I've had PVC's since I was 8 (I'm 58) But after stomach damage....I have something else...

I have had a history of PVC's since I was 8 years old. Back then (1968) I was hyperactive and to calm me they gave me amphetamines (They had the opposite effect on kids and calmed me during the day) but at night I couldn't sleep and had PVC's. After developing an anxiety disorder in my early 20's because of them...I have grown to recognize them.....and deal with them and even learn to reduce them...

Then I had a drinking binge in 2017......and it really upset my stomach and I may have an ulcer (or ulcers) Now...when my stomach is upset, or full....if I bend down too fast, or lay on my right side too fast or even if I'm in the car and hit a bump..........I get a THUMPING below my sternum that feels like a PVC but is DIFFERENT........It feels like it's EVERY OTHER BEAT.....and it's regular. The ODD thing is ..when I feel my carotid pulse while it's happening my heart FEELS like it's in a regular rhythm, FASTER, but regular. These episodes only last 30 seconds or so in most cases...............but I AM TERRIFIED. I've gone to the ER and seen my GP and described them (they didn't occur while being monitored)....and the both say to IGNORE it......but since it's so different than what I've experienced for 50 years..........my panic and terror are off the scale. I have a nurse friend who suggested my stomach in those cases is irritating my VAGUS nerve and causing it........But then I ask..Why isn't my carotid pulse irregular........ I am seeing a cardiologist in several weeks (My insurance takes time to approve a consult and I want to go NOW but have to wait) DOES THIS SOUND FAMILIAR TO ANYONE? I can't find these symptoms ANYWHERE!! I feel totally alone, ignored (by Doctors) and TERRIFIED!! Thank you for reading!

Hi Craig:

Were you formally diagnosed with ulcers via endoscopy? It's a good sign that both the hospital and your GP didn't suspect anything abnormal. PVCs are quite common and usually benign. I know how scary potential heart issues can be. I had SVT and I went to the emergency room with a heart rate of 220 bpm that had lasted for hours. I'm sure anxiety has taken over and that can cause/make your symptoms seem worse. We aren't medical professionals and I can't offer any advice rather than to relax until you see your cardiologist. It's not unusual to take weeks or sometimes months to get a cardiologist appointment. And, do yourself a favor and not use Dr. Google to try and self-diagnose. There is a lot of misinformation out there.

Sharon