Aa
Life is going downhill fast...
I started experiencing skipped beats over 15 years ago, when I was in my late 20's. At first, I wasn't sure what they were, but I immediately went to the ER. I had been on a rather strict diet and the doctor told me I was probably not eating right and deficient in my nutrition, etc. I was given an EKG and whatever else, but they didn't see anything to worry about. The skips stopped for a while, but then returned. I knew what they were already, so I didn't go back to the ER. They didn't bother me or worry me at all, even though I felt them everyday. I would get a skipped beat maybe once every 10-15 minutes. Over the years they came and went. Then in 2004 I began having atrial fibrillation. I went to the ER because I thought I was having a heart attack. I was admitted and by the next morning the a-fib had stopped on its own. I was put on Metoprolol and something for my thyroid, as my thyroid levels were way off. After having some scans done, I was told I had a couple nodules on my thyroid, which made my thyroid produce too much TSH. I was treated for it with some medication for a few months then rescanned. The nodules were gone, my levels were normal again, I was taken off the medication. During all this, I continued to have PVC's, which of course made me very anxious because I thought I'd end up in the hospital again. Now it's 2008 and I have had at least 5 more hospitalizations for a-fib. The funny thing is, it usually lasts until the next morning then stops. I was never put on blood thinners for it either. I was recently put on Amiodarone and that seems to be stopping the a-fib, for it's been almost 5 months with no episodes. But I STILL HAVE PVC'S! They are worse some days than others. Not to be gross, but I notice my heart skips when I have the feeling of needing to have a bowel movement. It almost always makes my heart skip. Also, I have a real bad stomach from years of anxiety and when I eat something, it can make my heart skip for a while afterwards. I've lost jobs because of being hospitalized for a-fib and these daily skips keep me on edge 24/7. Somedays I am terrified to leave home to go to work, but if I give in, I lose everything again. I was even made homeless for a month because of this! Needless to say, I have seen many doctors and heart specialists and everybody tells me the same thing: relax, it's nothing. Well, it sure feels like something and my anxiety level has gotten so high that I get panic attacks now, which throw me into a-fib sometimes. Someone please help me here. I see many people on here are dealing with far worse than me and I don't know how you do it!!
There are many anti anxiety meds other than zoloft. It seems your Dr. could find one for you to take. Seems to me like you have anxiety disorder and need something for it. Zoloft is more often prescribed for major depression and Panic disorder.
I have PVC's too and they get worse with anxiety. I take Buspar for the anxiety.
I have PVC's too and they get worse with anxiety. I take Buspar for the anxiety.
I can really sympathize with the anxiety. I have had anxiety and bouts of agoraphobia since I was in my early 20's. The PVC's did not start until a little later. I found one book that really helps me is "Hope and Help For Your Nerves" by Claire Weekes. It is outstanding, and so easy to understand and read. I believe you can get it on-line from Borders, it is well worth it, believe me.
I noticed on a couple of your posts that you said you notice some of the PVC's when you need to have a BM, and that your tummy aches and such can bring them on as can eating. Mike, have you ever been diagnosed for a hiatal hernia. It sure sounds like that might be one of the reasons you are having these episodes. I have one, and when I get any gastric upset,eat, or drink lots of water, those dang PVC's will kick in. I also notice them when I lie down after having a glass of water. Some folks that have IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) will have the PVC's too. Hiatal hernias are prevalent in folks who are high strung, overweight, or have a weak diaphragm. It can mimic lots of heart problems, and in lots of cases, folks that have had PVC's A-Fib or any other heart irregularities, found the symptoms to clear up when they got the hernia under control. Your doctor can do a scan and will be able to find out pretty fast, I would sure ask him/her. Also, you could try to drink two ounces of aloe Vera juice three times a day, this really helps with the acid tummy, and will help with the hernia too.
I hope I have helped you some. As Brooke said, there is a great anxiety forum here, and you will find lots of folks who share your same problems. Please keep us posted. We are here for you.
Susie
I noticed on a couple of your posts that you said you notice some of the PVC's when you need to have a BM, and that your tummy aches and such can bring them on as can eating. Mike, have you ever been diagnosed for a hiatal hernia. It sure sounds like that might be one of the reasons you are having these episodes. I have one, and when I get any gastric upset,eat, or drink lots of water, those dang PVC's will kick in. I also notice them when I lie down after having a glass of water. Some folks that have IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) will have the PVC's too. Hiatal hernias are prevalent in folks who are high strung, overweight, or have a weak diaphragm. It can mimic lots of heart problems, and in lots of cases, folks that have had PVC's A-Fib or any other heart irregularities, found the symptoms to clear up when they got the hernia under control. Your doctor can do a scan and will be able to find out pretty fast, I would sure ask him/her. Also, you could try to drink two ounces of aloe Vera juice three times a day, this really helps with the acid tummy, and will help with the hernia too.
I hope I have helped you some. As Brooke said, there is a great anxiety forum here, and you will find lots of folks who share your same problems. Please keep us posted. We are here for you.
Susie
Hi mike we all understand your anxiety its a real bummer to go through these heart problems for me its only been close to 2 months now with racing heartbeats irratic heartbeats and my nerves are so shot and the other day at wallmart while still in my car my heart started racing and i called 911 but by the time they got there 5 minutes later my heartrate was only about 100 bpm and just like you im scared alot of the time but iv decided its ok to be scared but like you im hoping to find a way to deal with this better and allready these great people here have helped so much.You will have to try hard to relax and not worry to much just as iv realized i have to do to but i know its so hard to do the other night my heart was racing again so again i wound up at the er and the doc on call gave me a low dose of ativan and it helped and he gave me a prescription for a low dose of it but so far i havent taken but 1 and will only take 1 when im really feeling the anxiety take over and i know you said you dident want to take anything for your anxiety because of it not mixing with some of your other meds but there might be some kind that will work ok with your meds but thats up to you anyways just know you are not alone myself and the others are here for you anytime you need to talk about it because we all go through much the same and we understand the fear and anxiety that comes with these heart health problems.
Those anxiety attacks really are limiting. I have what is known as GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder). My PVC's come on when I'm not having a bout with it. So you can imagine what happens when a PVC hits. It's not a fun experience. I'm truely sorry that you have this, I know how frightfull and debilitating these panic attacks are. There is a great book available. It's called "Coping with Anxiety" by Edmund Bourne and Lorna Garano. It incorporates a lot of the techniques you will encounter in other books and literature all in one little 3/4 inch thick book. Also, if you tap into 'greendave's' posts, he has great suggestions.
I did a check in my area for specialists in panic/anxiety disorders (google), luckily for me, my insurance was able to cover a counseling center I found, psychiatrists are too ready to force a pill on you, so didn't want to go that way. I also am very lucky that I have a doctor who is willing to work with me (after he got over the first couple of visits, which freaked him out and I'm sure sent him to the Research Library-at least he all of a sudden didn't look at me as if I was crazy). I keep a few tabs of Alprazolam handy and if needed, take a pill. But, I decided not to do the once or twice a day route. There is also a technique out there that is called 'emotional freedom tapping', (emofree.c) You can download a free guide. It's interesting. I've tried it, if nothing else the 'tapping' might just refocus your mind by feeling goofy doing it, but hey, it might take your mind off the crises at hand.
My heart goes out to you as I know what you are going through. I've had the GAD thing since I was a teenager. Back then I didn't know what it was, all I knew was that if I was on a date at a restaurant and suddenly couldn't breathe, I would be okay when dinner was over. The PVC's started much later in life, after a bout with a disasterous situation. So, now, when one thing isn't bothering me, the other kicks in. I hope 'greendave' doesn't mind me sending you in his direction, but his post will tell you about 'visualization' and how to do a 'breathing exercise' that might give you a quick focus on doing something about the panic side and hopefully help with the PVC issue by calming you down.
Remember, there are so many kind people in this forum willing to help walk you through these situations. They are very calming. I feel really blessed to have stumbled across this site.
I did a check in my area for specialists in panic/anxiety disorders (google), luckily for me, my insurance was able to cover a counseling center I found, psychiatrists are too ready to force a pill on you, so didn't want to go that way. I also am very lucky that I have a doctor who is willing to work with me (after he got over the first couple of visits, which freaked him out and I'm sure sent him to the Research Library-at least he all of a sudden didn't look at me as if I was crazy). I keep a few tabs of Alprazolam handy and if needed, take a pill. But, I decided not to do the once or twice a day route. There is also a technique out there that is called 'emotional freedom tapping', (emofree.c) You can download a free guide. It's interesting. I've tried it, if nothing else the 'tapping' might just refocus your mind by feeling goofy doing it, but hey, it might take your mind off the crises at hand.
My heart goes out to you as I know what you are going through. I've had the GAD thing since I was a teenager. Back then I didn't know what it was, all I knew was that if I was on a date at a restaurant and suddenly couldn't breathe, I would be okay when dinner was over. The PVC's started much later in life, after a bout with a disasterous situation. So, now, when one thing isn't bothering me, the other kicks in. I hope 'greendave' doesn't mind me sending you in his direction, but his post will tell you about 'visualization' and how to do a 'breathing exercise' that might give you a quick focus on doing something about the panic side and hopefully help with the PVC issue by calming you down.
Remember, there are so many kind people in this forum willing to help walk you through these situations. They are very calming. I feel really blessed to have stumbled across this site.
I am sorry that my advice didn't help you:( Here is something else for you to try.
One way to handle anxiety and panic attacks is to think positively. Re-assure yourself that you are safe and nothing bad is about to happen. Negative thoughts will only make your condition worse and will induce more fears. Focus on positive thoughts. Tell yourself that you are safe and nothing will harm you. That you are in control and you can cope with the situation.
Modify your lifestyle. Change in your habits and lifestyle is another way to handle anxiety and panic attacks. Engaging in an exercise program, meditation, yoga, etc. to release stress is a good thing to de-stress and make you feel good. Get rid of stimulants like nicotine and caffeine if you indulge in these, to avoid attacks.
Deep breathing. Focus, think of relaxing thoughts, get comfortable and start deep breathing. Breathe from your diaphragm, your abdomen rising slowly as you breathe in and fall slowly as you breathe out. Deep breathing will help you relax and handle anxiety and panic attacks.
Muscle relaxation. Learn the techniques in tensing and relaxing your muscles. You can start tensing and relaxing each muscle group from your toes and work your way up to your neck and head. Start with your feet and toes by sitting comfortably in a chair and your feet flat on the ground. Tense the muscles on your toes and feel the sensation, then release the tension and relax.
Get help, you are on the right path. Even if there is a waiting period of 2 months, as you mentioned, make the appointment. Some sufferers may find it difficult to handle anxiety and panic attacks without help from people who are experts in dealing with this condition. It is crucial to get help if you cannot handle anxiety and panic attacks by yourself. Experts can teach you how to manage and overcome this disabling disorder.
Remember anxiety and worry only get worse when you feel powerless and alone, but there is strength in numbers. Focus on building a strong support system. The more connected you are to other people, the less vulnerable you’ll feel. If you start to feel overwhelmed with worry, call a trusted family member or friend. Just talking out loud about your worries can make them seem less threatening.
Here at medhelp, there is an anxiety forum. You could check that out to start chatting with people who are suffering like you. I wish I could do more for you. I check in from time to time, so you can always leave me a private message and I will get back to you as soon as I can:)
One way to handle anxiety and panic attacks is to think positively. Re-assure yourself that you are safe and nothing bad is about to happen. Negative thoughts will only make your condition worse and will induce more fears. Focus on positive thoughts. Tell yourself that you are safe and nothing will harm you. That you are in control and you can cope with the situation.
Modify your lifestyle. Change in your habits and lifestyle is another way to handle anxiety and panic attacks. Engaging in an exercise program, meditation, yoga, etc. to release stress is a good thing to de-stress and make you feel good. Get rid of stimulants like nicotine and caffeine if you indulge in these, to avoid attacks.
Deep breathing. Focus, think of relaxing thoughts, get comfortable and start deep breathing. Breathe from your diaphragm, your abdomen rising slowly as you breathe in and fall slowly as you breathe out. Deep breathing will help you relax and handle anxiety and panic attacks.
Muscle relaxation. Learn the techniques in tensing and relaxing your muscles. You can start tensing and relaxing each muscle group from your toes and work your way up to your neck and head. Start with your feet and toes by sitting comfortably in a chair and your feet flat on the ground. Tense the muscles on your toes and feel the sensation, then release the tension and relax.
Get help, you are on the right path. Even if there is a waiting period of 2 months, as you mentioned, make the appointment. Some sufferers may find it difficult to handle anxiety and panic attacks without help from people who are experts in dealing with this condition. It is crucial to get help if you cannot handle anxiety and panic attacks by yourself. Experts can teach you how to manage and overcome this disabling disorder.
Remember anxiety and worry only get worse when you feel powerless and alone, but there is strength in numbers. Focus on building a strong support system. The more connected you are to other people, the less vulnerable you’ll feel. If you start to feel overwhelmed with worry, call a trusted family member or friend. Just talking out loud about your worries can make them seem less threatening.
Here at medhelp, there is an anxiety forum. You could check that out to start chatting with people who are suffering like you. I wish I could do more for you. I check in from time to time, so you can always leave me a private message and I will get back to you as soon as I can:)
I woke up this morning having a panic attack. I almost called 911. I am trying my best to relax here, but I know I won't be able to function at work today. It seems the slightest bit of physical action makes my stomach roil and my heart skip. Pure anxiety, I'm sure. I called in to work today, hope they don't let me go. This has got to stop. I know the skips aren't anything dangerous, but my inner self seems to think I'm gonna die when I feel them come on. I am starting to become agoraphobic. That's a bad sign. Does anybody have any recommendations on how I can get help for the anxiety portion? My state insurance has therapists, but there are waits of two months or longer to get an appointment. Thanks.
Brooke_38 and biker_jon, thanks so much for your inputs. I really do appreciate them! I asked my doctor about an anti-anxiety medication and he prescribed Zoloft. My heart doctor, however, said it would possibly interact with my Metoprolol. So, I am not taking the Zoloft. I took Xanax before, but it's highly addictive and also interacts with my Amiodarone. I have to battle this using my mind only, it seems. I need to find some inner strength. Thanks much for your help. It's nice to know I'm not alone.
Hi, I used to have major problems with PVCs until my Dr. put me on Prozac for anxiety. I was not able to have anything with caffeine, no chocolate, pepsi, tea or coffee, or they would come back with a vengence. I have been on Prozac for about 3 years now and very seldom do I have a PVC. I drink Pepsi and eat chocolate now. I think being on the prozac helps me deal with the few PVCs I have now, I usually don't get as worked up as I used to.
Take care,
Jon
Take care,
Jon
I have had similar experiences. For me, sometimes I think "gee, my heart has been behaving today. I can't remeber the last flip or flop and then BOOM!" There back with a vengence. Our minds are very powerful and can play very nasty tricks on our body.
Try to think positively...Think to yourself, "tomorrow is another day. Tomorrow I will get up and go to work and I will feel ok." It's all about mind over matter. I always try to look at the glass as being half full and not half empty. Whenever faced with something bad, I try to find the good. Believe me, it took me a long time to get here. I was always planning the next pity party for myself. But one day, I just got up and decided to roll with the punches ,whatever they may be.
For now, make sure that you drink plenty of water, get a good night sleep and see what tomorrow holds. I'll say a prayer for you.
Check in tomorrow, as I will be curious to how your day went.))
Try to think positively...Think to yourself, "tomorrow is another day. Tomorrow I will get up and go to work and I will feel ok." It's all about mind over matter. I always try to look at the glass as being half full and not half empty. Whenever faced with something bad, I try to find the good. Believe me, it took me a long time to get here. I was always planning the next pity party for myself. But one day, I just got up and decided to roll with the punches ,whatever they may be.
For now, make sure that you drink plenty of water, get a good night sleep and see what tomorrow holds. I'll say a prayer for you.
Check in tomorrow, as I will be curious to how your day went.))
Thanks for all the information. That sounds like a like resort for sure.
Even now, I walked around my apartment looking for something and my stomach started to bother me. I sat down at the computer and WHAM, another skip. I also get this cold wave of adrenaline at the exact some moment I feel the skip and I feel like I'm about to lose it. I have to seriously calm down or the skips continue. I have to work tomorrow and it will involve quite a bit of walking. I don't know how I will do it if I can't even walk around my apartment!
Even now, I walked around my apartment looking for something and my stomach started to bother me. I sat down at the computer and WHAM, another skip. I also get this cold wave of adrenaline at the exact some moment I feel the skip and I feel like I'm about to lose it. I have to seriously calm down or the skips continue. I have to work tomorrow and it will involve quite a bit of walking. I don't know how I will do it if I can't even walk around my apartment!
I'm glad that you came:) I completely understand the double edged sword...I've been living it for the past 2 years now! Since you can't take Aspirin, I am really surprised that you weren't put on Coumadin. It is easy for me to tell you not to worry, you know how you feel and when you feel like something isn't right...you worry. This forum is full of wonderful people who will support you any way they can, including myself.
Catheter Ablation of the initiating focus of atrial fibrillation (pulmonary vein isolation) - In this case, a series of wires called "catheters" are passed under local anesthesia into the heart from the blood vessels in your legs and small electrocautery burns are placed around the opening of the pulmonary veins into the left atrium. By burning around the openings of the pulmonary veins, these veins are electrically "disconnected" from the rest of the left atrium, and abnormally-firing cells in the pulmonary veins can no longer disturb the normal cells in the atrium. Because the procedure requires crossing from the right atrium to the left atrium by making a small puncture in the wall between these chambers, it is performed by specialized centers experienced in this technique. It therefore involves more procedural risks than other procedures to treat atrial fibrillation and is performed by a skilled cardiac electrophysiologist (a doctor specialized in the treatment of heart rhythm disorders). Procedures often take 3-5 hours to perform.
This procedure is not usually put on the table as an option until you have failed medication therapy. If there is anything else I can answer for you...just let me know:)
Catheter Ablation of the initiating focus of atrial fibrillation (pulmonary vein isolation) - In this case, a series of wires called "catheters" are passed under local anesthesia into the heart from the blood vessels in your legs and small electrocautery burns are placed around the opening of the pulmonary veins into the left atrium. By burning around the openings of the pulmonary veins, these veins are electrically "disconnected" from the rest of the left atrium, and abnormally-firing cells in the pulmonary veins can no longer disturb the normal cells in the atrium. Because the procedure requires crossing from the right atrium to the left atrium by making a small puncture in the wall between these chambers, it is performed by specialized centers experienced in this technique. It therefore involves more procedural risks than other procedures to treat atrial fibrillation and is performed by a skilled cardiac electrophysiologist (a doctor specialized in the treatment of heart rhythm disorders). Procedures often take 3-5 hours to perform.
This procedure is not usually put on the table as an option until you have failed medication therapy. If there is anything else I can answer for you...just let me know:)
Thanks. I am glad I found this website. Other than Amiodarone, I take Metroprolol and over the counter Prilosec. Amiodarone is 200mg a day, Metoprolol is 100mg a day and I take a Prilosec in the AM and another in the PM. I don't take an aspirin as even the coated ones kill my stomach. I know stress and anxiety can bring on PVC's, but it's like a catch-22. I can't stop worrying about PVC's, which makes me have more, which makes me worry even more, etc. I am not sure what an ablation is, can you explain it to me please? Thanks.
Hello Mike...
I can hear the frustration you are feeling. Outside of the Amioderone, what other medications are you taking. You mentioned that you were not put on any anticogulants...At the very least you should be taking Aspirin. As for the PVC's, stress, anxiety are among the many factors that can provoke them. You have come to the right place for help in coping with your current situation. Have the Dr's ever mentioned having an ablation for the afib?
Take a deep breath and try to relax. We are all here for you and will do whatever we can to ease the anxiety that is consuming you.
I can hear the frustration you are feeling. Outside of the Amioderone, what other medications are you taking. You mentioned that you were not put on any anticogulants...At the very least you should be taking Aspirin. As for the PVC's, stress, anxiety are among the many factors that can provoke them. You have come to the right place for help in coping with your current situation. Have the Dr's ever mentioned having an ablation for the afib?
Take a deep breath and try to relax. We are all here for you and will do whatever we can to ease the anxiety that is consuming you.
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