Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
21064 tn?1309308733

WELCOME

WELCOME TO THE HEART RHYTHM FORUM!

Were you recently diagnosed with a heart rhythm disorder?  Would you like more information on the heart’s electrical system?  Are you feeling overwhelmed, frightened and/or confused?  Are you scheduled for EP tests, procedures, and or surgery?  Is your arrhythmia medication giving you trouble?  If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you are in the right place!
  
The Heart Rhythm forum is comprised of a group of people who share an interest in learning more about arrhythmias.  The forum covers an array of topics including:  Afib, Aflutter, PVCs, PACs, SVT, WPW, palpitations, pacemakers, ICDs, procedures, tests, medications, post procedural/surgical expectations, and much more.  If it is related to your heart’s rhythm, chances are we can help.
  
Some of us have been living with arrhythmias for years while others are new to the world of electrophysiology.  Regardless of why YOU are here, welcome!  Here are a few suggestions for making the most of the forum.

1)  Check out the "Health Pages."  The link can be found in the upper right hand corner of your screen.  The “Health Pages” address topics relevant to cardiology.  Among the pages is a great resource for common cardiology acronyms.

2)  Please join the community.  Once you have had a chance to look around, why not create a profile and tell us a little about yourself?  Your profile can be as simple or as complex as you like.  In any event, you will meet people from around the globe!  You will have the opportunity to learn and share experiences with members who share your concerns.

3)  Consider posting to a current discussion, or try staring one of your own.  Don’t worry - you’ll get the hang of it very quickly.  You’ll find that you will want to come back often to check up on your new friends.  If you’ve got something on your mind, please don’t be shy.  There are no dumb questions and we are all here to learn.**

4)  Get acquainted with other members.  There are several ways to “Add a friend” but one of the easiest is to scroll over the member’s name and click on “Add a friend”.

5)  Consider keeping a journal.  Your journal can be private, public, or available only to those people you have added as a friend.  Journals are a great way to share your story, frustrations, experiences, history, etc.  You will probably find there are others who can relate to your story.

6)  Want to speak privately to another member?  Send a private message (PM) by scrolling over the member’s name and clicking on “Send Message”.

7)  Only have a minute and want to welcome a member, or send good luck wishes?  Scroll over the member’s name and click on “send a note.”  Unlike PMs, everyone can view “Notes”.

8)  Once you’ve created a profile, click on “My MedHelp” (indicated by a little red heart at the top of your screen) and check out the many great features and setting options.

9) Lastly, we would like to point you to the TRACKERS!!  There are a number of trackers available to our members, but we would especially like to point out the ‘Cholesterol, Blood Pressure and Heart Rhythm trackers.  You can add them to your profile by clicking on "My MedHelp" (top) and then go to the Tracker Widget -- At the bottom of the Tracker Panel click on "Add Tracker" which will take you to the tracker page, where you can select the BP, Cholesterol and/or Heart Rhythm tracker.  You can begin using your trackers today!  Keeping track of your cholesterol and blood pressure are great ways to do your part to manage your heart health!!  The rhythm tracker is an excellent tool for you to document  symptoms, frequency, treatments and procedures relevant to your heart rhythm!

**Please read the Terms of Use at the bottom of your screen.  There are a few general posting guidelines that are for the benefit of all community members.  
  Please do not hijack another member’s thread.  If your comments are relevant with the current discussion, post away.  If you have a new topic of interest, please begin a new post.

We are so glad you found us!  Please don't forget to join our community!  We would love to have you!  Pull up a chair, get comfortable and get ready to meet a great bunch of people!  

If you are already a member, won't you please take a minute to welcome our new members as well as those who are lurking.  Would you mind sharing your story to let others know how the forums have helped you.

Your Community Leaders

66 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
21064 tn?1309308733
Hey friend!!!

OMGOSH!!  I'm so happy to see you're "still around" and to read about how you're doing :)  I don't get over here much either, but I get email updates on some of the posts, and I will never forget the support I received in this home away from home!

Sorry to hear about the adrenal tumor, but I'm glad to hear it turned out to be okay.  You didn't really think you'd be able to get rid of your PVCs now, did ya?  .

Can you believe I'm nearly 8 years out from my ablations?  I'm still only having an occasion PVC and a run here and there, but nothing compared to pre-ablation days. The valve remains quiet (shhhh), and life is good!    

Hope you're doing great despite the adrenal difficulties.  Take care.  It is so great to hear from you!  
Connie

Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hello.

Just wanted to drop a note. It has been quite some time that I was last here. (I've been spending most of my time at the adrenal insufficiency forum).

Just wanted to let you know I was still around--literally. PVCs still haven't done me in.

The acebutelol continues to work to bring down the PVC from the 28,000+/day I had before. I think I'm about 200 to 500/day now. No big deal. But still, after all these years, when they happen they are the worst.

Over the past many months I've been monitoring an adrenal tumor, that I just had removed.

It wasn't a pheochromocytoma--thank goodness, but that would have at least explained the high PVCs and the anxiety attacks. The tumor was secreting extra cortisol though. I was hoping that by removing the tumor it would take away ALL the pvcs, but no such luck.

Anyhow, just thought I would say hello, I see that many of the posters to this forum are still here. You are all such a great group of people and I thank you for being here for everyone.
Helpful - 0
1700211 tn?1312980234
Hiya, thanks for the reply. Im going in tomorrow morning so i'll ave to let you all know how it goes. Quite scared at the moment, but your comment back has helped to settle my nerves knowing that I hopefully won't remember most of it. All the luck to everybody on here :)
Helpful - 0
1701959 tn?1488551541
Wow, it's so very nice to find other people with the same fears...  It's awful to have anything funky with your heart but to see others is truly much support. I am 32 years old, female, was recently diagnosed with PVCs and since then have been getting "heart pinches/pains" through out the day. After much talk with my Cardio and Arrhythmia Cardio, both say it's not heart related but possibly my ribs etc... I had the EKGs, Echo and 30 day monitor.  Still scary stuff though. Can't make them go away but I guess with Anxiety and Panic disorder on top of it, it just makes it all worse. Nice to see so many others supporting each other :)
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi all.

I so wish I'd have found this site years ago.  I've was diagnosed with SVT 6 years ago during my second trimester of pregnancy with my 2nd baby.  I was advised that it was probably pregnancy related and that things should clear up after giving birth.  Although treated as hi risk when pregnant, I sailed through labour with no problems at all.  However, periodically since then I have had further episodes of SVT getting more and more frequent.  Having said that, I haven't once ended up in A&E as I've always been able to manage it.

Anyway, after years of suffering and getting completely frustrated with my GP telling me it is 'all in my head' and to try relaxation techniques, I demanded a second opinion and it has taken me a further 2 years to receive corrective treatment.  Have tried 3 types of medication in the past, all of which made the episodes worse.  In between episodes I feel as fit as a fiddle and return to my running programme.  However, once and episode kicks in I can hardly walk the stairs without getting that breathless, heart racing, passing out sensation which is really scary when you're at home alone with 2 young children.

To cut a long story short, for the ast 4 weeks, I have had no let up in symptoms and 2 weeks ago I received the date for my eps and ablation.  I went in last Thursday 2nd June for the procedure and am now in recovery waiting to see if it was successful.  The procedure itself was nothing at all to worry about.  I was sedated and the procedure took about 2 hours.  The EP consultant managed to ablate 4 times but informed me that the extra beats are being created extremely close to the av node and therefore, he was reluctant to burn any further fear the risk of causing heart block and needing a pacemaker.  Being relatively young (37) and slim (his words) he didn't want to see me being left with a pacemaker for the rest of my life.  Depending on how the episodes go following the procedure I may or may not have to go back in for a cryoablation which has a lower success rate but also lower risks.

I'm now 2 days in to recovery and not feeling brilliant as the heart is still recovering.  I've had a few scary moments when my heart has skipped and the light headidness has returned, bloody pressure dropped.  Prior to the ablation I just accepted these as normal and must admit that they are slightly more alarming having them post ablation as I'm not sure what damage has been caused to my heart during the ablation.  I'm sure further down the recovery road things will right themselves, but just a little scary at the moment.  Hopefully, I should get a follow up appointment soon so will be able to discuss these issues with my EP doctor then but just wanted to share my experience with you all and really wish I'd have found you earlier.  All those years thinking I was going mad and no one being able to sympathise with my symptoms were horrendous and it would've been nice to share them on here.
Helpful - 0
996946 tn?1503249112
Hi Hanna, I had an ablation for a-fib in Sept.  It was a very good experience overall, I was completely out so I don't remember much.  i woke up in the recovery room and only felt a slight discomfort in my chest when taking a breath. I was in the hospital longer than normal because of some tachycardia. Had no pain but I did take ibuprophen for the inflammation caused by the ablation.  i felt really good within a few days.  The only problem is I had to go on an anti-arrhythmic drug....and by Dec. the drug was keeping me in NSR.  Then I was finally able to wean off it for good about 2 months ago.  So, all in all it has been a good recovery.  It usually takes 3-6 months to see if the ablation is considered a success.  I had an excellent Dr. who had performed thousands of ablations. You are so young, so it would be great if you could nip this in the bud and enjoy the rest of your life without arrhythmia.  Best of luck to you and let us know how it goes.  You have a lot of support on here.
Helpful - 0
1700211 tn?1312980234
Hiya, I'm 17 and was diagnosed with Wolff Parkinson White Syndrome almost a year ago. Im due to have catheter ablation in a week. And to be honest im sh**ing myself. I can't speak to anybody because I don't want to worry them by telling them i'm really scared. If anybody's had it done, any information would be really appreciated :)
Hanna xx
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I posted a comment last night about an afib problem. Where would I check to see if anyone responded. I assumed in this forum, but I see none. Can someone enlighten me?

                                  thanks gail
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
So comforting to know I am not alone with this problem.  I am now 58, have had SVT since I was 13.  For many years I was misdiagnosed, called a hypochondriac, etc.  When I was in my early 30's, the episodes became more and more frequent and severe.  By the time I was 47, they were completely out of control, the short story is that I was finally diagnosed in the ambulance on the way to the hospital, given adenosine which is an unpleasant experience but its the only thing that would break the SVT.  (See my journal for more details if you are interested.)  I have been on atenolol for the past 10 years, worked well in preventing episodes, but bad side effects.  Now the atenolol is not working as well, had a very bad episode of SVT a few weeks ago, back in the ER, adenosine again.  ER doc, bless her, referred me to a cardiologist.  He will be doing an EP ablation on me in 2 weeks.  Finally, a chance for a normal life.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have had atrial fibulation for years. Can a pacemaker help me?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I was diagnosed with Sinus Tachycardia - had antiboitcs as my bloods came back with white being super high (fighting an unknown Infection) and my reds were really low (carrying the oxygen) which did not help at all. I can't have caffiene, booze, junkfood, really hot showers or sitting in the sun or standing up more than a minute or so-still can do but i know it will increase my heartrate. Told it was'nt serious by the doctor then the Cardiologist forgot to organise (2months ago mind you) my holter monitor for 24hrs to determine what rythym I have so they know which pills to prescribe me, at first both my ECK's came back normal rythym but they said after the first dose of anti-botics it should of gone away but 3 months later I still have it ( not as bad as it was but very annoying) My pulse is up 90% of the day even doing light housework or a small glass of wine, working fulltime is a nightmare as im in an office staring at a pc screen all day from 8am-5.30pm.Im a light sleeper as well which doesnt help-find it uncomfy to lay on the left side.

Im 25yrs old - female-no other medical conditions-was fine up until last december..how can you not know your body has an infection and causes all this???

Any ideas as to what else I can do to get healthy and fight this?

Ive been told the new liquid fish oil (flavoured and is equivalent to 25x fish oil caplets) so is the best so far-havent brought any yet but any other ideas-also been doing green smoothies and trying to eat healthy at least 80% of the day
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Please help me o hav a cobstant leaking in my chest docs say om fine help
Helpful - 0
1456074 tn?1285365273
Its nice to be able to read about other people with the same problems as me. I am 23 years old and I have SVT. Its so scarey. The finally did an abaltion last March because it was so bad I was passing out and  I have 2 toddlers. The Dr. told me he belived that it was 100% sucessful. I thought so as well. But this week I seem to be getting all my problems back. Racing heart,chest pains,dizzy and Ive been so weak and tired. I have also been expierencing migranes(which I never did before). Not sure if the migranes play a part with SVT? anyone else had bad migranes and SVT? I am worried that my ablation was not suscessful. I have read that some people have multiple abaltions before completely having no more palpitaions...?
Helpful - 0
1352944 tn?1286226656
Hello everyone. I'm not new to the community but I never posted before. I am about two weeks post-ablation for my SVT. They couldn't induce the SVT arrhythmia during the EP study but because of the way my heart responded (multiple PVC's, PAC's, etc.) and the way my heart was structurally they could still do the ablation. I've had a loop recorder (it's an implantable cardiac monitor, feel free to message me if you're curious about it :) ) in for the past year or so and that's how they've been catching the SVT on a monitor (I still have the loop recorder in, no talk about having it out yet). I've had episodes of the SVT with syncope(fainting) and near syncope for the past 5 years and it's been awful (due to me have no warning of course and also due to the fact that almost every SVT run results in syncope) . I spent a lot of time in hospital ER's due to it, though I always seemed to end up there *after* the SVT stopped and everyone thought I was just crazy. I'm hopeful that this is "the cure" (I've had no syncope since a week before the ablation) and that I will not have to worry about this stuff anymore. I did have a mild complication with my ablation (just infection, am on Keflex for a while), and the cardio says it's from the nurses using silver nitrate on my catheter site (it wouldn't stop bleeding). Hope everyone is feeling okay! <3
Helpful - 0
1397648 tn?1288142926
Hello, just diagnosed with afib 1-1/2 years ago. Looking into ablation. My cardiologist really put the fear of god in me about risks. I know it can help me if successful. Anybody had the downside?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
kataka666, hi, this is kay1951. That would be scary. I have expeirenced sorta the same thing. I'am 58yr's old and have had pvc's every day and alot of them.for about 8+yrs. This is an awful feeling as i can feel my heart skip the beats. I do see a EP specialist for this. I hope you have seen a heart dr. and had you're heart checked out. That way you know if their is something you should wory about or not. Please see a heart dr. and try not to get to stressed out. Hoping the best for you. kay1951
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hello
I hope I CAN explain my problem good.2months ago I start have melt chest pain.The chest pain is there always for 24 hours ,Pain intense change all the time . Pain go to back arms and neck, Doctor keep saying to me it is nothing serious , even he never check me or send me anywhere to check .Now the heart start act even more strange ,it is not beating fast but hard.i GET so scary from it. I feel this big bang pulse so much. I have to stop and wait what will happening. Somebody have experience with same problem??? Please let me know
I start be really scary and Doctor dont want help me at all
THANK YOU
Katarina
Helpful - 0
793815 tn?1285491456
Hi Julie. I am 1 year and 4 months post cardiac ablation for sick sinus syndrome and transient paroxysmal atrial fib. It was (still can be) awful. Sotalol was the first drug that was tried when I spent 9 days in the hospital the first time, and even tho everyone is different when it comes to these antiarrhythmic meds, it caused pvc and terrible stomache and bowel issues. I was sick on the stuff. Amiodarone made me emotional and jittery, lots of tears and after the loading dose, did not help my flutter or bouts of atrial tachycardia. Maybe a different med would help, there are several. I reccomend a reading EKGs for dummies book that I got used on Amazon. It explained my poor r wave progression and my Q-T intervals. It is written in a ling that is easier to understand. Oh, and as far as your cardio or EP, they need to slow down and explain things if you have questions. You are putting your life in their hands. Get a new doc! I love love love both my cardiologist and my EP and am very fortunate to have them managing this mess. It is better now, much more managed, but I still jump out of rhythm for a day or two or three and it discourages me. Keep your chin up girl and go shopping for a new doctor. There are many out there. Websites that rate the office and the doc are helpful and there are many of them online. I hope this helps some. I know it is hard. This disease is a hard thing to try to get accustom to and I have been dealing with it since Christmas 3 years ago. I am 46 yrs old, I feel like I am getting old before my time. Shouldn't these problems rear their ugly heads in my retirement years? I guess not from reading the posts of 21 year olds and evena few children. Just know that we are not alone in this. This website has helped me realize this and it comforts me so much. Have a great day! Sharon
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have just been released from the hospital today, I was in to try Tikosyn. A few months ago I started feeling the pvc's, everything I have read says they are relatively innocent. My cardiologist originally had me on Atenolol, when that did not work Verapamil was added. I could see a difference but they were still happening. When I went for a med check I was having a bad day and the doctor could hear it in my chest, that day my pulse was down to 42, I have noticed that happen regular at home also. He said that it would be a good idea at that point to try Tikosyn. I like my doctor but he is not good at explaining and I honestly dont know what I should be asking. When in the hospital the Tikosyn didnt work, then he was going to put me on  Amiodarone, he said he really didnt want to becuase of my age I am 35, but he said as a last resort we might have to. Instead I am on Veramamil and Sotalol. I am worried about it not working, I really dont want to go on amiodarone. I am still having pvc's not as bad, I know that they need my qt to be better than it was. My last ekg this morning I was having pvc's but he said he didnt see any of the irregular heartbeats. I was under the impression that PVC and Irregualr heartbeats are the same, are they?They seemed really concerned over my QT I think the distance between, how important is what they were watching with my qt?( not sure what that means) I have them as often as everyother to every 5th they are horrible and make me feel terrible, they can go on for a short time or all day. Can PVC's cause any damage to my heart? Wouldnt it be better to control as much as possible with what I am on and have PVC's less frequent then it would be go on Amiodarone? In my opinion I worry because my original combination of meds work, just not the greatest. shouldnt he have just change up the doses instead of possibly going on to the Amiodarone? I go see him again on tuesday, but so far I think I had the better reaction from the old meds, and if he says when they dont work to try amiodarone I figure I will tell him I want my other doses back instead, not only a waist of 4 days in ICU to go on the ones that dont work but I am still back to square one, as long as it wont damage anything I am ok with that. I am debating if I should find another doctor. I just dont know.  I just took my solotol and am finding I really dont think I like it I think the PVC acts up when I take it, not sure yet. Sorry for jumping around so much, thank you for any input you might have.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
You're welcome.  I am currently taking Atenolol 50mg (15 years) and Digoxin 0.125 mg. for the last 7 weeks.  I have to say that my heart hasn't felt so settled in a long time since I started taking Digoxin.  I am going through o a very stressful time in my life currently, with no problems so far.  I have never liked taking Atenolol because it makes me feel tired but it keeps my bp low and more importantly, my adrenaline levels under control.  I am not too keen to stay on Atenolol much longer as my triglycerides are increasing and I have read on line that in Britain this drug is not used as a frontline drug as more;  doctors there prescribe CCB instead because there appears to be a strong link between Atenolol and Type 2 diabetes.  So I am praying that after the ablation I will be pharmaceutical drug free.  The only medication I want in my body is what I get from my naturopathic doctor.  Seriously consider seeing an EP specialist with regard to the ablation.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
thanks for the post - I'll be watching to hear from you about your experience with the ablation.  My doc suggested it, but since I don't have insurance, it's just not an option at present....unless the episodes continue to break through the meds, I guess.  Then I'll have to figure something out.  Are you on any meds at present?  And do they dump your bp?  I'm so tired of feeling exhausted all the time!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have recently been diagnosed with PSVT - AVNRT and saw an EP specialist on Tuesday.  I will be having an ablation done at the end of May.  After living with this condition for 28 years, and 3 trips to the ER in the last 6 months (via ambulance) I've had enough.  I have been told that this condition has a high success rate for cure.  Consider going to an EP specialist in your area.  i will be posting about my experience.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
hi everyone - I've been diagnosed with PSVT, have had occasional episodes over the years but just rode them out (while feeling horrible) until this January, when one got so bad and nothing I did would ease it.  Went in to ER, they all moved really fast & hooked up IV, Adenosine, and that took care of the problem.  Nothing until a couple of weeks ago, when one hit again - another bad one.  I'm over 200bpm when those hit, it hurts, I feel shaky and dizzy, you all know how it goes.  Back to ER, more Adenosine and, again, that fixed it.  Then they began happening even more often, so made appt w/doc. (Don't have insurance, so those $2,000-per visits to the ER are hurting!)
He put me on Metropol daily, with the Propol as a 'pocket pill'.  I have always had low blood pressure, so of course the Metropol dropped it even lower - makes me dopey and dizzy and SO tired.  This morning, another episode hit - I hadn't taken the Metropol yesterday because I was tired of feeling tired...that'll teach me!  I took the dose of Metropol, and ended up taking 2 of the Propol because nothing was helping.  Took six hours for the episode to go away - rough day.  Now I'm dealing with the hypotension symptoms, of course, and heart still hurts because it's been running several back-to-back marathons all day.  I'm 56, in good physical shape, generally pretty healthy - but I also have three little foster kids whom I'm going to adopt, and they need me to stay active!  It's just frustrating, and scary - I'm so glad to have found this site and be able to read everyone else's stories.  Sorry for the loooong post!
Sunnymama
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Like everyone, I suffer from these and have done for 9 months. They started just a couple of flutters a day, now they can go for hours with thuds, jumps, flutters, dizzy spells etc etc.

people have said bananas have helped. Others say magnesium helps, and one person swears by taurine.

I have just seen a homeopath an d will start that treatment today.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Heart Rhythm Community

Top Arrhythmias Answerers
1807132 tn?1318743597
Chicago, IL
1423357 tn?1511085442
Central, MA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Are there grounds to recommend coffee consumption? Recent studies perk interest.
Salt in food can hurt your heart.
Get answers to your top questions about this common — but scary — symptom
How to know when chest pain may be a sign of something else
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.