paxil by a military doc when these pvcs first started.  Ended up in the ER :(  Since then I double check dosages and question everything.

I'm going to consult a cardio to get a real check-up but can't get in until January.  I've used my pcp and his only solution is to try a betablocker for a week and see if it helps.  My system seems sensitive to a lot of stuff (regardless of that OD)so I don't like experimenting.

Shouldn't the turkey dinners have helped? Tryptophan-effect? LOL

I really appreciate hearing others experiences!

Ricki