Scared due to palpitations, is anyone else in the same boat as me??

[snarky348]

Hey everyone.  I'll be honest.  I know it's more likely than not that I'm in no danger, but honestly I am scared because I went so long with no symptoms but now my palpitations have returned and are different/worse than a couple years ago.  I posted my detailed story in the Heart expert forum, but didn't really get the reply I was hoping for.   Is there anyone else who experiences what I do?  Here is my story:  http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Heart-Disease/Chaotic-heart-rhythm-again-after-being-symptom-free-for-a-long-time/show/1432143

This is what I asked the doctor, so it tells my story quite clearly:

Hi, 33 yr old male, 110 lbs overweight

3 years ago, with no history of such, I started having skipped heartbeats and somtimes fluttering episodes that would last maybe 5 seconds. EKG/echo normal but symptoms persisted vigorously over the next 18 months or so.

Well, after about 18 months, my symptoms of irregular beats and chest tension mysteriously just disappeared one day.  I went an additional 18 months or so (until last week) basically 98% symptom free,  until:

Until, the other morning very chaotic and disorganized rhythm... it felt like constant skipped beats, most very hard, then some soft beats, speed up slow down...flipping and flopping like a fish out of water.

Sure, I have in the past had this for 5 seconds at the most, but this time it lasted FAR longer than it ever had before, plus I was symptom free for so long (18 months) I thought that I was done with it.   This time, though, the chaotic beating must have lasted the better part of 3 minutes and I even called the paramedics out, but it had stopped by the time they arrived and the 4 lead EKG they did was normal.

Also, after the new 3 minute episode, I felt all day that day that my heart on on the edge of "losing traction" every time I'd move a certain way, such as leaning to the side would hit off a few palpitations (imagine the analogy of thinking your going to sneeze but then you don't...)

One final note, a few weeks ago (before this happened) I was at my doctor complaining of bladder discomfort I've been having for a while. Although my UA was normal, he checked my TSH and it went from 3.4 to 6.5, up from just 6 months ago.  So now here I sit with Synthroid but I haven't taken any yet due to being afraid of speeding things up with my heart already acting strange (I know this is my own logic and could be flawed).

So I'd appreciate any clarity to all points, the odd stomach symptoms, position change factors, my thyroid...etc..  thanks very much

[Elli126]

sorry took so long to get back to you, haven't been on for a few days...no I'm sorry I can't remember what my numbers were I just know the doc took te last blood twice cause he couldn't believe how high they were- I have no thyroid at all so not taking meds is not an option....all I can say is-so far so good....I think its worth taking the synthroid, not any real sie effects ( like the Inderal ) and it sure can't hurt unless they dose you too high and it starts your palps...it may take alittle time til you are on the right dose but I would give it a shot...

[debbier]

I have hypo thyroid and when my heart flips out I usually run to have my tsh checked.  I would take the meds and get rechecked in 4 weeks.  Your tsh is not crazy high but any change can affect a finicky heart.  If the synthyroid makes the palps worse you can always stop it after consulting your dr.  Have you taken synthyroid before?   I always try to keep my tsh at 2-3 to feel great, everyone is different.  I hope things calm down.  The more we get ourselves worked up the worse they get, try to relax.  Good Luck!

[snarky348]

Hey Elli126,

Do you know what your TSH was before starting your synthroid??

[Elli126]

Hi, let me start by saying TAKE YOUR THYROID MEDS! I am notorious for self medicating or not in most cases. I had thyroid cancer and a total thyroidectomy ( I'm on the thyroid site too ) and was horrible at medication compliance. I didn't take my meds and ended up with increased PVCS/PACS and then my favorite started PSVT! After a few trips to the ER for adenosine ( no fun at all ) I started taking my synthyroid religiously as recomended by my pcp and I haven't had an episode since ( of the PSVT still get the regular crazy beats ) my thyroid levels are clse to normal for the first time in years. The doc also started me on inderal so I'm guessing that helps too. As long as Ican stay out of the ER and away from the adenosine I will take whatever meds they give me...the side effects of the inderal took some getting used to but ANYTHING is better than the ER. I thank God every day I get with a fairly quiet heart day thats all I can say.

[Mom2four85]

you're not alone - most of us here have the same exact things - they'll go away then come back for some reason and then keep repeating the same process - ruin our lives and make us feel miserable no doubt

you may want to ask in the thyroid community also, but I know thyroid levels can't help with your symptoms; you may want to start synthroid as your dr prescribed and see if it helps - but be forewarned it may take a few weeks or months for your body to even out and readjust itself...the synthroid will take weeks or a month but your heart's remodeling will take longer (I think I read 3-6 mths)

if you haven't get a full cardiac workup with holter or event monitor to see what arrhythmia and how many you're having daily; echo should show ( but doesn't always) if you have any structural problems

[RNRita]

I will tell you that you sound exactly like me and a few others here. Speaking for myself, I've had the same thing most of my life, then I had about 12 months of hardly anything.  In December the same thing you're experiencing happened. Worse than ever.  I have been feeling awful.  

Today, they weren't too bad at work. I'm all stressed out for tomorrow, though, as they are throwing me to the wolves...hahahahah, so I should have some kind of night.

My point?  You are not alone.