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Posted 10/9/2007 3:43 PM (GMT 0)
Hi to all my friends at "Healing Well".    As you know--i post on a few forums...."Depression"..."Anxiety & Panic"...AND....."HEART.."--

OK--here i go.     Tomorrow (Wed--Oct-10)- morning--me & my dear wife are flying out to S. Dakota for a two week stay!  And, I'm a nervous wreck---my heart is "acting up"....all kinds of "irregular beats"...flip flops..."runs" of SVT  (5 , 6 or 7 beats)----that strange NEW feeling i wrote about--like an "electric shock" in my heart!

Again---to all at HW--I DO have an EXCELLENT cardiologist---& I've had EVERY test there is:

1)--Event monitors (where these beats were 'captured"...dx--SVT.....'conduction delay)...& of course "mild Mitral valve prolapse". 

2) STRESS EKG---w isoptope --EVERYTHING PEFECT THERE---i told the Dr--"My plumbing is fine.....i need an electrician!"

3) Echo cardio--normal size heart, valves & chambers...good "ejection fraction".

Anyway--i go twice/year--BP is fine--blood normal...

BUT--these darn ARRYTHMIAS...!       Last few weeks...they're really acting up again!   My cardio (both HERE...& when I was living out in Beverly Hills)---BOTH guys told me--"It's nothing serious!"....but--the "beats"...the "Runs"...the FEAR that they COME....OUT OF NOWHERE!

The THOUGHT of going to the airport--waiting in line.......getting the connecting flight in Minn/St. Paul--to Sioux Falls!

Then---being.."away"...(Tho i must ADMIT--i LIKE the ER in the small hospital in S. Dakota...when i went 3 yrs ago----NO WAIT----very friendly--NOT like big cities!)

So----my poor wife--i'm driving her crazy (she doesn't complain---but she deserves a nice vacation---has been working in hospital as supervisor for 39 years!)---------------OK---HOW do i cope with the FEAR?   I told my wife...i wish i had the "EVENT MONITOR" on.............kinda a "security blanket"........

My wife says it's a combination of stress & "the time of year"...I DO seem to get these events...MORE at change of seasons...esp--autumn.----Right NOW--i just feel like laying in bed in my room--with "sports talk" radio..on.......so much.."security".

  Soooo-- I NEED any help--ADVICE--words of support..I can get--i will be checking my e-mails today--AND AFTER I'M out there--i have ACCESS to a computer at a hotel...across the street!

Just HEARING from all of you helps----but--you do KNOW...the "feeling".........Of ALL things..my heart!  I have IBS----OK--i take Librax..& immodium....the D---stops.....but this heart.......i have days......sometimes...WEEKS....it's OK---NO PROBLEM...then...TIMES LIKE NOW!     OFF & On........Thanks--get back---& please :-) ---i need your support & kind words......God bless--Robert.

Posted 10/9/2007 7:32 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Robert! Keep using positive self-talk. Remind yourself that all your tests have been great. If you have a structurally normal heart (which the tests show that you do), then even the worse arrhythmia problems can often be tolerated. This is great news! :-) Practice relaxation techniques daily and enjoy, even if you have to start out by faking it. Force yourself to go out and be busy. You might find that several hours or even days have gone by without any thumps, bumps or flip-flops. Stay positive and have some fun. smurf   You and your wife deserve it!
Posted 10/9/2007 10:36 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks so much, Hopes...I really needed that!     I'll try that--& God bless you---regards--Robert

Posted 10/9/2007 11:32 PM (GMT 0)

Robert, I couldnt agree with Hopes more!!  You and your wife deserve the vacation, I know how easy it is to get panicky and let the anxiety build up but try to cut it off before it gets out of control.  Do you take anything PRN for anxiety/panic?  Anyhow, take deep breaths, imagine relaxing your muscles one at a time and try to breath out the stress and bad thoughts.

Have a wonderful vacation and keep checking in if you can or need too.  We are always here dear :-)

Posted 10/9/2007 11:39 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Els---I will take your advice--& i will be checking in--keep the "good words" & kind thoughts coming---they are deeply appreciated!---Robert

Posted 10/10/2007 4:44 AM (GMT 0)

Hey Robert,

I wish you and your wife a wonderful vacation and your chainging planes In MSP, now your in my town. yeah

I have seen many patients present to the ER with SVT and we have always successfully converted their rhythms.  I would guess that you may have this info from your physician but I will put it here for future reference just so you know there are some other solutions for the SVT if it becomes a bother.

SVT is extremely common and unlike other types of heart disease affects people of all ages. Numerous drugs are available to treat SVT, many which are relatively safe to take for long periods of time.

An alternative option is catheter ablation. During an SVT ablation, catheters are inserted into the veins in the groin and run into the heart. The electrical system of the heart is mapped with these catheters. Once the abnormal extra nerve is identified, the steerable ablation catheter is positioned on top of the abnormal electrical pathway. Radiofrequency energy is then delivered cauterizing the nerve and eliminating the hearts ability to enter the abnormal rhythm. The patients heart is then tested to be certain that after the ablation, SVT can no longer be brought on. The tubes are then removed and unusually later that day the patient is discharged home.

Patients who undergo successful ablation for SVT are permanently cured for life of their heart rhythm problem. Medications for this problem are no longer needed and patients can usually resume their usual activities 1-2 days following the ablation. I am not a professional so this is just info to take with a grain of salt but I thought I would put it here for you.

I agree with the words of wisdom posted above, be in the moment and know that the rhythm while spooky will be ok.  You will be ok.  A deep breath and let yourself feel the sunshine on your face.  Enjoy the freedom  for 2 weeks and be with your lovely wife.

I wish you peace and happiness but most of all I wish you love.

Gentle Hugs

Kitt

Posted 10/10/2007 11:13 AM (GMT 0)
Robert my friend
I am so sorry you are going thru this again.........your wife is spot on IMHO it seems like it is seasonal with you ....( I do read your posts ) BUT no matter if seasonal or not this has got to be scaring the bejebers outta ya

I have known you to be ill and yet here supporting all ........not just on this forum either

Please do try to relax some ....I know lot easier said then done my friend ........I am with you in spirit

My heart thoughts and prayers are with you and your wife

Come home and post a beautiful post about the best trp ever plz

Take care and know you are thought of in the highest regards from this ole lady .........

Luvs
LYN
Posted 10/10/2007 12:14 PM (GMT 0)

Have you talked to your dr. about taking some medications for anxiety?  Perhaps they could give you xanax or klonopin to help you get through the trip.  I understand how you are feeling - we are planning a vacation in November, I am worried about my PVCs/Pacs and a fib, too.  There is comfort in being close to the hospital that you are used to -- but there are good hospitals wherever you go --

I hope you have a wonderful time on your trip -

Posted 10/10/2007 12:57 PM (GMT 0)

Hi & thanks for your thoughts.   A couple comments.

#1) I am on valium.  This does it.

#2) The place i'm going--(South Dakota)--has a GREAT hospital.....small town----was there once in 2003-----NOT like big city.....only 2 people waiting---no "druggies"...etc.

I was seen within 5 mins..tested (blood--EKG)---etc......treated WONERFULLY.......& released within one hour--they even offered me ice cream (really...they have it for kids)-----& called a taxi to take me back to my hotel.        

Just a really great ER---not the kind of place i would dread going to---Thanks for your thoughts----btw--ALL of your responses---are really helping...& comforting--God Bless you all--keep the comments coming--when i get out there--i'll be checking in--you are ALL...like...."family"!.....God Bless----Kindest regards--Robert

Posted 10/11/2007 10:28 PM (GMT 0)

Robert, It is good to know you do have something PRN to take when you need it.  I have Xanax, which I try not to take too much but dont worry about all that often anyhow.  It is good that your comfortable with where your going.  My stepfather (mom's newest husband) is from SD.  The blackhills I think but not too sure.  He used to be a cattle farmer....interesting huh?  eyes   

Be Safe tongue

Posted 10/17/2007 5:52 PM (GMT 0)
:-)  well, by now you should be back home? i know once you were there the panic of it all settled.  traveling is just not as much fun as it use to be. i hate the lines and waiting.  but most of all the packing.  and unpacking.. just thinking about it is a drag.  we are going on a cruise in february and the only way i could handle flying across country to get on the ship was to go first class air.  that really takes alot of the sting out of all day travel.  hope you are doing well.
Posted 10/18/2007 8:33 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Kitt--Lynn---& "Dream girl"--

  Today is Thurs--18 Oct--i'm STILL in South Dakota...(using a PC in hotel lobby)----having a great time-tho the weather really---****Ks!    tongue      Started raining SUNDAY--& have NOT seen the sun...since then! sad      --

  BUT--i feel great---I'm meditating daily----& tho i have had a few irregular beats ....all of YOUR words of love & reassurance --& my dear wife--have helped me thru(I'm so blessed to have such a caring & loving wife--i am..indeed lucky).

  Weather is supposed to FINALLY clear tomorrow--just as the Pheasant Hunting season starts!  (I could never shoot a poor bird! confused )

  Will be back in Philly---this Tues---Oct-23-----Then--out to California (Beverly Hills)--in December---as i'm getting back my small studio apt--I had from 1993-2004-----I'm a writer & NEED to be out there.........also--i find the more "moderate climates"...neither too cold NOR too hot--helps me greatly w my heart! yeah    Anyway---thanks again--& KEEP the posts coming in--i do---sincerey hope--ican be of some help to others...as you all-have been to me!---Regards--Robert

 

Posted 10/27/2007 1:33 AM (GMT 0)

Hi eveyone---Robert here,

   Got back from 14 days in S. Dakota--this past Tues (23 Oct).   Everything went well--had a few minor.."episodes" of an irregular beat or two--but that wa it.

  Felt fine---am back in Philly--now--Thanks for all your support!   Kindest regards-Robert

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