Long PVC-really scared!!!!

I have been doing pretty good with my PVC's, but yesterday I had one so bad, worse then anything I have had since the onset of my PVC's in May of last year.  It lasted like 2-3 seonds and I felt like I might pass out immediately after (I don't know if that is considered having a couplet or not)   I was so afraid that after I was able to get myself together I just sat on the couch afraid to move.  This was one of those really ugly ones where it feels like your heart stops for a moment and you feel like you are going to drop dead at any second.  I just don't know what to do anymore, I am at my wits end!!  I feel like nobody can help me, no doctors, therapist, family, NOBODY.  I am losing my mind over these things!!  I feel like I am going to die from sudden death at any moment now.  I have been posting on this site for a while and know what the doctors say, but I just don't see how these things can't do harm IF you have a sturcturally normal heart.  I mean I literally was in my kitchen talking to my husband and kids and it hit me out of nowhere and I almost dropped to my kness but I was too afraid to DO THAT!  I don't know what brought it on either.  I went to a dinner party ealier and had some some mango tea, but the host told me it had no caffeine in it!  

Has anyone experienced any PVC's like this?  I don't mean the hard beats or the thumping, I mean the kind that stop you in your track and make you feel like you are going to drop right then and there?  I feel like I am the only one and maybe the doctors are missing something and it will be too late when they do find out what is wrong with me.  I have been thru the various tests, worn the monitors and am on a beta blocker for my PVC's; but I can't increase the dosage because it makes me too lethargic and I don't think I get them often enough to take flecanide (sp) or anything like that.  Besides, the side effects for antiarrhythmia drugs scare me worse then the PVC's.

Everyone keeps telling me it's anixety, but I just can't believe that anxiety can make me feel like THIS.  I know the "usual" signs of anxiety, i.e. fast heart beats, nausea, feeling like you are going to fanit, etc. but the irregular beats are a whole 'nother animal.  Please someone help me out, I really need to feel like I am not going to die from these things and leave my three kids and husband.  I have been in tears over this and am extremely depressed!  Oh, and please excuse this same post on the anxiety forum if you are a member there also.

[Momto3]

Hi,

I'm so sorry the PVCs are causing you such grief : (

I have had the symptoms you describe many times, and I know how they can stop you in your tracks.  Whether it is attributed to anxiey, or not (I don't generally think so, though anxiety CAN be a part of it), is irrelevant in the moment.  Here's something that helped me....

I have a stethoscope and I became interested in finding out just what I could "hear" in there.  Sounds crazy, but it really helped me to understand how cool the heart really is. When I would have a weird episode, and was lucky enough to have the stethoscope nearby, I'd listen to my heart.  It was definitely weird, but each and every time, my heart would kick back into gear - it's amazing!!  

There was a time when I was having PVC's pretty much all day, for weeks, months on end.  Although I was not afraid of them, they were very unnerving.  Over the years, I have seen a number of cardiologists and all of them have assured me that the PVC's are not indicative of anything more serious.  I have learned to live with them and accept them as an interesting glitch in my system.  

It sounds as though you are most concerned over dying or having a cardiac event because of the presence of your pvcs.  Your examinations and tests have determined that is not going to happen.  So, now comes the hard part - believing it.  That's where maybe we can help.  I have had PVC's for at least 30 years and I know they're weird and kinda creepy (at first), but they are not harmful.  I found that learning more about how the heart works and how it sounds it really helpful.  Nonetheless, we're here to help : )

[iamfaithful]

I know you are tired of reading my post over and over momto3.  It seems like I am being repitious, but I honestly just can't help it.  This one was SO bad, I mean B-A-D!  I cried all night and into this a.m. I can't eat again....I am just a mess.  What is it that makes me feel like nobody else is TRULY understaning what I am going thru.  Even when I read your wonderful inspriring post I am thinking that you really don't  understand the type of PVC I had.  That IS my main problem-believing that I'm not going to die becasue of them.  I was telling my husband last night thru many tears that I was afraid I was going to drop dead like a friend of ours did and leave my kids motherless.  I'm telling you, my mind is pretty messed up right now.    I just don't understand the difference in the "thumps" and the ones that make you feel like your heart is going to stop.  I still don't get it.

I appreciate your respone-it does help even though I sound like a huge baby right now.  Thanks.

[bonnytiz]

Hi, sorry you feel so dreadful, I have had those before, and would you believe I had one today, I was out with a friend having a coffee (decaff) and I had driven her there, so I had to get back, it was a scary thought, but I just sat and tried to be calm, it affected my head as well, I didnt tell her as I thought she would be scared, I think anxiety brought it on as I had had a bad day yesterday stress wise and didnt sleep very much, anyway I just sat for about half an hour and told myself I wasnt going to die or pass out and the feeling passed but I had to be really firm with myself. I think you  hve got to be really strict with yourself because you arnt going to die, we all have them some times, they are horrid and scary but nothing more. I dont understand it either, try not to worry too much, you are not a baby, you are  normal loike the reat of us.

[Fran71]

iamfaithful, I had 2 holters and they always showed only isolated PVCs. Lately though sometimes I feel longer ones, and though I can't be sure, I guess they may be couplets, or triplets.
I've read everywhere that in a structurally normal heart, even runs of PVCs do not carry a bad prognosis, just like isolated PVCs.

That's where our wonderful Momto3 comes in. Hi Connie!! Remember me from some time ago?? Anyway, I think she can testify that even couplets, triplets, or even NSVT, do not indicate serious problems, right? I mean, if we only have isolated PVCs, then suddenly develop longer runs, but have passed all appropriate tests, is that bad enough to see a cardio? I don't think so.

My cardio told me I was fine, at no greater risk of death, and didn't even schedule a follow-up. He told me to go to him again only if symptoms worsen, so he'll prescribe an antiarrhythmic, but he did stress that was only for the symptoms.

Of course I do understand exactly how you feel!!! I'm not that scared anymore, but the strange ones can really make you worry.

Fran

[Momto3]

Faithful, I seriously know what you are feeling.  The isolated thumpy beats are just kinda -- "Hey, what the heck was that?"  You may feel a little freaked out, but over time you kinda learn to believe they're just "weird" beats.  Just about when you're OK with those, SLAM!!  Here come the really, really weird feelings!  These are the ones where your heart feels like it's tumbling around trying to catch up with itself.  These are definiltey freaky!!  When I've recorded those feelings, they have been documented as couplets, triplets, nsvt.  It kinda feels like your heart left its own beat behind.  And, the beat is trying to catch up with the rest of the rhythm.  Those ARE weird!!  

I feel so badly that the PVC's are causing you so much trouble.  And, no I am not tired of hearing it, or of trying to help you through it. Don't give it a second thought!  I think the reason I feel so confident is because I've lived with these things for so long.  In fact, despite the ablation, I still get occasional runs and they still catch my attention.

A friend of mine (skippyheart) posted this awesome list a few years back.  Check it out...I'll bet you can relate.  It absolutely captures how many of us deal with ectopics.

Here are (in my experience), the phases you go through dealing with PVCs. From the responses on the forum, they seem to be a fairly common experience:

1) You are sure you are going to die, and every beat brings about other symptoms like light-headedness, breathlessness, high-blood pressure (all anxiety related).

2) You go to the ER a few times. They bring you in right away, then send you home telling you there's nothing wrong (they're right)

3) You go to a cardio, get a full workup (and pass with flying colors)

4) You don't believe the doctors, keep having anxiety attacks, read everything about PVCs on the internet everyday, become agoraphobic, and try to isolate every trigger (there is no one trigger except anxiety)

5) You try to will them away (you can't cause you're still thinking about them)

6) You become anxious thinking your PVCs are going to get worse (and they do, since anxiety is the one common denominator)

7) One day you get pissed off, and go about your life regardless of the PVCs, figuring who cares if they kill you since you're at your wit's end anyway (you live)

8) You start to realize nothing bad ever actually happens to you while having pvcs, start going about your normal life, and start ignoring them and forgetting about them (they don't go away yet)

9) You start really forgetting about them (they never go away completely, but occur much less often, and you don't care about them anyway)

10) You troll the forums to help other people :)

What do ya think?  Pretty cool list, huh?




Fran!!!

YES!!  I remember you!  Thank you for your very kind words ; )

How are you doing??  OK, I need to learn to say Hello and How are you in Ital?  This is as close as I get....Hola, coma esta usted?  LOL

  

[Fran71]

Hi Connie!!!!
No wait:
ciao Connie! Come stai?
And this is just lesson 1!

You're really a star on the forum. And you deserve all the praises! It's not just that you've been through it. You love to help others, and can do it so well...

So I was correct when I said that when someone with isolated PVCs starts having weird ones, he/she shouldn't run to a cardio? I will eventually inform my cardio of my strange beats. But he hasn't scheduled any follow-up and I don't really feel like calling him just for some strange beats, because I read everywhere that they're the same as isolated PVCs. Even a CCF cardio on the other forum once told me that the management of isolated PVCs and that of triplets is the same. Do you think I'm underestimating the problem?

Thanks Connie!!! I mean: grazie!!!

Ciao

Fran

[Tjalsma]

LMAO!  I couldn't help but laugh after reading that list.  'Could not be more correct!

[Momto3]

Ciao Fran!!

I'm gonna go out on a limb here.......stai bien (??)  LOL

When is your next cardio appointment?  If the extra beats are a new symptom, and your next appointment is far off, you might want to touch base just to be sure he/she doesn't want to see you.  I doubt it, but just in case : )

Grazie, grazie, grazie for the very kind words.  It really means a lot to me to know I am able to contribute in a positive way.  I moved away from my home state a couple of years ago and it has been an adjustment in a lot of ways.  The forum and the friends I have made here mean so much to me.  Grazie una vez mas (a little Italian, a little English, a little Spanish - we're all in the same boat).

[Momto3]

Don't you just love that list?  It is perfect!!  Glad you got a good laugh : 0

[iamfaithful]

Yep, I have seen that list- I printed that list out last summer!  And it is so totally true...I need to start reading it a few times a week like I used to.  Ahh, so I am assuming I am probably having runs of PVC's when I get that awful dropped feeling?? Well geez, yesterday I must have had at LEAST three in a row.  That is what I was trying to figure out, why they felt so different from the "thumps."  I still don't understand NSVT-I hear that is a really bad feeling, but I'm not sure if I have felt that yet.   I know I have caught them-the runs-on my event monitors, but my MD told me my report wasn't anything to be concerned about; this was months ago when I wore it.  Well, I really pray and hope one day I can be as calm as you are momto3.  They are just so darned scary!

Fran71 is so right about yo momto3.  You always have such enouraging words and it helps because you have been thru it and totally understand (even though sometimes it's hard to get that thru my head :-)  I appreciate everyone's responses, you don't know how much it has helped me already-really.  It's funny because I was thinking about calling my cardio's office and then I was like "never mind" because I knew he was going to ask me if I had been taking my Xanax perscription and that he would want to up my dosage of beta blockers-lol.  I don't like the meds so I didn't want to be chastised since I'm not taking the xanax.  I feel like I can't win......ugh.

You know how they say if you have other symptoms with them that might be a problem, well how do I know if the dizziness is from the PVC runs or the anxiety you get AFTER?  I am the type who wants/needs to know everything, as you can see :-)
I hope everyone has a good day.

[iamfaithful]

Oh you poor thing.  I hate you had to go thru that today as I know how badly it feels.  And yep, you just sit there waiting for....hmmmm, whatever!  I mean, when I sat on my couch after it happened I guess I was just waiting for it to finally take me out, I don't exactly know.  I try really hard to be firm with myself and sometimes it works, but last night, the feeling was so "new" I was just out of sorts.  I haven't been getting a lot of sleep and well, I am always stressed-lol.  I think I probably need to start going back to my therapist so I can do some cognitive stuff :-)

I hope you feel better.

[Momto3]

Not that this will happen to you, but be careful with the Xanax.

About 10 years ago, I went to see my internist (the PVC's were driving me crazy!) and he prescribed Xanax.  He suggested that instead of taking it as needed, he wanted me to take it every day.  Well, I did that, and about 2 weeks later, the initial dosage was no longer enough, so I increased the dose.  A very short time after that, same thing.  That's when I started to get nervous that I was going to have to keep increasing the dose.  I was on a low dose, by even so, it kept losing its effectiveness.  It was quite awhile before I would even take a low dose of Xanax, as needed.

When I first went to see my current EP (1998), she did not like the idea of me taking Xanax for PVC's.  She explained that as long as I knew it was not a cure, but just a band-aid, she was OK with me taking it once in awhile.  In my case, that has been the most effective.  I can take 1/2 of a .25mg tablet and it does the trick if I really anxious.

We're all different, and I know that SSRI's and anti-anxiety medications can be very helpful, so you may not have this problem at all.  As for the BB's, talk to your doctor about trying a different one.  Initially, they can cause lethargy, but that usually goes away within a few weeks.  

You don't really know if the other symptoms (dizziness) is because of the PVC's or causing the PVC's or totally unrelated.  That's where the cardio exams and tests come in handy.  I would say if you're having new symptoms (dizziness), it's always best to check with your doctor.  Regardless of the reason, the dizziness is something that very well may be treatable.

Thanks for your thoughtful commments.  I really do think I understand (about PVC's, but still have lots of questions about everything else in my life...LOL).  Believe me, I've got a pretty good handle on the PVC's, but there's plenty of other stuff I stress over.  I used to say I had a big "W" on my forehead because I was the BIGGEST worrywart ever!!  Like others have said, we're all a work in progress : )

connie

[Fran71]

Ciao Commie!

I have no appointment scheduled. He jus said to go to him if my symptoms become unbearable and he'll consider an antiarrhythmic. He never said to tell him about any weird PVCs. I'm reluctant to ask him because I'm afraid he'll start another work up, which I'm sure I don't really need. Maybe he wouldn't, but really, I don't want to have unnecessary tests done. And even if they found some runs of PVCs, what would change about the management? Right now I'm taking Inderal as needed and it does work.
Don't know...I might drop him an email just to be sure. But I really don't want to be obsessed about this. If I had read anywhere that PVC runs are dangerous that would be different.

I'm glad you have found friendship on the forms. At least, you get something in return for the kindness and support you give people every day!!

A presto! (Speak soon, or see you soon)

[Fran71]

We are all in the same boat = siamo tutti sulla stessa barca
:-)

[iamfaithful]

How about as I was reading your post and I had a PVC.  It was a bad one, not as bad as last night, but I just kept breathing and reading what you had to say.  I'm a bit nervous right now but what can I do but try to remain calm-ugh.  You know what, I think I am actually afraid of going to the doctor because he actually may find something is really wrong.  I know that sounds crazy but I really do believe that is what's going on inside my head right now.  The funny thing is, I used to get PVC's daily, and the ugly ones maybe  a couple of times a day; but when they leave you think you are cured and then they come back out the blue and you have to start all over again.

I have heard the horror stories about Xanax losing their effectiveness and I believe it; that is why I haven't taken it since August.  My MD also wanted me to take then 3x daily but I only took them when I really felt the need, and at that time I was having rapid heart rate also.  Boy I am here to tell you that if living with these things don't make you strong as a rock I honestly don't know what will.

You know, I am actually thinking about visiting another cardio, but that means more montior wearing, more test......wearing the monitors freak me out as well as the test.  And I really don't feel like doctor hopping...again :-)

Oh, it's a week after my cycle and my hormones make my PVC's act REAL crazy....I never know if it's going to happen during, before, after........HELP ME JESUS!

[Momto3]

Fran,

I agree with your current plan.  I have MVP/MR and the doctors still weren't batting an eye at 20,000 PVC's a day (until the cardiomyopathy, but that's a different story).

I think I'd just wait and see how you feel and if they're bugging you, then a quick visit might help to get you back on track.

Faithful,

Hormonal fluctuations are notorious for causing lots of women to have flareups.

You know, if checking in with another cardio would help you get some relief, I don't see anything wrong with looking into it. But, if you keep hearing the same thing, you've got to trust that they are right.

Great job on staying calm with that last "big" one : )  You're doing great!

[Fran71]

You're so wise, Connie! I'll stick with this plan. I'm not really worried, as I've done so much internet searching and there wasn't a single post or article that said PVCs judged benign can turn threatening.

I'm sure you have been asked a billion times already, but can I ask you something about longer PVCs? When one has a  10-PVC run, for example,does that mean the atria stay still and the heart doesn't pump for the duration of the run? I'd guess not! And if you felt your pulse during such an episode, what would you feel? During my strange PVCs, my pulse simply beats faster for a few beats, but I can't feel any pause, unlike the normal PVCs.

Thank you!!!!!

[bonnytiz]

Poor you, I am sooo sorry you are feeling bad again, you seem to have a couple of days feeling a bit more positive then you get set back again!! These things are horrid, I used to hve about 3/4 months with them and then I would get a break but this time (since September) they just havnt stopped, I take a b/b , just a small dose, because the PVCs make my head so strange nd they have helped, although I know that if I increased the dose I would be alot better but I am reluctant to do that in case I get  too used to them, the doc said I could increase the dose if I was having a bad day, and then reduce them again, seems a good idea but I havnt done it yet.
With regard to the hormonal cycle, I am in the menopause and believe me that is just as bad as your hormones are all over the place every day!! I think that is the problem, and then that causes anxiety, which causes the PVCs (Cant win)
Wish I had an answer and then I could cure you all :) If only!
Lots of love to you all.

[Fran71]

The problem is, until we decide we are going to believe the doctors, or what we read, there may be no point in seeing another cardio.
One thing that really helps me a lot in my confidence that these things are not harmful is knowing that a lot of people have them, with no symptoms. Someone pointed out on another thread of this forum that a study was carried out on people with no palps, and a lot of them had PVCs, even NSVT!!! And they didn't feel anything. It's hard to believe, but I've experienced it first-hand. My father recently wore a holter and it showed over 1000 PVCs, with 6 couplets. He says he has no idea what a PVC feels like...He's 70, had a heart attack 4 years ago, still has CAD...You'd think his heart is in worse shape than yours or mind. Still, he lives blissfully without any symptoms.
In a way we are luckier, because we had all the necessary tests. There are people who do have abnormal hearts, for whom PVCs have to be treated, and they don't know it.
I'd certainly give up the PVCs, but I try to look at the good side of it. I've been checked and my heart is fine. Try to see it that way! Maybe it helps a little.

Ps. I do the same as you: I try to take as little Inderal as I can, so that my body won't get used to it. But if I think about it: for when am I saving the good effect of Inderal? For when I turn 80? LOL If I need it now, I should take it now...according to my cardio's prescription. It's hard to get it into my head though...

We all understand where you're coming from! Sorry all for the long post.

Fran

[Fran71]

Sorry, it's me again, but I was finally able to find a question I had posted to the CCF cardiologist a few years ago. I think that might be of some help to you:

3. Is it possible to tell just by the symptoms if simple PVCs have become complex? For instance, do triplets or NSVT feel different from simple PVCs + sinus
tachycardia?

They can feel different, but there isn't anything different we would do if you had triplets for uniform pvc's though.

[Momto3]

Wise, huh?  Thanks, but I'm not so sure......LOL

I'm not exactly sure what happens with the atria when the PVC's are caught up in a run.  My best guess would be that they are kind of hovering, waiting to be brought into the game.  I believe the heart is pumping, just not too efficiently.  When I try and feel my pulse during a run, it's kind of weird.  It's sort of like quick beats (tachy), but there is no rhythm per se.  It's like if a metronome were stuck; it still hits the second ball, but it doesn't move much.  It's not like a real pulse at all.  With the bigemniy and such, I can feel normal beats in between, but not with the runs.

Hope that makes sense.  I don't know how 'correct' it is, but it's what I tend to feel.  Next time it happens, I'll try and grab my wrist and see what I feel.  Usually when I have a run of nsvt, I just sit still and try and feel what's going on...Once you're over the fear, it's really kind of interesting how the heart goes back in sync.  It's like someone walked over and tapped the ball on the metronome to get it going again.

A presto!  : )

connie

[Momto3]

Hey, I posted your question to another member (Artaud) to see if he can help with this one.  He has a great understanding of how the heart works and I'll bet he'll know the answer.  Look for this post:   "Artaud - PVC question"

Connie

[Fran71]

Thanks Connie for doing that! I'll look for Artaud's answer, anyway your explanation sounds pretty clear to me! Maybe that is what I'm experiencing, maybe it's something else....who knows! What matters is that they're benign.

I just took Inderal because I felt PVCs were coming up, after working out at the gym it happens sometimes. It's working...I'm so lucky to have a drug that works 90% of the time!

Ciao bella
Fran

[iamfaithful]

Hello-

bonnytiz, I take a small dose of a beta blocker as well-25mg- I guess that is small, not sure :-)  Anyway, at one time my Cardioligst put on 50 mg but it had me way too spaced out and SEEMED to make my PVC's worse; in actuality I think it just had my hr way too low and I could FEEL the PVC's that much more.  To me the dose I am on tend to make me sleepy and lethargic at times; but then other times I am fine.  Sometimes I really don't know if it's the meds or it's my anxiety making me like this-oy vey!!!
Well, today is an okay day, but it's like I just keep waiting for another one to hit me you know?  The waiting can be just as torturious as having them, because you make yourself so sick with worry......ahhhhhhhhhhhh, where does it end?  I am really tired today and I have some stressful situations going on right now, but I am trying to breathe thru them and tell myself, if I can't change it do NOT worry about it.

Fran71, you are very right, until I choose to believe that I am going to be fine going to another cardio may not help.  I used to feel safe going to the ER and my cardio every other week-lol, but now It's like I fear the doctors and the hospital.  You all want to hear something real crazy?   Well my church owns a daycare center and in the center they  just installed a defibrilator and the installed one in the church too; well, wouldn't you know that any time I even glance at it I got into a panic!!!  All I can think is "I hope they don't have to use that on me."  It's so crazy-I swear...how can we just look at something or see something on television and it makes us panicky?  Anyway, that's me for you, worrywart at all times.  I appreciate all the advice from everyone.

[Fran71]

I know that is scary. But we PVC sufferers, even NSVT sufferers,  are at no greater risk of requiring a defibrillator than the general population. Of course we all run that small risk...Nobody can promise you that won't happen to you, but this goes for everybody else without palps as well.
My friend's brother nearly died at around 40 due to cardiac arrest. It was found he had a congenital degeneration of the right ventricle. She says he never complained of palps. Now he wears an ICD.

It's like people who suffer from headaches. A headache can be indicative of something very serious insome rare occasions, but for most, it is just a nuisance, and overtime, it just remains a nuisance even if the pain increased.

We all have our bad days when our palps scare us! We just need to remind ourselves, and one another, of these realistic facts.

Smiles

Fran

[dolfnlvr]

I have worn monitors at least 5 times that I can count right now.  None of us believes the doctors, at least at first.  Even now that I do trust the doctors, I still have to go to them now and again to ask them to remind me how I'm going to be okay.  And, I don't care that I see doctors more than some (well, okay, yes I do care, but I'm not about to stop) because I need reassurance that my heart won't thump its way to a halt.

If I were someone who suffered from ingrown toenails I would go to a podiatrist regularly to be sure that the nails were not causing problems and so that I could avoid infections.  But no-one, that I know of, EVER died of an ingrown toenail.  

So, I go to a cardiologist because my heart skips around.  Apparently, people who don't have complications don't die from this....but I still go to the doctor to make sure everything is A-okay.

If you want or need another monitor reading to bring you peace of mind...ask for one.  I guaruntee that after awhile, you will start to trust your doctor, and...if there is ANYTHING out of the ordinary to find...they really will find it.  I promise.

Take care of yourself.  Have better days.

[iamfaithful]

Thanks for the response.  Well I am sitting her debating on calling my regular Cardio or going to see a new one :-)  dolfnlvr, I go to the doctor so much my husband swears I have used up all the insurance-lol.  I like the analogies you made, makes sense.  

It's so crazy because in the beginning I was okay with going to the doctors and if they found something at least we could form a plan, but now I am petrified they WILL find something so I am afraid to go.  My anxiety has got the best of me right now, but I just take it one day at a time.  I hope in a few days I will be able to comfort someone else who is in the same boat.

I hope we all have better days!

[Momto3]

GREAT post!!  OMY, can I relate to your story.  For YEARS, I would "touch base" with my doctors just for a reminder that the PVC's were not going to cause a bigger problem.  I wasn't afraid of dying, but I hated the way they made me feel and the anxiety they provoked.  So, like you, I made those appointments, checked in, got my reminder and went on my way...until next time.

Now, I think part of the reason I don't worry as much is because I see a cardio 2-4 times a year and while I'm there I get my "reminder" and the reassurance that all is still well.

WOW!!  You really hit the nail on the head (at least for me)!!

Hope you're doing well!

connie

[poohbear2026]

Sounds just like what I had a couple months back...i still get them it seems about one a month where they make me feel as if I am going to pass out or die.  I believe you told me before you were on toprol.  I still haven't started mine, but I am suppose to go back to my cardiologist tomorrow.  I have been afraid to take the Toprol because my pharmacist said that it can interact with the Lexapro I am already taking. I also take Ativan and prilosec.

Anita

[iamfaithful]

Now this goes to show you how our doctors sometimes don't know.....I went to a neuroligist and she tried to prescribe Lexapro (I think that was it) for my headaches and I specifically asked her if it would interact with my meds and she told me NO.  Now you are saying your pharmacist said it could.  Boy I tell you the TRUTH, how scary is that.  I didn't take it because I felt I didn't need it, but my main fear was taking ANOTHER medication.  I go back to her in another week or two and I am going to mention this to her, in the meantime I am going to ask my pharmacy.

I hate that you have experienced them...they are so nasty aren't they?  I had one a few months ago that made me feel as if I may pass out but it was like for half a second; this last one FELT so much longer and I was just like "okay, don't pass out, don't die here in your kitchen in front of your entire family!!!"

Let me know if and when you decide to take the toprol, it has helped lessen the frequency and intensity of my PVC's.  I hope you have a great doctors visit.

[dennis52]

I totally understand your feeling. In past 10 years, I experienced several similar episodes, years apart each other. They were so intensive and drove me to near-unconsciousness. They were huge impacts at my heart without any precaution. During two of them, a single shot sent my heart to arrest and chaos. I have worn holter monitor for two times. Only PVC evidences were caught. My doctor told me my case was challenging because the events were so infrequent.

I tried physical exercises and figured out a long-distant walk (at least 3 miles) every day really helped. Please try at it to see if it is helpful for you, too.

Take care!

[Fran71]

Wow, seems like many of you se a cardio often. I wasn't planning to see one again after the benign diagnosis!! Maybe I should ask him if he thinks I should have a check up. I had my last echo and holter in 2006, I guess that's not too far back.

Fran

[iamfaithful]

Fran, that is good.  I just had an echo in May of 07 and I want another one already :-)

dennis52, wow, years apart.....I can't even imagine that.  Mine are more like days sometimes weeks apart, and I consider that good.  I really do want to start exercising again as I love to run, but I am mucho afraid.  I have started walking every once in a while, or I go to the gym in my building and walk on the treadmill, but it's at a real slow speed I don't even work up a sweat!  

Let's hang in there and keep lifting each other up!  Be blessed.

[dennis52]

I loved to run, too. Later, people told me walking at least 40 minutes a day was better in fighting the arrhythmia. I tried and felt better. I walked on the treadmill first. After a while, I felt my knees got hurt. Then changed to walk outdoor. I don't know why walking is better than running. It's a mistery, isn't it?

By the way, if it is necessary, please ask a family member to walk with you. It is safer.

[poohbear2026]

Well, I went to the cardio today and told him what the pharmacist said....so now I am still having my echo next Friday and I am also wearing the 30 day King of Hearts monitor.He said if all this comes back normal again I can either try digatsin (don;t know the spelling) or just live with the palps. But for now no meds. I think I can live with them as I have for about 15 years as long as I know nothing has changed with my heart.  My last echo was about 10 years ago...and the same with the monitor.  Hopefully nothing has changed and is all normal.

Anita

[iamfaithful]

dennis-Yep, I realize that running really isn't good for our joints, but I really do miss it.  It  seemed to clear my head and it just made me feel so much better; however, I know walking is the best form of exercise, so I am going to try my best to start some type of routine.  My  kids always want to go walking with me, maybe I will let them since I'm not walking that fast anyway :-)

poohbear- If you don't have to take meds I wouldn't.  I mean, if you have been able to handle it for 15 years w/no meds, I think you  don't need them  unless they are just making you miserable.  I realize they are really just giving you the medication to relieve the symptoms, but at the time I went on mine I needed them badly.
I am sure everything is fine with you and your echo will be 100% normal.  Keep me posted.

[snowmenlover]

Has anybody out there had this happen?I was on the operating table
2 days ago to have my gallbladder out,when I was given 2mg of versed
and 2 minutes later while being moved on to the table I went into what
they called bigemniy.They stopped my surgery and now I need to be cleared by a cardio.I have been so stressed out about this and have made myself very sick and the anxiety makes me feel like I am having
a heart attack and I don't want to breathe.My ECG showed I have had
2 silent heart attacks.I can't see a cardio for 6 more days.If you can advise something I really would appreciate it.

[iamfaithful]

Not to sound ignorant, but did you and your doctors know that you had 2 "silent" heart attacks before your scheduled surgery or you found out after?  Ummm, what exactly are silent heart attacks?

I can only imagine the turmoil you must be feeling.  You are definately in my thougths.  I have been trying to have gallbladder surgery since this time last year, and I am too afraid to go thru w/it.  I hope your cardio can shed some light and give you some peace of mind!

[ds41980]

I am so glad you wrote. I had that same type of pvc for the first time a few days ago. I also cried and became very depressed and anxious over it. I thought for sure my heart was going to stop beating and I was going to drop dead. but then I get online and read that another person has experienced the same thing and that they are still around and it comforts me. Each day is an experience.

[snowmenlover]

I don't really know what silent heart attacks are,other than I didn't know I had them.And no I had no idea of them,until the anthesioligist came and said something but after talking with the surgeon,they decided to go ahead.I had an EKG for pre op.But nothing was said til surgery.I am stressing so much about this.I know I will have more information
when I see the cardio BUT.... til then I am very scared.