Aa
palpitations - why can't they diagnose anything????
I am a 38 year old female who has really been through the ringer getting my heart checked out. I have been for ultrasounds, EKG's, two unsuccessful ablations and probably any other testing that you can imagine. The doctors say that I have a structurally normal heart and not to worry about what I feel.
I have been diagnosed with PVC's, short runs of SVT, and non-sustained v-tach (which I don't think happens too frequently). I have been on numerous beta-blockers which I do not do well on and I still feel every skipped beat that I get. I find I get really bad headaches and my blood pressure is super low 80/56 when I am beta blockers. I naturally have low blood pressure so I think the beta blockers make it even lower.
Why can't they find out why my heart acts up all of the time? I constantly feel skips, a fluttering sensation and sometimes it just starts pounding for no reason at all!!!! I can't stand it anymore. There is not a day that goes by when I don't feel something funny going on in there and it really scares me. Is there not some operation that can fix what is going on???? Since they have found all of these things that are happening (ie: the PVC's - approximately 10 a day, but really hard ones, svt and non-sustained v-tach), why do they tell me not to worry????? They have said I could go on an anti-arrythmic if I wanted to but it was not necessary. I DO NOT want to go on an anti-arrythmic, I am too scared to go on it.
What else can I do? I am driving my doctor crazy, I go back to her probably once per month and tell her I can't take this heart issue anymore. She is always very nice to me but I am at the point I am embarrased to go see her because she says she does not know where else to send me.
What can I do?? Am I driving myself crazy with this. I really feel there is something wrong in there but everyone tells me there is not and a lot of people get weird sensations.
I have been diagnosed with PVC's, short runs of SVT, and non-sustained v-tach (which I don't think happens too frequently). I have been on numerous beta-blockers which I do not do well on and I still feel every skipped beat that I get. I find I get really bad headaches and my blood pressure is super low 80/56 when I am beta blockers. I naturally have low blood pressure so I think the beta blockers make it even lower.
Why can't they find out why my heart acts up all of the time? I constantly feel skips, a fluttering sensation and sometimes it just starts pounding for no reason at all!!!! I can't stand it anymore. There is not a day that goes by when I don't feel something funny going on in there and it really scares me. Is there not some operation that can fix what is going on???? Since they have found all of these things that are happening (ie: the PVC's - approximately 10 a day, but really hard ones, svt and non-sustained v-tach), why do they tell me not to worry????? They have said I could go on an anti-arrythmic if I wanted to but it was not necessary. I DO NOT want to go on an anti-arrythmic, I am too scared to go on it.
What else can I do? I am driving my doctor crazy, I go back to her probably once per month and tell her I can't take this heart issue anymore. She is always very nice to me but I am at the point I am embarrased to go see her because she says she does not know where else to send me.
What can I do?? Am I driving myself crazy with this. I really feel there is something wrong in there but everyone tells me there is not and a lot of people get weird sensations.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Dear Ingrid,
I'm not sure I have anything to add. It sounds like these palpitations have been well examined and are not dangerous. If they are bothering you so much though perhaps you should consider an antiarrhythmic such as flecanide. These drugs are successful in suppressing these sort of arrhythmias. There is some increased risk taking one but the benefits in your case may outweigh the risks. Just something to think about and discuss with your doctor. Best wishes.
I'm not sure I have anything to add. It sounds like these palpitations have been well examined and are not dangerous. If they are bothering you so much though perhaps you should consider an antiarrhythmic such as flecanide. These drugs are successful in suppressing these sort of arrhythmias. There is some increased risk taking one but the benefits in your case may outweigh the risks. Just something to think about and discuss with your doctor. Best wishes.
I really sympathise with you Ingrid and I can relate to a lot of your frustration you are experiencing. Ive had a heart problem for 2.5 years now which is a racing heart of up to 200 or more just when it feels like it and I get a burning or cold feeling in my stomach or chest and feel really scared because 1.You dont know why its happening and 2.Every time you see a doctor they just say "dont worry its not life threatening" or whatever. I would like to know why it happens and what they can do about it not "take these betablockers for the rest of your life!" My dad and all his side of the family have heart conditions but with me,the doctors say there is nothing they can see thats wrong.I know its not right and can spend an hour nearly passing out with it and then the anxiety that follows because of what youve just experienced-I hope they get to the bottom of things with you.Good Luck.
Ingrid
All I can say is I have experienced some of the things your are talking about. This includes PVC's, SVT, and short runs of v-tach, and short runs of atrial fib. I also had all the tests and my heart is structurally normal. I had RF ablation to correct the SVT, but the PVC's will always be a part of my life. I also feel few beats of atrial fib almost every day. Ingrid, do you know some people with normal hearts have thousands of PVC's every day. You cannot let this control your life. You have to find something to take your mind off of it. For me it is running. With all of my heart concerns I started running and now run very long distances to relieve stress. I am still alive and will not let this thing control me. I don't plan on dropping dead, but if I do so be it. I might get cancer, I might get hit by a car, I might live to 80 and need diapers. Whatever happens, I have decided to move on. Good luck to you Ingrid.
All I can say is I have experienced some of the things your are talking about. This includes PVC's, SVT, and short runs of v-tach, and short runs of atrial fib. I also had all the tests and my heart is structurally normal. I had RF ablation to correct the SVT, but the PVC's will always be a part of my life. I also feel few beats of atrial fib almost every day. Ingrid, do you know some people with normal hearts have thousands of PVC's every day. You cannot let this control your life. You have to find something to take your mind off of it. For me it is running. With all of my heart concerns I started running and now run very long distances to relieve stress. I am still alive and will not let this thing control me. I don't plan on dropping dead, but if I do so be it. I might get cancer, I might get hit by a car, I might live to 80 and need diapers. Whatever happens, I have decided to move on. Good luck to you Ingrid.
Ingrid,
I can relate to what you are saying. I had SVT, PVC's and non sustained VT. I had 3 abaltions and I also can't handle beta blockers. Of the three abaltion, the only thing fixed was the SVT. I don't want to go on an anti-arrythmic drugs either. They are way to dangerous. But I can't live like this. It seems that sometimes doctors think because it likely won't kill you, it's no big deal. Well, they don't know what happens to the quality of life. The good news for me is I finally saw a doctor who is pretty sure he can fix this. I don't want to plug another hospital on this site. But e-mail me at ***@****, and I'll tell you about it.
P.S
How many abaltions are too many? How many have you all had?
Ben
I can relate to what you are saying. I had SVT, PVC's and non sustained VT. I had 3 abaltions and I also can't handle beta blockers. Of the three abaltion, the only thing fixed was the SVT. I don't want to go on an anti-arrythmic drugs either. They are way to dangerous. But I can't live like this. It seems that sometimes doctors think because it likely won't kill you, it's no big deal. Well, they don't know what happens to the quality of life. The good news for me is I finally saw a doctor who is pretty sure he can fix this. I don't want to plug another hospital on this site. But e-mail me at ***@****, and I'll tell you about it.
P.S
How many abaltions are too many? How many have you all had?
Ben
dan,
i love your attitude!!!...i wish i could have some of that!
im working on it.
i love your attitude!!!...i wish i could have some of that!
im working on it.
I had these also when I was younger and I occasionally get them now. No one could find anything wrong.
The more I thought about them..the worse I got.
Twenty years have passed and guess what, I am still alive.
I am on no meds..nor have I had any procedures.
I think of other things when they occur.
Good Luck.
The more I thought about them..the worse I got.
Twenty years have passed and guess what, I am still alive.
I am on no meds..nor have I had any procedures.
I think of other things when they occur.
Good Luck.
Ingred
I am a 45 year old male with heart disease and had a double bypass 2 years ago. I have had PVC's all my life to the point where I lay in bed and actualy get amused by them because they are so erratic. I have been told that PVC's are not unusual with many many people and not to worry, so I don't. Even the heart disease is put on the back burner once you get your head around it.
Live right and live happy and don't worry about something you don't have control over. If you have been checked out by Doctors and they assure you your Okay then carry on.
Good Luck
John
I am a 45 year old male with heart disease and had a double bypass 2 years ago. I have had PVC's all my life to the point where I lay in bed and actualy get amused by them because they are so erratic. I have been told that PVC's are not unusual with many many people and not to worry, so I don't. Even the heart disease is put on the back burner once you get your head around it.
Live right and live happy and don't worry about something you don't have control over. If you have been checked out by Doctors and they assure you your Okay then carry on.
Good Luck
John
Ingrid,
I too have these PVC's. It naturally concerned me, I fly for a living in the military. Believe me, if there was a problem with this, I would not be flying today. So, I figured, why not let what happens to me happen. In other words, why worry about something which you have no control over. Sure you fell uncomfortable, scared, alone, but the truth is you are not alone in your condition, you don't need to be scared (if your doctor has checked you out), and you need to get over worrying about the "uncomfortable" feeling. If you don't exercise regularly, i.e. 3-4 times a week for at least 20 min's, then you should start. Just walk somewhere for 10 min's, turn around and come home. As time goes on, increase your pace (if you want) or maybe start jogging for portions. The point is, don't be sedentary! If you are concerned this much about "dying" or having a heart condition, then you should have the motivation to exercise. Good luck.
I too have these PVC's. It naturally concerned me, I fly for a living in the military. Believe me, if there was a problem with this, I would not be flying today. So, I figured, why not let what happens to me happen. In other words, why worry about something which you have no control over. Sure you fell uncomfortable, scared, alone, but the truth is you are not alone in your condition, you don't need to be scared (if your doctor has checked you out), and you need to get over worrying about the "uncomfortable" feeling. If you don't exercise regularly, i.e. 3-4 times a week for at least 20 min's, then you should start. Just walk somewhere for 10 min's, turn around and come home. As time goes on, increase your pace (if you want) or maybe start jogging for portions. The point is, don't be sedentary! If you are concerned this much about "dying" or having a heart condition, then you should have the motivation to exercise. Good luck.
I have had PVC's, salvos, SVT, and all sorts of weird flutterings,jumps, and skips for the past 16 years. I read something on this Forum a few months ago about magnesium and immediately tried it myself, even though I was a bit skeptical. I have had excellent results. It hasn't cured my problem completely as I still have short runs of SVT, and some PVC's. But, the PVC's and other strange beats have decreased a minimum of 70%. I never had these results on any of the beta blockers I tried in the past. I have also had every test imaginable and my doctor is at a loss of what to do for me. My doctor is encouraged that the magnesium has been helping me so much and has encouraged me to continue. I have done much reading on the subject and have found that many are magnesium deficient, to include a good majority of the people who suffer from mitral valve prolapse. Since being on the magnesium, there has also been a major decrease in my anxiety symptoms. I know where you are coming from. I was to the point where these things were totally ruining my quality of life. I now feel that I can at least manage them. Most health books will tell you about the benefits of magnesium. You might want to at least read up on this and talk to your doctor about it.
I also know what you are going through, I have had the same heart pvc's and the whole 10 yards... It turned into atrial fib attacks that send me to e.r. several times . the last time I was in flordia and spent 3 days in the hospital on my vacation, well I guess you know that upset me. Then when I got home I had another one and this time I stayed in the hospital and let my doctor try a antiarrhimia drug on me called ( tambacor) I Bless the medication that I take when I take it and to me this has been a the greatest thing I ever did, I am totally free of any pvc's and feel good some times I get a little tired and minor side effects but all and all it is worth it to me. If you have a good doctor that follows you they will find the right drug for you if that does'nt work.... I am now thinking of a ablation that us suppose to be 99% cure rate. Why i am considering it is because of the cost of the drug it is very expense and I don't have crip. insurance.... If I did I think I would stay on it... in the long run it is a quality life now. and that is important to me.... Good luck Jane
Damn it... I would really like to know why so many of us are feeling the same symptoms and the doctors can tell us we are fine!!! I am going to try the magnesium... right now I am open to try just about anything to help the problem. Thanks everyone. I would love to hear from any of you who may be able to provide additional information. I have more trust for the "people" who experience these same symptoms than for the doctors. Please email me at: ***@**** .. Thanks PS - to the person who supplied the magnesium suggestion or anyone else who may know... What foods are magnesium supplied in naturally?
Here's some info on magnesium that I came across that I thought might be helpful:
Magnesium
Recommended daily allowance: 400 mg (milligrams).
Symptoms of deficiency: Nausea, muscle weakness, irritability and electrical changes in the heart muscle, confusion and delirium.
Benefits: May help prevent heart attack. Eases PMS. Beneficial for high blood pressure, heart arrhythmia, asthma and kidney stones.
Good food sources: Brown rice, avocados, spinach, haddock, oatmeal, baked potatoes, navy beans, lima beans, broccoli, yogurt, bananas, soybeans, bran, nuts.
Cautions: People with kidney or heart problems should check with their doctor before taking magnesium supplements.
Substance interactions: Decreases absorption of magnesium: vitamins A, E and K. Magnesium reduces absorption of ketoconazole and tetracycline. Vitamin D may raise magnesium level too high.
Signs of toxicity: Vomiting, extremely low blood pressure, extreme muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, heartbeat irregularity. Discontinue and consult doctor immediately.
* Very important for cell energy production. Influences calcium levels inside cells. Helps transport sodium and potassium across cell membranes. Aids bone growth.
* Helps transmit electrical impulses across nerves and muscles, which generates a neuromuscular contraction, causing your muscles to flex. Absence of magnesium will cause muscles to cramp.
* The body loses magnesium due to excessive calcium intake, stress, prescription asthma drugs, diuretics (water pills), digitalis and other cardiovascular medications, alcohol and caffeine. Diabetics lose magnesium through the kidneys.
* Several types of magnesium including gluconate, oxide, and chloride. Magnesium gluconate may be taken on an empty stomach; it is absorbed more quickly than the other forms; less may be taken due to better absorbability.
* May help in the treatment of alcoholism.
* Most diabetics are deficient in vitamins and minerals, including magnesium. These deficiencies may reflect a reduced ability to absorb and utilize nutrients.
I think I might try this option also!!!!
Magnesium
Recommended daily allowance: 400 mg (milligrams).
Symptoms of deficiency: Nausea, muscle weakness, irritability and electrical changes in the heart muscle, confusion and delirium.
Benefits: May help prevent heart attack. Eases PMS. Beneficial for high blood pressure, heart arrhythmia, asthma and kidney stones.
Good food sources: Brown rice, avocados, spinach, haddock, oatmeal, baked potatoes, navy beans, lima beans, broccoli, yogurt, bananas, soybeans, bran, nuts.
Cautions: People with kidney or heart problems should check with their doctor before taking magnesium supplements.
Substance interactions: Decreases absorption of magnesium: vitamins A, E and K. Magnesium reduces absorption of ketoconazole and tetracycline. Vitamin D may raise magnesium level too high.
Signs of toxicity: Vomiting, extremely low blood pressure, extreme muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, heartbeat irregularity. Discontinue and consult doctor immediately.
* Very important for cell energy production. Influences calcium levels inside cells. Helps transport sodium and potassium across cell membranes. Aids bone growth.
* Helps transmit electrical impulses across nerves and muscles, which generates a neuromuscular contraction, causing your muscles to flex. Absence of magnesium will cause muscles to cramp.
* The body loses magnesium due to excessive calcium intake, stress, prescription asthma drugs, diuretics (water pills), digitalis and other cardiovascular medications, alcohol and caffeine. Diabetics lose magnesium through the kidneys.
* Several types of magnesium including gluconate, oxide, and chloride. Magnesium gluconate may be taken on an empty stomach; it is absorbed more quickly than the other forms; less may be taken due to better absorbability.
* May help in the treatment of alcoholism.
* Most diabetics are deficient in vitamins and minerals, including magnesium. These deficiencies may reflect a reduced ability to absorb and utilize nutrients.
I think I might try this option also!!!!
Hi, as all the others I too have PVC's and infrequent non-sustained V-tach. It is the most frightening and miserable thing I have ever experienced. I am getting ready to have elective surgery and worry that I am going to have problems with the anesthesia and/or pain meds because of the PVC's. I try to get my mind off of the PVC's but when they come in a row---it really scares me. I have had them for 7 years, but it seems they are getting worse. I started on the magnesium about 2 weeks ago but haven't experienced a decrease yet. Does anyone know how long it takes to improve with the magnesium? Well prayers for all of us with PVC's.
I am a 25 year old female who also suffers most of the problems you are all desribing and I am also getting the " nothings wrong..just relax" attitude from my doctor. I find it very difficult to relax when I feel my heart fluttering around like a moth flying round a light bulb. My quality of life has dropped drastically over the last 2 years and I find it very difficult to just enjoy my children when most days Im thinking about how they will cope after my heart finally gives up. At the moment Ive started taking beta blockers ( after a week no real improvemt) and I have researched some natural remedies and have come up with the folowing. magnesium, hops & hawthorn berry are all supposed to be beneficial. Ive also heard good reports about a herbal product called Matol, I have ordered a bottle and It should be arriving this week. Hope it helps. Im so sick of my heart being the focal point of my existence. I would like to go jsut one day without the need to take my pulse. I finally badgered my doc into giving me a referal to a cardiologist. Guess I will wait and see. :/
***@****
***@****
Hello everyone,
I have had a miserable day (heartwise). I don't really know the terminology for everything but I now know exactly what happens to me. I have been taking my pulse for a good part of the day trying to "catch it" in action. I did! What happens is my heart is definitely skipping a beat and then the next beat comes in a big "pound" causing the next few beats after that to speed up a bit. It then regulates to normal and a few minutes goes by and it happens again. It is totally unpredictable. Sometimes an hour will go by with nothing and then the next hour it will happen every few minutes. I am also so tired of this being the focus of my day. I cannot concentrate on anything. I am extremely preoccupied with this horrible sensation. I will not have health insurance with my new job until October 1st but as soon as I get it I am marching in to the doctor and demanding a holter monitor. I don't even know that there is much that can be done for this condition. It comes and goes and I want to know why. I will have months with rarely an incident and then a month or two were it happens so often I cannot focus on anything. I have two young children and my biggest fear in life is something happening to me... what will happen to them. All I can do is pray and try to believe that one day this problem will leave me for good. Yesterday I tried starting the potassium and magnesium. PLEASE WORK!
Thank you all for being there and sharing ...
Lenore
I have had a miserable day (heartwise). I don't really know the terminology for everything but I now know exactly what happens to me. I have been taking my pulse for a good part of the day trying to "catch it" in action. I did! What happens is my heart is definitely skipping a beat and then the next beat comes in a big "pound" causing the next few beats after that to speed up a bit. It then regulates to normal and a few minutes goes by and it happens again. It is totally unpredictable. Sometimes an hour will go by with nothing and then the next hour it will happen every few minutes. I am also so tired of this being the focus of my day. I cannot concentrate on anything. I am extremely preoccupied with this horrible sensation. I will not have health insurance with my new job until October 1st but as soon as I get it I am marching in to the doctor and demanding a holter monitor. I don't even know that there is much that can be done for this condition. It comes and goes and I want to know why. I will have months with rarely an incident and then a month or two were it happens so often I cannot focus on anything. I have two young children and my biggest fear in life is something happening to me... what will happen to them. All I can do is pray and try to believe that one day this problem will leave me for good. Yesterday I tried starting the potassium and magnesium. PLEASE WORK!
Thank you all for being there and sharing ...
Lenore
Hello Lenore, there are also other things that can cause
the heart rhythm to act up, i.e. thyroid, anemia, like a low B12 count, etc.
Pls. bring this up to your doctor when you see him after 10/1/00. I had to research my symptoms and asked the doc for specific testings.
Good Luck to You.
the heart rhythm to act up, i.e. thyroid, anemia, like a low B12 count, etc.
Pls. bring this up to your doctor when you see him after 10/1/00. I had to research my symptoms and asked the doc for specific testings.
Good Luck to You.
hello everyone...
i too suffer....and i an a medical student
i have recently explored the magnesium thing and after
my own study and consultation with some of my med
profs., i have come to the conclusion that unless a magnesium
diff. is the root of your problem (tests will easily show this),
that extra magnesium will not help. if so, study (and MANY have been done) does not show that extra Mg has any effect on frequency or severity. some may recieve a placebo effect, and when you really think about it, if extra Mg was the silver bullet, wouldnt your MD have suggested it to you as a possible therapy?
just a thought
med student
i too suffer....and i an a medical student
i have recently explored the magnesium thing and after
my own study and consultation with some of my med
profs., i have come to the conclusion that unless a magnesium
diff. is the root of your problem (tests will easily show this),
that extra magnesium will not help. if so, study (and MANY have been done) does not show that extra Mg has any effect on frequency or severity. some may recieve a placebo effect, and when you really think about it, if extra Mg was the silver bullet, wouldnt your MD have suggested it to you as a possible therapy?
just a thought
med student
Hi everyone, after reading all your comments, I too as you have probably guess, is dealing with these stinking symptons on a daily basis. My problems first started when I was 33. I'm now 39.
I have been going to a cardiologist since july of 1998. Since september of 1999 I have been on toprol. I started on 25mg. a day, but now I take 50mg twice daily. The first few days after I started the toprol I felt really tired. But after a week or so , that went away. My symptoms first started with a rapid heart rate, then the next thing I felt was fluttering, I also get which makes me, lets just say slightly nervous or I should really say enormously nervous, is I feel like a flutter then I dont know what it is exactly doing, wether my heart rate slows down or what, but then I cough on purpose and do something like walk fast or whatever, and then sometimes I feel like a warm flush up to my face, or it just feel like a hot flash, (but the hot flash feeling doesnt always happen when I get this event)and my heart rate goes from whatever it was doing to to a slightly fast rate(thats because of the toprol, before the toprol, when it went to the fast rate it, was really fast) back down to the normal rate, then the event is ususally over with. I dont know what it is that I experience, but that and my other symptons become more numerous around ovulation and the other time of the month.
I have been going to a cardiologist since july of 1998. Since september of 1999 I have been on toprol. I started on 25mg. a day, but now I take 50mg twice daily. The first few days after I started the toprol I felt really tired. But after a week or so , that went away. My symptoms first started with a rapid heart rate, then the next thing I felt was fluttering, I also get which makes me, lets just say slightly nervous or I should really say enormously nervous, is I feel like a flutter then I dont know what it is exactly doing, wether my heart rate slows down or what, but then I cough on purpose and do something like walk fast or whatever, and then sometimes I feel like a warm flush up to my face, or it just feel like a hot flash, (but the hot flash feeling doesnt always happen when I get this event)and my heart rate goes from whatever it was doing to to a slightly fast rate(thats because of the toprol, before the toprol, when it went to the fast rate it, was really fast) back down to the normal rate, then the event is ususally over with. I dont know what it is that I experience, but that and my other symptons become more numerous around ovulation and the other time of the month.
Hi everyone. I had to get up out of bed because I couldn't stand feeling the tumbling in my chest anymore. I figured let me type skipped beats in on the internet and see what I get, well it sounds like my life story. After years of crying and complaining to heart specialists and family doctor they finally convinced me to take Zoloft an anti-depressant. I kept telling them I wasn't actually depressed but more anxious about the horrible fluttering, long pauses, hard come-back beats etc. But at 35 I figured I was fixing to kick the bucket because it had gotten to the point that besides the bad (sometimes more than one in a row) skipped beats I was experiencing weird feelings when I was almost asleep. Anyway after a few weeks on Zoloft, I was great, I am not kidding you, for about 5 years I was actually feeling normal. I could lay down and read a book in peace, interact with my four children, laugh and really feel normal what a blessing!!! Now about a week ago it (the weird beats) are back. I'm falling into the panic mode again. Rubbing my chest while trying to go to sleep and stupid things like that. I thought Zoloft was my savior now I'm afraid again, but reading everyone else's comments really is helping me at this early hour this morning. I'm thinking maybe it's hormonal, always looking for an answer! Thanks to all.
valerie- your condition sounds like a classisc case of PSVT to me....look it up here on this site....a RF abation procedure could cure you completely!
charlet- anti-depressant drugs have a nasty habit of decreasing in effectiveness over time. Some patients are actually put on a revolving schedule of 2 or 3 different medications to offset the body's conditioning to a certain type of drug. it may require a larger dose or even a change to another drug (ie. paxil,prozac). id talk to your doc about changing drugs or upping your dose .
ITS DISCLAIMER TIME!!! Im not a doctor and in no way affiliated with the Cleavland Clinic or Med help Itrnl. so take my advice at your own risk.....there is everyone happy?
charlet- anti-depressant drugs have a nasty habit of decreasing in effectiveness over time. Some patients are actually put on a revolving schedule of 2 or 3 different medications to offset the body's conditioning to a certain type of drug. it may require a larger dose or even a change to another drug (ie. paxil,prozac). id talk to your doc about changing drugs or upping your dose .
ITS DISCLAIMER TIME!!! Im not a doctor and in no way affiliated with the Cleavland Clinic or Med help Itrnl. so take my advice at your own risk.....there is everyone happy?
Hi to all,
All what I read describes what I actually feel. Lots of skipped beats and lots of conforting words from my doctor that nothing is abnormal. Actually I am now 42 and I had a heart attack at 39.Survived (proof I'm typing!). I have had those extra-systoles since a long time before my heart attack and they were bothering me alright then. After the attack they became scary to me. As I already said, my doctor made all possible tests, holter, stress test, blood tests (thyroid activity etc...). The last run of tests were on September 10,2000. He still claims there is nothing but due to my nagging (I really suffer from the crazy behavior of my heart who sometimes seems like dancing a mixture of samba and belly dancing!) my doctor prescribed an antiarrythmic drug: amiodarone (did anyone experienced it???).Anyway, I bought the drug and read the paper describing its composition ,side effects, etc...did'nt like that at all! I decided, to try magnesium and see. I will report my findings. Good luck to all.
Edgard, UAE
All what I read describes what I actually feel. Lots of skipped beats and lots of conforting words from my doctor that nothing is abnormal. Actually I am now 42 and I had a heart attack at 39.Survived (proof I'm typing!). I have had those extra-systoles since a long time before my heart attack and they were bothering me alright then. After the attack they became scary to me. As I already said, my doctor made all possible tests, holter, stress test, blood tests (thyroid activity etc...). The last run of tests were on September 10,2000. He still claims there is nothing but due to my nagging (I really suffer from the crazy behavior of my heart who sometimes seems like dancing a mixture of samba and belly dancing!) my doctor prescribed an antiarrythmic drug: amiodarone (did anyone experienced it???).Anyway, I bought the drug and read the paper describing its composition ,side effects, etc...did'nt like that at all! I decided, to try magnesium and see. I will report my findings. Good luck to all.
Edgard, UAE
Hi friends,
I am trying to do my own little investigation work to see what has caused me and maybe many others to get this very unnerving heart arrythmia. I was just wondering how many of you with this condition have had any form of local anesthesia sometime prior to the first onset of your symptoms. Mine started after the C-section I had 3 years ago. I had a local in my spine and for the next day or two I felt this strange and very light vibration travelling on and off through my body. I was pretty drugged up at the time so I did not make much of it but looking back on it now, I cannot help but wonder if this somehow messed up my nervous system causing the arrythmia to start. I could be grasping at straws with this but I thought maybe we could compare notes. I know finding out what caused it will not help it but I just really would like to know. I don't care what anyone says, things like this do not happen for no reason at all. There has to be an underlying cause. If we knew what caused it, perhaps we could prevent others from "future doom". Also, one other "long shot" possibility I have come up with has to do with "hiccups". Years ago I found a permanent cure for hiccups for myself and I have not had a case of hiccups since. Could hiccups actually serve a purpose? Could getting hiccups help to regulate our heartbeats? I know I am starting to sound a bit looney but you never know????? Anyone I would appreciate all of your feedback and comments. Thanks!
Lenore
I am trying to do my own little investigation work to see what has caused me and maybe many others to get this very unnerving heart arrythmia. I was just wondering how many of you with this condition have had any form of local anesthesia sometime prior to the first onset of your symptoms. Mine started after the C-section I had 3 years ago. I had a local in my spine and for the next day or two I felt this strange and very light vibration travelling on and off through my body. I was pretty drugged up at the time so I did not make much of it but looking back on it now, I cannot help but wonder if this somehow messed up my nervous system causing the arrythmia to start. I could be grasping at straws with this but I thought maybe we could compare notes. I know finding out what caused it will not help it but I just really would like to know. I don't care what anyone says, things like this do not happen for no reason at all. There has to be an underlying cause. If we knew what caused it, perhaps we could prevent others from "future doom". Also, one other "long shot" possibility I have come up with has to do with "hiccups". Years ago I found a permanent cure for hiccups for myself and I have not had a case of hiccups since. Could hiccups actually serve a purpose? Could getting hiccups help to regulate our heartbeats? I know I am starting to sound a bit looney but you never know????? Anyone I would appreciate all of your feedback and comments. Thanks!
Lenore
Dear Ingrid,
I'm 43 yr old male. HT/WT proportionate. No significant medical problems/history in life. Stable, calm, technical, inventive personality. In July 1998, underwent minor day surgery for a inguinial hernia, under common anaesthetic. 2 days later: first full fledged panic attack. Within 30 days, developed PVC's (about 1-5/month). Panic attacks grew more frequent(8+) over next 6 months. Developed mild claustriphobia. PVC's got much worse. Developed severe choking sensation. Off work for weeks. Extreme tightness in chest for 6+ months, felt like constant heart attack. 3 trips to emergency rooms in 1998 for choking, PVC's, heart attack and panic, but "no problem": a little Ativan and out the door in 2-3 hours. Family doctor tested EKG, blood, blood PH (slighly alkaline), potassium levels, thyroid, breathing, gallbladder function(HIDA Scan), Upper GI series, Barium enema, X-ray swallowing function & more. All normal. Weekly+ visits to family doctor. Got letters from the insurance company saying I visit the doctor and the ER too often. Family doctor hung in there with me and sent me to gastroenterologist, Ear,Nose,Throat doctor, pschyciatrist, cardiologist & pulmonary doctors. Pschy. put me on Paxil & Serzone and it helped tremendously with the anxiety. Quit taking Valium completely. Also referred to psychologist: Learned biofeedback, deep breathing, slow exhale, sequential body relaxation, music therapy and more I can't remember. I practice "slow exhale" daily, even hourly, as it works well, as you must keep the blood carbon dioxide level in the proper range. ENT doctor looked in my throat with fiberscope, and said "All OK". Pulmonary doctor looked inside my lungs with bigger fiberscope/TV and said "All OK". He even gave me a set of photo's to help convince me. GI doctor gave me CAT Scan, UGI & LGI x-Ray series (all normal) & Prevacid for GERD. It works great! That was all in last half of 1998. 1999 was better, with a few panic attacks, moderate anxiety, only 2 trip to ER, bi-weekly doctor visits, 3 holter monitors, 90 days of cardiac event monitoring (telephoned in 90+ events in 90 days) and lots (hundred or thousands) of PVC,s. Also had 2 Stress EKG's, and Heart Ultrasound, with Doppler. Cardiologist said "All OK, Great Heart Structure, Stick with your anti-depressants, and take Atenolol beta-blocker, 100 mg/day distributed daily dosing". I have the EKG printouts showing the PVC's. Now in the year 2000 (2 years later), my panic attacks are gone, and anxiety is almost gone. PVC's are still severe & fluctuate from 1-2/hour during workday to 10-30/hour during evening & laying in bed. It's a delayed beat and you feel like the heart won't start on the next beat. I have gotten partially used to them, lay in bed and compare the delay time before the next beat starts. I also get some flutter rarely. I still get scared, but can manage the fear and eventually will overcome it. Now I'm down to working with my cardiologist to establish a better dose level/schedule for the beta-blocker, looking for a second opinion to validate the opinion of the first cardiologist, continuing my anti-depressants and beta-blocker, losing weight, excercise more, flyfish more and see my family physician every 4 months. I will avoid anti-arrythmatics until no other choice, but will if necessary. Also, simplifying my life and removing every stress source I have some control over. My family doctor still accepts me as her patient, and is proud of my recovery through 2 years of difficulty beyond hers or my description. I know most of the above specialists' in the area, and they occasionally call me for input or testimonial to a troubled patient they may have or a medical peer who needs some legitimate feedback from someone who's "been there, done that". Over $50,000 spent (good insurance)and 2 years spent to recover from a $6,000 surgery. Did the surgery cause it all? That's another long, different story for another day. Ingrid, I want to assure you you can get through this period. I survived through times when it appeared death was imminent. My close friends and family are amazed I survived, they don't really understand all I've been through, and they second guessed every physician's opinion. It is imperative that you develop confidence in your family physician, be consistent and accurate in your symptom descriptions, don't bounce from doctor to doctor, do receive the proper specialist referrals, rule out significant medical causes, learn to distinguish between valid, proven, legitimate medical information and unproven speculation/theory, and develop an overall understanding of the complex inter-relationship between the heart, respiration, brain, anxiety, and fear. It is a difficult, but possible journey. I received 3 US patents in 1999 (non-medical) and look forward to more in the years to come. I will not let these PVC's destroy my life. I wish you and others like you the best in overcoming the difficult situation you are in. I will continue to monitor this forum.
Sincerely, Keith
I'm 43 yr old male. HT/WT proportionate. No significant medical problems/history in life. Stable, calm, technical, inventive personality. In July 1998, underwent minor day surgery for a inguinial hernia, under common anaesthetic. 2 days later: first full fledged panic attack. Within 30 days, developed PVC's (about 1-5/month). Panic attacks grew more frequent(8+) over next 6 months. Developed mild claustriphobia. PVC's got much worse. Developed severe choking sensation. Off work for weeks. Extreme tightness in chest for 6+ months, felt like constant heart attack. 3 trips to emergency rooms in 1998 for choking, PVC's, heart attack and panic, but "no problem": a little Ativan and out the door in 2-3 hours. Family doctor tested EKG, blood, blood PH (slighly alkaline), potassium levels, thyroid, breathing, gallbladder function(HIDA Scan), Upper GI series, Barium enema, X-ray swallowing function & more. All normal. Weekly+ visits to family doctor. Got letters from the insurance company saying I visit the doctor and the ER too often. Family doctor hung in there with me and sent me to gastroenterologist, Ear,Nose,Throat doctor, pschyciatrist, cardiologist & pulmonary doctors. Pschy. put me on Paxil & Serzone and it helped tremendously with the anxiety. Quit taking Valium completely. Also referred to psychologist: Learned biofeedback, deep breathing, slow exhale, sequential body relaxation, music therapy and more I can't remember. I practice "slow exhale" daily, even hourly, as it works well, as you must keep the blood carbon dioxide level in the proper range. ENT doctor looked in my throat with fiberscope, and said "All OK". Pulmonary doctor looked inside my lungs with bigger fiberscope/TV and said "All OK". He even gave me a set of photo's to help convince me. GI doctor gave me CAT Scan, UGI & LGI x-Ray series (all normal) & Prevacid for GERD. It works great! That was all in last half of 1998. 1999 was better, with a few panic attacks, moderate anxiety, only 2 trip to ER, bi-weekly doctor visits, 3 holter monitors, 90 days of cardiac event monitoring (telephoned in 90+ events in 90 days) and lots (hundred or thousands) of PVC,s. Also had 2 Stress EKG's, and Heart Ultrasound, with Doppler. Cardiologist said "All OK, Great Heart Structure, Stick with your anti-depressants, and take Atenolol beta-blocker, 100 mg/day distributed daily dosing". I have the EKG printouts showing the PVC's. Now in the year 2000 (2 years later), my panic attacks are gone, and anxiety is almost gone. PVC's are still severe & fluctuate from 1-2/hour during workday to 10-30/hour during evening & laying in bed. It's a delayed beat and you feel like the heart won't start on the next beat. I have gotten partially used to them, lay in bed and compare the delay time before the next beat starts. I also get some flutter rarely. I still get scared, but can manage the fear and eventually will overcome it. Now I'm down to working with my cardiologist to establish a better dose level/schedule for the beta-blocker, looking for a second opinion to validate the opinion of the first cardiologist, continuing my anti-depressants and beta-blocker, losing weight, excercise more, flyfish more and see my family physician every 4 months. I will avoid anti-arrythmatics until no other choice, but will if necessary. Also, simplifying my life and removing every stress source I have some control over. My family doctor still accepts me as her patient, and is proud of my recovery through 2 years of difficulty beyond hers or my description. I know most of the above specialists' in the area, and they occasionally call me for input or testimonial to a troubled patient they may have or a medical peer who needs some legitimate feedback from someone who's "been there, done that". Over $50,000 spent (good insurance)and 2 years spent to recover from a $6,000 surgery. Did the surgery cause it all? That's another long, different story for another day. Ingrid, I want to assure you you can get through this period. I survived through times when it appeared death was imminent. My close friends and family are amazed I survived, they don't really understand all I've been through, and they second guessed every physician's opinion. It is imperative that you develop confidence in your family physician, be consistent and accurate in your symptom descriptions, don't bounce from doctor to doctor, do receive the proper specialist referrals, rule out significant medical causes, learn to distinguish between valid, proven, legitimate medical information and unproven speculation/theory, and develop an overall understanding of the complex inter-relationship between the heart, respiration, brain, anxiety, and fear. It is a difficult, but possible journey. I received 3 US patents in 1999 (non-medical) and look forward to more in the years to come. I will not let these PVC's destroy my life. I wish you and others like you the best in overcoming the difficult situation you are in. I will continue to monitor this forum.
Sincerely, Keith
Keith,
You are my hero. Actually, all of you are. The more I read, the more I realized that maybe the ER docs and cardiologists are right. I will be fine and live a long life.
I am considering ablation therapy for PSVT's. I can't stop them by myself and have gone to ther ER twice to get Adenacard.
I am currently going to a psychologist for panic disorder. Also, I have cut out caffeine. I will give this 2 months. The reason for this is that I am a woman. My hormones rage about every 28 days. If I still get bad pvc's and psvt's I will start drinking tea again. All the docs said one cup of tea a day shouldn't upset my heart. We'll see.
Also, I get bad pvc's just as I'm falling asleep, too. I hate that. They jolt me and then the adrenaline keeps me up for another half hour.
Thanks for writing all of you. I don't feel so alone.
Holly
You are my hero. Actually, all of you are. The more I read, the more I realized that maybe the ER docs and cardiologists are right. I will be fine and live a long life.
I am considering ablation therapy for PSVT's. I can't stop them by myself and have gone to ther ER twice to get Adenacard.
I am currently going to a psychologist for panic disorder. Also, I have cut out caffeine. I will give this 2 months. The reason for this is that I am a woman. My hormones rage about every 28 days. If I still get bad pvc's and psvt's I will start drinking tea again. All the docs said one cup of tea a day shouldn't upset my heart. We'll see.
Also, I get bad pvc's just as I'm falling asleep, too. I hate that. They jolt me and then the adrenaline keeps me up for another half hour.
Thanks for writing all of you. I don't feel so alone.
Holly
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