Just Joining Heart Rhythm Forum

Hi everyone.

I've been feeling exceptionally bad lately and have come online for answers, since noone has been able to really help me. I've gotten to the point where any time I have a palpitation I have to hold back the tears.

The first time it happened I was in second grade. I was playing hand ball at school when my heart started racing and my vision seemed black and spotty. It stopped after about 20 seconds and I returned to class. I never told anyone and this continued for the next 11 years of my life along with palpitations. I got to a point where I wouldn't even get in a car or an elevator because I was so worried that my heart would start racing and noone would be able to help me if I passed out.

By 20, I began talking about what was happening to me. I was seeing a therapist and a cardiologist. The cardiologist thought it was anxiety and gave metoprolol to help with the palpitations. I decided to go to another cardiologist who ran some tests and confirmed that I was not crazy and that I was experiancing an arrhythmia. Unfortunately, after wearing an event monitor for 60 days, we were never able to catch an "episode" where my heart would race ( which only happens maybe 10 times a year). He was only able to see the palpitations. From the palpitations he told me it wasn't WPW. He told me it was not life threatening and that with medication I would be fine. I'm not convinced.

I still feel like something just isn't right even with the medication. I just get so sad and frustrated that I have these symptoms but there isn't anything I can do about them.

I'm thinking about seeing a new cardiologist but I don't even know if its worth it. Was I missed diagnosed or am I over exaggeratting?

By joining this group I hope to gain insight on the different tests, procedures and diagnosis'. I also want to hear what others are feeling and going through....I want to know I'm not the only one who feels so helpless.

Anyways, Thanks for reading my story and I really look forward to hearing what everyone has to say.

Thanks!!

Savannah

[matt_s]

your story is so very familiar to most that post and read this board.  surf through these messages for coping ideas.  

[Zachs]

Sorry to hear you're not dealing with your concerns too well. I completely understand what are you going through. I've dealt with similar symptoms you have since I was 19 years old. I didn't experience the tachycardia at an early age, but I have had panic attacks this past year trying to understand why my heart never seems to get "better".  

I'm 32 now, and still suffer from moderate fast heart rates, strong heart beats, PVC's. I'm always in tune with what my heart is doing because I'm wating to expereince something worse than before. I'm always checking my pulse, and can never go to sleep at night without "checking-in" first, and almost everytime I end up worrying myself to death.

I have got a lot better though since I've been relating my symptoms with others, and learning new ways to cope and understand how these annoying sensations are not life threatening.

You should find a ton of information here, and someone is always around 24hrs here most of the time.   Especially at night :)    Zach

[elizabeth21905]

I feel your pain. I started having those same symptoms at an early age. I never told anyone either. I was scared that I would die if I told someone. This is the first time I have ever talked about it except with family, and I am 45 now. I have pretty much kept it to myself until a few days ago. My Cardiologist suggested I join an support group. I have had AV node ablation and am 100% pacemaker dependent. While that sounds scary, it is not that bad. I still have alot of symptoms, but the tachycardia is gone. My pacemaker will only let my heart rate go to 115. With all of the modern technology they have now, there is help. Don't stop until you find someone to help you. If you are not happy with your current doctors, don't hesitate to find a new one. I felt so alone and thought I was going crazy until I started reading everyone's stories. I didn't realize how may people have the same things to deal with. I am hoping to find new friends to talk to about it, and maybe be support for someone who is just being diagnosed. I have been dealing with all of this for 25 years. Let me know if you have questions, or just to talk to someone who has been there, done that.

Elizabeth