Fear from PVC's - how do you cope?

[CMoore416]

I can barely stand it any longer. I live in constant fear that something horrible is going to happen to me. Im 38 years old and I dealt with Hyperthyroidism for several years. During that time, I had palpitations and an overall fast heartrate. I became very healthy conscious since I had so many different symptoms - and that just lead to anxiety and panic attacks. In Nov 2009, I was having random skip beats and finally my Dr sent me to cardiology where I did the 24 hr monitor (only recorded 4 pvc's) and I also did the Echocardiogram and stress tests. All came out normal. So I put the occasional PVC's aside in my mind as normal and sometimes I would see it relate to hormonal patterns of the month. I quit caffeine completely and everything went along fine. Well about 3 weeks ago - I started getting these fluttery feelings and what felt like multiple skip beats. Maybe every few beats. They would come in clusters. Sometimes they will last only a couple hours and nothing the rest of the day. I ended up in Urgent care a week ago and of course they did an EKG and nothing. In fact while I was in there - I had NONE. I had them horribly before that and even had a run with them when I left. Dr said he felt it was stress and I should try a test with anxiety meds. I went and saw my primary the next day - he suggested Beta blocker as needed. I hate taking any meds - side effects contributes to my healthy anxiety. I can handle the feeling of the PVC's but the fear I feel is indiscribable (I know you all understand though) I have continued to have these runs of them everyday now for a few weeks and I do notice them sometimes when I am lifting or exerting myself. I never get lightheaded or short of breath although sometimes I feel a weird sensation in my thoat. Just panic is all I feel. I have had some chronic stress in my life the last few months but Im not feeling stressed at all when I feel them. My primary put in another referral to cardiology, so hopefully I can get in soon again to ease my fears. I would do anything to be free of these. I am just so afraid something is wrong.
Thank you for just letting me vent and cry!

Christina

[momabird]

Thank you all for the encouraging advice!!  Like I said, I've only been suffering from this for 4 months so I guess  that's just not enough time yet to get my head around the fact that as annoying as this condition is, it won't kill me!!  Honestly, there are days when I am almost sure that it is!!  I realize I didn't give any info on myself.  I am 40 yrs old, just recently quit smoking, have given up caffeine, am on the beta blocker propranolol, and several different vitamins and supplements.  None of these changes have helped.  I guess I keep hoping for the magic answer that will "cure" these palps and skipped beats and let me return to my normal life.  Also beginning to realize that I may have to learn to live with them.  That is a hard thing to swallow.  I think in time, it will probably get easier.  It is nice to have this forum for support, advice, and comfort!!  Just not quite ready to accept that this may actually be my "normal" from here on out!!

[Janpes]

Thank you hun. I just don't see the point in wallowing my days away anymore. I figured that I am ALIVE and that those darn SVT attacks wont kill me. you know the saying "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger" thats how I feel right now. I am here living enjoying my kids bickering :0(, fighting about who has what and how much...lol
I am here living amongst the seasons watching summer turn to autumn and waiting impatiently for the first snow to arrive. I am here living my dream, the dream is to be alive and seeing my kids grow up. I have had to cope with a lot the last year and half, probably not as much as some but have had my share, but do you know what? I am still here :) :) :)
We get only the one life and I DO intend to leave a legacy for my kids. They had to go through a lot too while I was sick and somehow I can still see the pain in their eyes. I want them to remember me and laugh (at me not with me...lol) thats why I will not sit in the chair anymore and let this win.
CMoore as Dmacd74 said hang in there, we have all been where you are, some of us are still there but it does get easier especially with a great community like this giving out support just when it is needed. We are all here to help you through the rough times and to laugh through the great times and the great times will come again, I know!
Good luck and keep in touch and take care
xxx

[dmacd74]

Hi Janpes!  I just love your attitude lately, you have been inspiring me to stop feeling sorry for myself.  Some of you may know that there has been a recent switch in my pvcs.  They now come on at rest and I feel better throughout the day when I am moving around.  Instead of coddling myself I should just get out there and take a walk and get out of my own head!!!  Thank you for whipping me into shape and just stop the darn wallowing!  Thank you Janpes and bbxx and all.  This is a great thread.  Hang in there CMoore.  You are talking to "seasoned" sufferers, we know what we are talking about!!!

[Janpes]

Thank you Elli, now go and get that gallbladder out. Had mine out year and half since and haven't looked back since.. It would be one less thing for you to worry about.
Good luck on your car trip, relax and enjoy the birthday.

[Elli126]

Hi Janpes, I have to throw my vote in with you. You said exactly what I have said in other posts. We can't let these stinkin things run or ruin our lives. Anyone who has seen my posts on here knows I have some of everything. PVCs/PACs PSVT ( gotta hate that Adenosine) and a plethora of other health issues including post thyroid CA. Now I'm in the midst of a gallbladder attack ( my own durn fault, keep eating bad things ). I was riding the edge of a panic attack all day. I have to make a 5 hour car trip tomorrow to go to Jersey for my grandbaby's 2nd birthday and all the usual crap keeps popping up. Am I gonna have an episode on the highway somewhere? Am I gonna be able to function for the entire weekend without going through the usual happy crappy? All the usual concerns.

I have decided to just do what I have to do. Goddess forbid I have an "episode " on the road, I know there will be a hospital somewhere near the highway if I need the dreaded Adenosine. I can't let this beat me down. I want to go to Jersey, enjoy my family and have a great time with the kiddies at Chuck E. Cheese-then come home and get back into my routine without incedent...is that too much to ask? I think not.

[bbxx]

I know how you feel. I get them sitting or moving. They are terrible to deal with. ONce you adjust to one sensation you have another new one. Pac, Pvc, couplets,  Afib, Vtach, etc...
I think if I am not miraculiously healed soon, I will request a implanted monitor. Not for sure, but considering it.