New to this game

[LeeAnne330]

A week and half ago I landed in the ER,  I thought I was having a heart attack.  It was not, but I was told I have "pvc's"  Then directed to call the heart center in my town and schedule an appointment.  They tossed me pills, a beta blocker that has given me worlds of side effects.

I got hooked up to the holter monitor and returned to the heart center yesterday.  I just called to find out what my results were, and I am still waiting.  

I have been doing my best to research this thing.  When they showed me my EKG it was every third beat, so I have learned here, as in online, that is a trigeminy.  When I was in the hospital it never stopped, it went on for about 4 hours.  I have not been given much information by anyone so I have really basic questions like... DOES LIFE GO ON?  I know, sorry for my dramatics but man, can I exercise like I use too, as in long bike rides where I really get my heart pounding?  Do I have to keep taking these drugs that have me tired, weak, dizzy.  Will I always hear my heart pounding when I got to bed.

If anyone has good sources for research, I would so appreciate it.  On that Monday morning I had a business, that Monday afternoon I closed it.  It was stress that got me here, will no stress get me out of here?

Thank You SO MUCH!
Lee Anne
Yakima WA

[Momto3]

Hi Leeanne,

Welcome to the world of PVCs. It sounds like you've been doing your homework and have already learned quite a bit.  There are many people on this board who have been exactly where you are right now so don't give the "dramatics" a second thought!  We have been in your shoes and know how you feel.  The good news is, like Ireneo said, with a structually normal heart you are in no danger, just a member of a new club (PVCers).

In my case, exercise would help to reduce the number of PVCs.  But, during quiet times they were definitely more prevalent.  Beta blockers are not a "cure" for the PVCs, but they do sometimes help with the symtoms.  Some people notice a reduced number of PVCs, others notice the PVCs aren't as intense, and others experience no change.  Also, a lot of people report that BB's make them tired, but it generally gets better once your body adjusts to the medication.  If it becomes too bothersome, the doctor may suggest a different dosage or a different BB.  

You're not alone and there are lots of great people here to answer your questions or support your rants, raves, frustrations.  Hopefully, the BBs will help and you can tell us the good news : )

Take care
connie

[ireneo]

Hello fellow NWster. If your heart is structurally normal (have they done an echo yet?) the PVC's are not life threatening, just very annoying. The medicine is supposed to reduce the sensations you get with PVC's. Not sure if it helps a lot in reducing the number. I will say that getting stressed tends to increase them. Exercise is good. Many people feel better when they exercise; the PVC's seem to go away for a bit. Staying busy will help distract you from the thumps that come with PVC's. Bedtime can be difficult because you're just laying in the dark and they seem so obvious then. I read for a long time till I'm tired enough to just zonk out. If you've just started the medicine, give it a chance. It takes a couple of weeks for your body to adjust. Hang in there.