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Flying and PVC's
My mom and I are going to NY on Sat., a 4 to 5 hour flight, and I'm terrified that my PVC's will act up again and ruin the trip for my mom. (She's 67 and has been waiting her whole life to go see the Statue of Liberty)
After a really terrible flight a few years ago where passengers, myself included, were literally screaming/crying, I have a hard time even going to the airport. (I got physically sick, collapsed and couldn't even get on the plane last year during the height of my 13 month cycle of PVC's.)
I'm already planning on taking a xanax, but in a state of high anxiety, even tranquilizers don't work very well for me. My attention span on a plane is zilch, so reading is out of the question......Any suggestions on getting through it without totally freaking out and stirring up my heart??
After a really terrible flight a few years ago where passengers, myself included, were literally screaming/crying, I have a hard time even going to the airport. (I got physically sick, collapsed and couldn't even get on the plane last year during the height of my 13 month cycle of PVC's.)
I'm already planning on taking a xanax, but in a state of high anxiety, even tranquilizers don't work very well for me. My attention span on a plane is zilch, so reading is out of the question......Any suggestions on getting through it without totally freaking out and stirring up my heart??
Hi Celeste!!
I checked with my sister and she said she takes 1/2 of a .25 Xanax and 1/2 of a Dramamine (not a whole one).
I checked with my sister and she said she takes 1/2 of a .25 Xanax and 1/2 of a Dramamine (not a whole one).
You guys are so nice!! I'm just so happy that I can help...and make you laugh : )
I have walked miles in your shoes and will continue to walk, sometimes out in front, sometimes lagging way behind...and sometimes right along side of you guys. Sappy, huh? lol....It's just that I can SO relate to where you guys are at and I know the road so well.
I have a stress echo and a recheck appointment in a few weeks and you'd think after this many years I wouldn't be nervous...wrong!! After all this time, I still get anxious over cardio appointments. But the difference is, now I do what I have to do despite the anxiety. I'm planning to treat myself to a Smoothie at the hospital after the test....Talk about a minimalist!! Doesn't take much....I just love a good Smoothie : ).
I am not a counselor, but I was a therapeutic foster parent for 10 years, and the kids I worked with taught me a lot!! We worked with children who had specific treatment plans and were involved with all kinds of therapy-type programs. I leaned SO much from the kids!! I contemplated a degree in Social Work, but the master’s program warranted a lot of volunteer hours and I wasn’t sure I could fulfill all of the requirements before it was time to retire…lol. I can’t begin to tell you how much it means to me when you let me know I could have been a counselor. That goes to the very core (heart) of who I am. I’m speechless, and that rarely happens…lol.
Celeste, I tried to send you a “box of tissues” in a PM, but the system doesn’t allow pictures….So, here’s your vitural box : ) And, we want to hear about your trip!! I love all the suggestions you got for traveling to NYC! What an awesome thread!!
Have a wonderful day everyone! You’ve made mine a stellar one!!
I have walked miles in your shoes and will continue to walk, sometimes out in front, sometimes lagging way behind...and sometimes right along side of you guys. Sappy, huh? lol....It's just that I can SO relate to where you guys are at and I know the road so well.
I have a stress echo and a recheck appointment in a few weeks and you'd think after this many years I wouldn't be nervous...wrong!! After all this time, I still get anxious over cardio appointments. But the difference is, now I do what I have to do despite the anxiety. I'm planning to treat myself to a Smoothie at the hospital after the test....Talk about a minimalist!! Doesn't take much....I just love a good Smoothie : ).
I am not a counselor, but I was a therapeutic foster parent for 10 years, and the kids I worked with taught me a lot!! We worked with children who had specific treatment plans and were involved with all kinds of therapy-type programs. I leaned SO much from the kids!! I contemplated a degree in Social Work, but the master’s program warranted a lot of volunteer hours and I wasn’t sure I could fulfill all of the requirements before it was time to retire…lol. I can’t begin to tell you how much it means to me when you let me know I could have been a counselor. That goes to the very core (heart) of who I am. I’m speechless, and that rarely happens…lol.
Celeste, I tried to send you a “box of tissues” in a PM, but the system doesn’t allow pictures….So, here’s your vitural box : ) And, we want to hear about your trip!! I love all the suggestions you got for traveling to NYC! What an awesome thread!!
Have a wonderful day everyone! You’ve made mine a stellar one!!
Here comes the tears again! Geez...anyone have a box of tissues...lol.
You know sinead...your a precious soul and I truly wish I knew you personally. I can't tell you how many times your words and compassion have gotten me through another day. Thank you so much for being here for me! You've become a dear online friend!
Take care while I'm gone!
xoxo
You know sinead...your a precious soul and I truly wish I knew you personally. I can't tell you how many times your words and compassion have gotten me through another day. Thank you so much for being here for me! You've become a dear online friend!
Take care while I'm gone!
xoxo
Celeste... you do exactly the same thing for other people here... your words are a godsend for people sometimes...
p.s. I totally agree... Connie should counsel for a living... she's awesome & has helped me MANY times too.
xoxo
p.s. I totally agree... Connie should counsel for a living... she's awesome & has helped me MANY times too.
xoxo
What a beautiful heartfelt post! It's not often that a post will hit so close to home for me and actually bring tears.... but, I thank you and appreciate it more then you can know!
I definetly needed to hear everything you wrote. It will make my flight, as well as my outlook on my arrhythmia's so much better. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
Be well!
LOL! You make me laugh!! I swear, if your not a counselor of some sort Connie, you have truly missed your calling! Of course your right. I've missed out on too much already because of these darn PVC's. I won't let it keep happening! And thanks for the dosage. I'll check with my doc and see if I can take it. I have a few allergies to meds but it would be heaven to walk on the plane and be relaxed!
I'll have to see how much they want for the access to the internet, but I'm thinking I'll be alright at this point and will get along fine with some cards, music, and perhaps a movie.
Think I'll grab a few gossip mags at the airport too!
Thanks again, your a lifeline around here!
Celeste
Hi,
You realize that you have endured problems with your heart rhythm that would probably put most heroes in the insane asylum? I suspect that most of your difficulties may be at the airport and not in the airplane. Once past security, the plane flight should be a breeze.
I hate airplane flights, you can probably recognize any plane that I have been on by the deep finger indentations in the arms of the seat. You know the Joke, "Doctor, it hurts when I do this" to which the Doctor responds "then don't do that", yet despite my fear of flying, I sit by and look out of the window. I am as stimulated by my fear as the hypothetical patient is by continuing to cause pain by pressing the spot. Trying to calm your conscious mind without coping with the situation is disingenuous to your unconscious mind. We all know we have arrhythmias, pretending that we don’t will not change anything. But learning how to live with what we have makes us complete, even if we perceive ourselves as imperfect, which we all (all people) are as humans.
What an absolutely beautiful view of the earth is offered by plane flights. If not by day, the stars offer enchanting views, and if the moon is right, the clouds make for some interesting sights. By day, lakes and cities, farmland, rivers, the terrain never ceases to change.
We know the statistics, safer travel by plane than by car, by far. I found that the only plane that I was not excessively uneasy about was the 747. It's hard to know that you're even on a plane. What an awesome piece of machinery. Other wide body planes are becoming more common place.
You have lived through so much with your heart, coping with your fears about it. Not perfectly, but enough to live without it destroying your being. You will endure and live through the flight, it will be smooth, you will be safe. Don’t dwell on what might happen, dwell on what will happen (success).
Best of health and happiness.
You realize that you have endured problems with your heart rhythm that would probably put most heroes in the insane asylum? I suspect that most of your difficulties may be at the airport and not in the airplane. Once past security, the plane flight should be a breeze.
I hate airplane flights, you can probably recognize any plane that I have been on by the deep finger indentations in the arms of the seat. You know the Joke, "Doctor, it hurts when I do this" to which the Doctor responds "then don't do that", yet despite my fear of flying, I sit by and look out of the window. I am as stimulated by my fear as the hypothetical patient is by continuing to cause pain by pressing the spot. Trying to calm your conscious mind without coping with the situation is disingenuous to your unconscious mind. We all know we have arrhythmias, pretending that we don’t will not change anything. But learning how to live with what we have makes us complete, even if we perceive ourselves as imperfect, which we all (all people) are as humans.
What an absolutely beautiful view of the earth is offered by plane flights. If not by day, the stars offer enchanting views, and if the moon is right, the clouds make for some interesting sights. By day, lakes and cities, farmland, rivers, the terrain never ceases to change.
We know the statistics, safer travel by plane than by car, by far. I found that the only plane that I was not excessively uneasy about was the 747. It's hard to know that you're even on a plane. What an awesome piece of machinery. Other wide body planes are becoming more common place.
You have lived through so much with your heart, coping with your fears about it. Not perfectly, but enough to live without it destroying your being. You will endure and live through the flight, it will be smooth, you will be safe. Don’t dwell on what might happen, dwell on what will happen (success).
Best of health and happiness.
Hi Celeste!
Hey, we're like one big family. We're here to support one another through the diffficult times.
My sister takes 1/2 of a .25 Xanax and 1 Dramimine. She says it's enough to make her sleepy, but not so much that she's not awake when she deplanes. My daughter takes 1 Dramamine and actually sometimes falls asleep for short naps. I'm not sure you'll sleep, but you might be able to close your eyes for short rest periods.
I love the cards idea too!! You could play "War" since it usually lasts a LONG time : )
I asked my husband about using a computer in Business and/or First Class (I'm always in Coach...lol) and he said you can watch DVD's, read off-line mail, play games. Using the internet costs $$$, but his boss sometimes does that too. Watching a couple of movies or sitcoms might be fun (keeping that in perspective of course...lol). Don't do what I did and miss out on fun stuff because of the blasted pvcs. I'll be flying later this month and like my American Express, I'll have my Xanax just in case : )
connie
Hey, we're like one big family. We're here to support one another through the diffficult times.
My sister takes 1/2 of a .25 Xanax and 1 Dramimine. She says it's enough to make her sleepy, but not so much that she's not awake when she deplanes. My daughter takes 1 Dramamine and actually sometimes falls asleep for short naps. I'm not sure you'll sleep, but you might be able to close your eyes for short rest periods.
I love the cards idea too!! You could play "War" since it usually lasts a LONG time : )
I asked my husband about using a computer in Business and/or First Class (I'm always in Coach...lol) and he said you can watch DVD's, read off-line mail, play games. Using the internet costs $$$, but his boss sometimes does that too. Watching a couple of movies or sitcoms might be fun (keeping that in perspective of course...lol). Don't do what I did and miss out on fun stuff because of the blasted pvcs. I'll be flying later this month and like my American Express, I'll have my Xanax just in case : )
connie
Thank you all so much! It really helps just hearing that you all have gotten through it and the suggestions are great!
sinead~I missed you all to much to stay away for long! "Float" will be my keyword. Thank you! and hugs right back at you!
dolfnlvr~I forgot about the ear pressure! Thank you for reminding me! I usually take some ear-plugs for the climb and decent. Good idea about the relaxation tapes. I'll put some on tonight when I'm lying in bed pretending I'm sleeping!!...but then again, maybe I'll actually get some sleep!
Momto3~The Tour Book and Dramamine is a great idea...Thank you! You always help take the fear out of PVC's and I appreciate it so much. Do you know how much Dramamine I should take to avoid being over groggy when I get there? Can I take it with xanax?
Barbarella~Great advice as always! Rushing around always gets my heart going especially when I get anxious and start sweating. I agree about Starbucks, it's much to strong for me. Thank you!
PVC man~ Thank you! I've never thought about bringing cards, but know that my mom would love that! She plays a mean game when it comes to Texas hold'em! Great idea about "shopping" while at the airport too! Sometimes the anticipation is worse then the actual event!
JMWB~Thank you! Music does soothe and relax me also. I'll have to carry-on my IPod!
jkfrench~Sorry to hear about your PAT attack. It's so hard to get past things like that and I can totally relate to how you feel now! Thank you for the advice and sharing your experiences.
I always feel so stupid trying to explain to people without arrhythmia's how I feel when it comes to flying and then, after the "Flight from Hell", well, there's just no words sometimes..
Thanks again everyone. I really can't imagine my life without all of you in it!
PS. So far no PVC's, which is really strange but also really great. I haven't been able to sleep much and have butterflies almost constantly. I'm going to read Claire Weekes book again today.
It doesn't matter how many times I read it, somehow I keep finding comfort in it.
PSS. Has anyone flown Business (First) Class? Can I get on my computer? It would be wonderful to be able to get online too!
sinead~I missed you all to much to stay away for long! "Float" will be my keyword. Thank you! and hugs right back at you!
dolfnlvr~I forgot about the ear pressure! Thank you for reminding me! I usually take some ear-plugs for the climb and decent. Good idea about the relaxation tapes. I'll put some on tonight when I'm lying in bed pretending I'm sleeping!!...but then again, maybe I'll actually get some sleep!
Momto3~The Tour Book and Dramamine is a great idea...Thank you! You always help take the fear out of PVC's and I appreciate it so much. Do you know how much Dramamine I should take to avoid being over groggy when I get there? Can I take it with xanax?
Barbarella~Great advice as always! Rushing around always gets my heart going especially when I get anxious and start sweating. I agree about Starbucks, it's much to strong for me. Thank you!
PVC man~ Thank you! I've never thought about bringing cards, but know that my mom would love that! She plays a mean game when it comes to Texas hold'em! Great idea about "shopping" while at the airport too! Sometimes the anticipation is worse then the actual event!
JMWB~Thank you! Music does soothe and relax me also. I'll have to carry-on my IPod!
jkfrench~Sorry to hear about your PAT attack. It's so hard to get past things like that and I can totally relate to how you feel now! Thank you for the advice and sharing your experiences.
I always feel so stupid trying to explain to people without arrhythmia's how I feel when it comes to flying and then, after the "Flight from Hell", well, there's just no words sometimes..
Thanks again everyone. I really can't imagine my life without all of you in it!
PS. So far no PVC's, which is really strange but also really great. I haven't been able to sleep much and have butterflies almost constantly. I'm going to read Claire Weekes book again today.
It doesn't matter how many times I read it, somehow I keep finding comfort in it.
PSS. Has anyone flown Business (First) Class? Can I get on my computer? It would be wonderful to be able to get online too!
I have tried to avoid flying all my life because of pvc's. I had a PAT attack once flying from Florida back home to San Diego. I do it, but I hate it. For me, there is nothing I can do but just get (or should I say float) through it. I tell myself, well if you were home right now you would be fine. You are not going to die because you are taking a trip. I agree about getting there early. There is nothing worse than arriving late and having to race through the airport. That brings mine on right away. Frankly, the whole vacation experience has been ruined to some degree after my first pvc attack. I'm always "on guard" and being away makes it worse. It is just hard to relax. Now, when my husband says "let's go to New York for a few days", the panic starts up before I even decide if I want to go or not. You will get through it. People magazines are good ideas, along with a book by one of your favorite authors. I know you said your attention span is zilch (as is mine) but James Patterson has gotten me through many flights simply because I can't put his books down. Good luck and don't back out.
Frenchie
Frenchie
I recommend listening to music while flying or even story tapes.! I don't have one of these iPod things just use my old fashioned cassette player but it distracts me and the time seems to go faster ! Enjoy your visit, with your Mom, to NYC.........
I know your flight will be better this time. I find if you expect the PVCs so that when they come you don't get too worked up, that REALLY helps. Also, maybe bring some cards...my friends and i have made the five hour flight to Vegas "fly by" by having a card game on board...
For a short attention span...sometimes a newspaper/magazine works well. "Shopping" for a magazine at the airport can be a simple way of taking your mind off the flight.
Flying in and of itself has never caused me PVCs so I agree with the others that it was anxiety...but with a nightmare flight I think that would have happened to any one of us.
Most flights are (gladly) usually more boring than anything else so prepare for a boring stress-free uneventful flight.
Good luck and enjoy NYC!!!!!!!!
For a short attention span...sometimes a newspaper/magazine works well. "Shopping" for a magazine at the airport can be a simple way of taking your mind off the flight.
Flying in and of itself has never caused me PVCs so I agree with the others that it was anxiety...but with a nightmare flight I think that would have happened to any one of us.
Most flights are (gladly) usually more boring than anything else so prepare for a boring stress-free uneventful flight.
Good luck and enjoy NYC!!!!!!!!
I'm like you when the anxiety kicks in no tranquelizers help me. What I do when I fly I make sure that I get to the airport as early as possible. I rather sit around then run around. Being in a hectic atmosphere brings out the PVC's in me. Don't eat anything heavy as in a meal before you go on a plane that will bring out PVC's in me at the airport. Don't drink any Starbucks coffee, I think their coffee is way to strong, I usually tell them half a cup, and add half a cup of hot water to it. When I do fly stateside or overseas I always sit way in the back, if I sit up front with all these people behind me it brings anxiety within me.
You will be fine. Remember what Dr. Weeks said "let it do its very worst, it will not kill you, float right through it, and DON'T fight it!
You will be fine. Remember what Dr. Weeks said "let it do its very worst, it will not kill you, float right through it, and DON'T fight it!
Have a fabulous time in NYC!! There's no other place like it!
I know what you mean about flying and kick-starting the pvcs. I used to worry about that a lot! I avoided situations (like flying) so as not to make the pvcs worse. Since that time, I have learned a lot and realize that they will not kill me and I will get through them. Knowing that is the easy part; believing it took years! I used to miss out on great opportunities b/c I worried about the #%@ pvcs. Sometimes, I still get the panic feeling, but I TRY to overcome the fear. Maybe you could take a tour book with you and you and your mom could plan some of your activities ont he plane. I usually take a PEOPLE magazine with me...short and fun articles, nothing too mind boggling. Then, I tackle the crossword....it helps me a LOT!
I generally take Xanax when I fly and it helps. Lately, I have tried flying without the Xanax (very short flights) and did OK. But, I think I prefer the "insurance."
My sister also take 1/2 of a Dramamine which tends to make her drowsy. In fact, my daughter had a significant fear of flying and now she does well WITH dramamine. One time, she tried to forego the dramamine and...well, you know those bags that are tucked in the back of the passengers' seats?? UGH!! Now, she just takes it, and sometimes she falls asleep!
My pvcs were not anxiety-driven, but anxiety could definitely exaserbate them. Flying was one of those times. I fly up to Cleveland for my semi-annual checkups and normally, I take 1/2 of the Xanax (.125) and it helps. Sometimes, I go without, but not usually.
I know what you mean about flying and kick-starting the pvcs. I used to worry about that a lot! I avoided situations (like flying) so as not to make the pvcs worse. Since that time, I have learned a lot and realize that they will not kill me and I will get through them. Knowing that is the easy part; believing it took years! I used to miss out on great opportunities b/c I worried about the #%@ pvcs. Sometimes, I still get the panic feeling, but I TRY to overcome the fear. Maybe you could take a tour book with you and you and your mom could plan some of your activities ont he plane. I usually take a PEOPLE magazine with me...short and fun articles, nothing too mind boggling. Then, I tackle the crossword....it helps me a LOT!
I generally take Xanax when I fly and it helps. Lately, I have tried flying without the Xanax (very short flights) and did OK. But, I think I prefer the "insurance."
My sister also take 1/2 of a Dramamine which tends to make her drowsy. In fact, my daughter had a significant fear of flying and now she does well WITH dramamine. One time, she tried to forego the dramamine and...well, you know those bags that are tucked in the back of the passengers' seats?? UGH!! Now, she just takes it, and sometimes she falls asleep!
My pvcs were not anxiety-driven, but anxiety could definitely exaserbate them. Flying was one of those times. I fly up to Cleveland for my semi-annual checkups and normally, I take 1/2 of the Xanax (.125) and it helps. Sometimes, I go without, but not usually.
I'm SOOO sorry to hear about your previous experience. It really is the anxiety that triggers your problems though. As far as I can tell, flying doesn't, in itself, bring on PVC's...at least for me. I've traveled at least 8 times for both short and long flights, and my ears bother me WAY more than my heart.
As for the anxiety....I really can't give you too much help. When something that frightening happens to us, our bodies have a memory reaction when placed in the situation again. The only suggestion I have is to consider some self hypnosis/relaxation audios. They may help you focus on relaxing a bit, at least in the days leading up to the trip.
It would really be a shame not to go though. I think you and your Mom will have a WONDERFUL time. Take the Xanax, and breath deeply.....I really want you to go on that trip and make some new and PLEASANT memories!!!
Take care.
As for the anxiety....I really can't give you too much help. When something that frightening happens to us, our bodies have a memory reaction when placed in the situation again. The only suggestion I have is to consider some self hypnosis/relaxation audios. They may help you focus on relaxing a bit, at least in the days leading up to the trip.
It would really be a shame not to go though. I think you and your Mom will have a WONDERFUL time. Take the Xanax, and breath deeply.....I really want you to go on that trip and make some new and PLEASANT memories!!!
Take care.
Hi Celeste!
I am so glad you came back. You guys are going to have a great trip to NYC. My best advice would be to think about what Dr Claire Weekes says about that kind of anxiety which is to FLOAT not FIGHT... and of course ACCEPT that your heart my act up a little bit.... its only natural for you. You will be fine. So take a xanax.... it can't hurt!
Have a wonderful time : )
hugs, sinead.
I am so glad you came back. You guys are going to have a great trip to NYC. My best advice would be to think about what Dr Claire Weekes says about that kind of anxiety which is to FLOAT not FIGHT... and of course ACCEPT that your heart my act up a little bit.... its only natural for you. You will be fine. So take a xanax.... it can't hurt!
Have a wonderful time : )
hugs, sinead.
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