Aa
Just have to vent, I am so tired of these and being scared.
Hello Fellow "Skippers" I have been having some weird sensations lately that have been making me scared, and I want to describe them to you.
Lately, not all the time, but sometime, I will get a rhythm that feels like this......
normal beats, then a pause, then about 7 or 10 rapid beats, then a pause, then back to my normal, slow rhythm. Usually, before this happens, I get a weird feeling in my tummy, and sometimes taking a breath will start the whole cycle I mentioned. It sort of feels like a bird fluttering in my chest, but, when I got brave and felt my pulse, the beats I described were what I felt.
I have worn the 24 hour monitor twice, and I don't remember having this feeling when did, always seems to happen when they take it off. The echo I had was "normal" as well. Both of these were done late 2009.
I also have those weird feelings of a little "blip" in my throat" and this really upsets me, I don't know why, it does not hurt or anything, but, it just scares me.
I hate when I get the kind that make my tummy feel like it is dropping.
Geesh, I hate these things, to be honest, they are taking over my life, I fear exercising, drinking water because that can bring them on, eating a lot, you name it, I am afraid. I have even cancelled starting college as I am afraid it will bring them on and I will pass out although I never have.
Life is no fun anymore and I really resent it.
Thanks for letting me vent.
Lately, not all the time, but sometime, I will get a rhythm that feels like this......
normal beats, then a pause, then about 7 or 10 rapid beats, then a pause, then back to my normal, slow rhythm. Usually, before this happens, I get a weird feeling in my tummy, and sometimes taking a breath will start the whole cycle I mentioned. It sort of feels like a bird fluttering in my chest, but, when I got brave and felt my pulse, the beats I described were what I felt.
I have worn the 24 hour monitor twice, and I don't remember having this feeling when did, always seems to happen when they take it off. The echo I had was "normal" as well. Both of these were done late 2009.
I also have those weird feelings of a little "blip" in my throat" and this really upsets me, I don't know why, it does not hurt or anything, but, it just scares me.
I hate when I get the kind that make my tummy feel like it is dropping.
Geesh, I hate these things, to be honest, they are taking over my life, I fear exercising, drinking water because that can bring them on, eating a lot, you name it, I am afraid. I have even cancelled starting college as I am afraid it will bring them on and I will pass out although I never have.
Life is no fun anymore and I really resent it.
Thanks for letting me vent.
Best Answer
Hi - I have had the EXACT same symptoms you described. It feels almost as if a PVC or PAC sets of a brief episode of tachyardia. I can also tell you that the primary issue I deal with is bigeminy or trigeminy episodes that can last for hours at a time. I have had so many varying sensations, including the fluttering, fip flopping, hard beats, couplets, feeling heart beats in my throat..the list goes on and on....I have described ALL of my issues to my doctor and cardiologist, and neither are concerned. Ironically, like yourself, I recently wore a 24 hour holter monitor and it only recorded 6 PACs...go figure!! It is always prudent to be aware of your body, especially your heart, and report any "new" sensations, but you should rest assured you have nothing wrong. If your eyelid was twitching, or your calf muscle, you would be far less concerned!! Remain positive, but don't hesitate to report back to your doctor for added reassurance. You are not alone, and moving forward you will likely experience all kinds differing feelings associated with PVCs and PACs...it doesn't mean it is any more serious. You have a healthy heart, so don't let your mind play tricks on you...anxiety increases adrenaline levels, and contributes to the problem. Stay physically and mentally active, and be confident that you have nothing to worry about!! Best of luck.
Hi -- I have occasional Afib, that is becoming persistent and pac's and pvcs and runs of tachycardia. Here are some things I've learned. The vagus nerve lies next to the esophagus and the heart and will cause irregular beats. Prevacid, small meals, stress management, breathing exercises, yoga, avoiding caffeine, getting enough sleep, all help. The panic is normal and fuels the irregular beats. Sometimes a big irregular beat is enough to put me into a panic like a knee jerk reaction, it never even evolves into a thought, just total panic until it stops. I saw a shrink, didn't hurt, but didn't help my heart issues. It probably made me better able to deal with them. A couple of good books are "The Sky is Falling," and "You can't avoid the luxury of a negative thought." I don't know the authors and they may be out of print, but available at the library. They helped me a lot. Hang in there. Do not let this illness steal your life away. Keep asking questions, keep researching on your own, and try to get something good from each day. Some days at work I measure in quarter or half days, i.e., "made it through half the day, only half to go." Get a second opinion, go to a teaching hospital, don't give up. Keeping you in my thoughts . . .
Hi Susie,
I have had an increase in those quick fast flutters too. They were caught on my holter and mine were called brief bursts of supra ventricular tachycardia. The shortest was 2 beats, and the longest was 14 beats. I was told this was nothing to worry about. However, they have increased. I would feel those maybe once or twice a month and now they are coming every few days. I just go back from my internist and she wants me to try a calcium channel blocker called Diltiazem. Just as needed to help with the pvcs. For example if I am having a bad day, she told me to break the 60mg in half and take it. I really hope this will help. I'm sick of these episodic bursts that last for a few hours. When they start up, the brief bursts of tachy also happen.
Has anyone tried Diltiazem?
Jodie
I have had an increase in those quick fast flutters too. They were caught on my holter and mine were called brief bursts of supra ventricular tachycardia. The shortest was 2 beats, and the longest was 14 beats. I was told this was nothing to worry about. However, they have increased. I would feel those maybe once or twice a month and now they are coming every few days. I just go back from my internist and she wants me to try a calcium channel blocker called Diltiazem. Just as needed to help with the pvcs. For example if I am having a bad day, she told me to break the 60mg in half and take it. I really hope this will help. I'm sick of these episodic bursts that last for a few hours. When they start up, the brief bursts of tachy also happen.
Has anyone tried Diltiazem?
Jodie
I also have a small hiatal hernia too. I also feel there is a connection with the beats and the GERD. Have to say I am doing better since I started taking the PPI's
The mind is a strange and complicated thing and it does play tricks on us and adds to our weaknesses. Our anxiety increases the more we think about it, builds it up until we crack. I just get on with it now, when I start to feel the anxiety building I get out on my kickbike and do a long trip, really empties the mind.
Take care
The mind is a strange and complicated thing and it does play tricks on us and adds to our weaknesses. Our anxiety increases the more we think about it, builds it up until we crack. I just get on with it now, when I start to feel the anxiety building I get out on my kickbike and do a long trip, really empties the mind.
Take care
Thank you so much Janpes and IMFletcher for your answers. It is comforting to know others know what I am talking about and that care.
Janpes, I do have GERD, caused by a Hiatal hernia, and I know that can certainly cause these horrid things. I know a lot of docs say it does not cause the weird beats, but, I truly think they do.
I have not been to an EP, to be honest, with no insurance, and my primary doc saying I don't too, I just have not tried. I have had an echo, like I said and the monitors, for a while, those results calmed me down, but now, I am all wired again. I think all the stress I am going through worrying about the health of my dad, etc is getting to me.
Hugs to you Janpes, you did not sound harsh.
IMFletcher, thanks for all your comments too. All those weird feelings are enough to make a person go mad. My doc does not seem too concerned either, she just says to remember it is not dangerous, and since I am in peri-menopause, it is very normal. Well, they do not feel normal.
I hope you both have a great day today, skip free and happy.
Hugs to both
Susie
Janpes, I do have GERD, caused by a Hiatal hernia, and I know that can certainly cause these horrid things. I know a lot of docs say it does not cause the weird beats, but, I truly think they do.
I have not been to an EP, to be honest, with no insurance, and my primary doc saying I don't too, I just have not tried. I have had an echo, like I said and the monitors, for a while, those results calmed me down, but now, I am all wired again. I think all the stress I am going through worrying about the health of my dad, etc is getting to me.
Hugs to you Janpes, you did not sound harsh.
IMFletcher, thanks for all your comments too. All those weird feelings are enough to make a person go mad. My doc does not seem too concerned either, she just says to remember it is not dangerous, and since I am in peri-menopause, it is very normal. Well, they do not feel normal.
I hope you both have a great day today, skip free and happy.
Hugs to both
Susie
Hei don't feel ashamed, we all crack eventually.
It was my turn a couple of months ago :)
I know it is distressing to have the extra beats and I also know it is hard to explain them. I am just going through the whole recording process again to find out if my ablation worked or not.
I have to say mine start off something like yours with the feeling in the tummy and then bam a short run and the feeling in the throat ( to me that is the worse)
First thing I ask is do you have GERD? Heartburn, indegestion? I mention this as you said that you get them with eating and drinking. I myself have GERD and used to get alot after eating, now I pop a PPI (proton pump inhibitor pill) every morning and I have no problems with eating or drinking. It seems the rush of food especially if you don't eat at regular intervals can cause a rush of adrenaline which in turn with the stomach acid irritates the vagus nerve and that can cause the extra beats. Have you tried eating small and regular meals?
2nd thing is that could you get yourself referred to an EP specialist and see about an EP study. I know people say it is invasive but it is a definate way to rule out anything more sinister. I had my ablation Oct 2010 and would do it again in a heartbeat (if I could cut through the beurocracy) again just to see if it had truly worked.
I just had the holter on for 3 days and only got 3 short episodes, the moment it is took off I get a bigger one, it is Murphy's law I may invest in one to wear full time in the hope of scaring them away :)
I take Magnesium supplements nowadays, I never thought of me everr taking "Healthy stuff" but to be honest it really helps. I eat bananas and keep my potassium levels up too, every little bit helps. It has really made a difference in the frequency of the skipped/extra beats.
I know it is bad and the quality of life ***** with them, but do you know what I have learned?
They won't win, even if I end up in the ER being cardioverted I WILL go on with my day. After my ablation I learnt that I cannot hide away and live my life in a shell. I am going all out and enjoying each day as it comes (ok not so much today as I have to go to the dentist) But these things, however annoying will not beat me down.
I have even applied to go to uni in the autumn and if anything will stop me it will be the Math (god how that has changed in 20 years) not the extra/skipped beats.
So get back on that horse, hold your chin up and go about your day. Life is for living, not sitting at home hiding in the corner being afraid of what is to come. You are still alive and these "blips" won't kill you, so don't let them bring you regret for all the years you will spend worrying about them.
I know I will never let these annoying things change my life again, and you shouldn't either.
Good Luck
I apologise in advance incase I sound to harsh.
It was my turn a couple of months ago :)
I know it is distressing to have the extra beats and I also know it is hard to explain them. I am just going through the whole recording process again to find out if my ablation worked or not.
I have to say mine start off something like yours with the feeling in the tummy and then bam a short run and the feeling in the throat ( to me that is the worse)
First thing I ask is do you have GERD? Heartburn, indegestion? I mention this as you said that you get them with eating and drinking. I myself have GERD and used to get alot after eating, now I pop a PPI (proton pump inhibitor pill) every morning and I have no problems with eating or drinking. It seems the rush of food especially if you don't eat at regular intervals can cause a rush of adrenaline which in turn with the stomach acid irritates the vagus nerve and that can cause the extra beats. Have you tried eating small and regular meals?
2nd thing is that could you get yourself referred to an EP specialist and see about an EP study. I know people say it is invasive but it is a definate way to rule out anything more sinister. I had my ablation Oct 2010 and would do it again in a heartbeat (if I could cut through the beurocracy) again just to see if it had truly worked.
I just had the holter on for 3 days and only got 3 short episodes, the moment it is took off I get a bigger one, it is Murphy's law I may invest in one to wear full time in the hope of scaring them away :)
I take Magnesium supplements nowadays, I never thought of me everr taking "Healthy stuff" but to be honest it really helps. I eat bananas and keep my potassium levels up too, every little bit helps. It has really made a difference in the frequency of the skipped/extra beats.
I know it is bad and the quality of life ***** with them, but do you know what I have learned?
They won't win, even if I end up in the ER being cardioverted I WILL go on with my day. After my ablation I learnt that I cannot hide away and live my life in a shell. I am going all out and enjoying each day as it comes (ok not so much today as I have to go to the dentist) But these things, however annoying will not beat me down.
I have even applied to go to uni in the autumn and if anything will stop me it will be the Math (god how that has changed in 20 years) not the extra/skipped beats.
So get back on that horse, hold your chin up and go about your day. Life is for living, not sitting at home hiding in the corner being afraid of what is to come. You are still alive and these "blips" won't kill you, so don't let them bring you regret for all the years you will spend worrying about them.
I know I will never let these annoying things change my life again, and you shouldn't either.
Good Luck
I apologise in advance incase I sound to harsh.
I forgot to add, that both times I wore the holtor it only showed 5 PAC's, nothing more, but, still, I worry. I know so many of you brave folks have lots more and you are coping, I feel ashamed that I am having a hard time.
Thanks again for reading.
Thanks again for reading.
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