Just trying to live and cope with these heart palpitations!

So Fugs...what meds are you taking now for your heart?  Do you still have the palps?  The Mg is working good for me, but I was reading about possible side effects if taking too much.  The one I am experiencing is diarrhea.  My dull headaches are back...but that is not suppose to be a side effect.  I started the Mg and my hormone supplement (it's called EstroNatural...Walgreens brand) at the same time so I dont know which might be causing it.  It says its a dietary supplement with soy and black cohosh extracts, vitamins and calcium.  Im not seeing Mg in the list of its contents so Im not adding more than the Mg pill I am taking.  I wish I would have started them maybe a week apart, but I was so desperate for some relief from the palps.  I dont want to stop either one because I feel Im benefiting from both.  Maybe its just asking too much to actually feel completely wonderful with no complaints!!!  Anyway, now that the palps seem to be under control, I think I am going to lower the amount of Mg that Im taking and see if the ticker still stays calm.

I sure wish I could afford insurance.  I would really like to just talk to my doc for some guidance, but for now Im on my own to figure out what works best. 

I'm not taking anything for my heart. The medical tests and bloodwork confirmed that my heart is OK. The skipped beats are symptoms of anxiety and as I work on my anxiety I'm able to have fewer skipped beats (along with my other physical symptoms).

I had a medical appointment last month with someone new and I had two skipped beats in anticipation of that appointment. But since then I've only had my heart race, not skip.

There used to be a free nurse hotline where you could get a professional opinion and ask questions. Obviously it's not the same as a checkup, but if you can't afford to see someone in person it might be worth looking into. I don't know if it still exists though. Also another thought - do you take a multivitamin that has Mg in it?

 Hi , Fugs and justwannafeelgood etc.  I wanted to tell u how important I am finding exercise power walking , tai chi and meditation w/ deep breathing. My palps and anxiety seem much better with adding these to my life.  Sugars also have a reaction on the palps.  The more sugars u eat it seems to elevate the palps.  I am taking calcium/d, extra d/400, lovazza, (fish oil} bananas blueberries and folic acid.  I am now taking Mg 75mg a.m. 75mg PM. A book called 'The Language of Letting Go" by Melody Beattie a daily meditation is fantastic.  Also read Viktor Frankls book. I hope we can all get well!!!

Dancinheart,

I know your post was for Kitt but Im going to reply as well!  Take a deep breath...you are okay.  There is no rhyme or reason as to why we get these blips.  It's very scary, nerve wracking, etc.  Unfortunately, we have to find a way to deal with it.  Even though its hard to believe that they are harmless...you will just have to believe it!  There are so many people (as you can tell by the posts in this forum) that experience this.  Some of us have had these for years and we are still here to tell you about our experiences.  So that in itself says something.  Do they still scare me?  Heck yes!  When I feel them do I still think Im going to die? Heck yes!  But you learn to cope.  Im sure there are lots of things to do that might help you as an individual.  It just depends on how much money you are willing to fork out for acupuncture, hypnosis, etc.  Things that may or may not help...that would be your decision to try them.  We are all individual and unique and what may work for one may not work for another.  I personally look at it like this...having anxiety or stress related health issues are due to the way we handle things in life...which is the work of the mind.  So, we have to learn how to trick the mind or learn how to calm the mind (talk about mind games!!).  If it will ease or calm your mind to try these avenues, then go for it.  But just know that if these things you mentioned possibly trying DON'T work, please don't get discouraged.  These blips are harmless...just a nuisance!! 

dancinheart,

Let me see if I can help :) First of all benign is  a medical term used to describe a mild and nonprogressive problem.

This is simpler than it will seem before I'm finished explaining. Your symptoms are quite real, but they not only can be caused by anxiety once they start they can aggravate anxiety, which in turn aggravates more premature beats.

The is the frustrating part,  because the more the beats happen it is likely the frequency will increase until the anxious person learns to ratchet down the anxiety and overlook ( I won't say ignore) the palpitations they will continue. Try to keep in mind this is perfectly normal and common in otherwise healthy people but especially in anxious people.

Some lucky people are totally unaware of this happening. Others feel it but pay it no mind.  Anxious people feel them, wonder what that was, become a little more anxious, and so release a little more adrenaline, which may cause even more of irrgular beats. It still doesn't matter except that then a cycle of anticipation, increased anxiety , more "skipped" (actually early) beats, causing more anxiety , until the person is miserable and worried.

There are many small adjustments you could make to your lifestyle, which will go a long way towards alleviating your anxiety and appeasing your irregular heartbeat. One of the most important and simplest adjustments you should make is reducing your intake of caffeine and sugars. Also, you should try to gradually have more physical activity and look up new hobbies that will help you stay relaxed and avoid the grasp of anxiousness.

Understanding your anxiety disorder and its probable causes is crucial, because that gives you a starting point. It provides you with a steady ground from where you can build on your well-being.

You can beat the anxiety ~ think positive thoughts, leaving no room for failure that you “just can’t do this. Tell yourself you are fine when you feel the beats and just keep on going.  Try some deep breathing exercises when you start to feel the anxiety build.

Some days are less stressful then others so try not to worry or overthink why some days you have more irrg. beats and some days seem fine.

I hope this helps you and know I am here for you.

Kindly,

Kitt

  Thank you Kitt and Fugs for answering me.  Sometimes u feel all alone in this and I am so grateful for any feedback from those that have dealt with this crazy side effect of anxiety and panic disorder. Mine is an offshoot of years of being a victim of DV and now after finally getting free I am a survivor but the PTSD is horrible. The flashbacks can be excruciating but this is a new terror I never expected.  I used to have adrenalin rushes all the time trying to deal with the toxic situation I lived in but very few heart blips only in a blue moon. I think my body got used to the fear factor all the time and doesnt know how to react to a normal day! With all of this comes chronic stomach problems; gerds, IBS, hiatal hernia etc.  I find that the more gas the more pressure the more palps the more anxiety the more chest pressure and so on.  I took GASX tonight for the 1st time and the palps stopped.  The Palps STOPPED!!!??  I cant believe it!! I think in my case the stomach pressure from a full or gas filled esophagus can start the problem.  I wonder if this could be true. I know one of u said if u eat a full meal they come on also!   Sincerely, Dancinheart

Dancinheart,

PTSD can take a long time to work through, though you've already made some clear progress. You see yourself as a survivor and not a victim. You've identified the trauma of the past and the resultant anxiety. You've moved on with your life. You've held strong to your faith. But the flashbacks and the associations or situations you encounter in daily life that remind or bring you back to what once was will take time. I like the analogy of being in a cage with the door open and not leaving. You have to feel safe, truly safe before you'll be able to put that first step forward and out of the cage. But if you're brave and strong enough to get out of a bad relationship, then I'm sure you're also strong enough to take the next step.

I'm not surprised that you have the heart blips. It's like your mind goes back to the past and thinks, "oh crap... I have to get outta here now!!" and you go into panic mode. But just as with any panic attack like symptom your body is responding to perceived threats not real threats.

I'm glad you're in a better (safer) place now.

Hi gang!

A little fluttering tonight as Im dealing with a horrible diagnosis for one of my dogs.  Parvo.  My son works at a pet store and someone brought in 2 puppies a few months ago that had been dropped off on the side of a country road.  Someone saw them and brought them to the pet store.  My tremendous love for animals has been passed down to my children.  So of course, my son brought him home and he quickly became part of the family.  He is about 5-6 months old and my son got his first set of puppy shots for him but because of unexpected expenses, we were unable to get the next set of shots.  Now my son is so upset (22 years old) because he is blaming himself for "Booker" getting parvo.  The vet has given a 50/50 chance of survival and we are desperately trying to save his life.  He deserves it and was given a chance for a good life when he found a home with us.  Needless to say, the care that has to be given to a dog with parvo when you cant afford the vet hospitalization charge ($600-$2000 for 2-3 days of hospitalization with no option to make payments), is extremely tiring and stressful.  We have had 2 bad days, one fantastic day, and now back to a horrible day.  I just dont know if we can pull him through.  We give him fluids sub-Q every 8 hours, 2 different antibiotics twice a day, try to get fluids down orally every 15 minutes with a syringe (only after he has not vomited for awhile which requires a shot every day).  Now most of you are probably thinking "why not just put him to sleep".  Well, when he sees us walk into the room his tail goes crazy wagging.  When we take him outside to potty, he walks out on his own and makes his rounds through the yard making sure all is well!  They say it is like having the flu only a very severe case...and the killer of this disease is actually dehydration.  I know this isnt the place to talk about our dog troubles, but because of this my heart has had a little fluttering today.  (Im assuming that is the reason).   Im tired and its stressful, but he is worth it.  Im actually surprised the palps arent worse...so the magnesium Im taking now is helping to keep what normally would have been unbearable palps, to a minimum.  Well, thanks for listening and if there are any animal lovers out there...Im sure you can understand why Im choosing to try and save our furry child!!!  Please pray for him.  Thanks so much! 

dancinheart said...
Fugs, You seem to have knowledge of the situation and your understanding is appreciated. It took me many years to get out and at the time I had been deathly ill from the abuser and was told if I stayed he would kill me. I am far from stupid, and yet I had been in denial and was brainwashed for so many years, It took me almost dying to finally flee! That was just a year or so ago.

With all the other things I have fought and lived through how do u tell your head to tell your heart to stop shaking just like your body used to shake with fear?? My body has stopped shaking most of the time and my eyes twitch every once in awhile when my hyper vigilance is stimulated, but MY HEART?? I really shouldn't be surprised, every part of me freaked out, why not my heart. Thanks for listening and commenting Fugs you don't know how much it means to have someone care enough to answer. Sincerely, Dancinheart

Hey Dancinheart,

Your welcome. Brainwashed is the right word. It's amazing how many people are in abusive relationships who actively swear that they love their abuser and honestly believe that the person is truly a good person and/or that they'll change. Domestic violence is about control. You're brainwashed into believing that you need the other person when in reality they're controlling you because they need you. Most abusive partners lack the social skills and self-esteem to maintain a healthy relationship so they resort to "tricking" or forcing a person to stay with them. And in your case if it was a year ago - that's not that long ago. It'll take you some time before your mind (unconsciously) realizes for instance that when you're walking down the street and the wind shakes a bush that your ex isn't hiding behind it (or whatever specific anxieties you may still have).

As far as your question... it looks like you started to answer it yourself. I'm not surprised either. Why NOT your heart? It's a muscle and like your other muscles it can tense up when we're anxious. Just understanding that it's nothing you need to get too worked up about though is the first step to breaking the cycle of: heart skip - anxiety - heart skip, etc. And don't worry about writing back. I understand if you have concerns about anonymity. It's something you may have to unfortunately consider for the rest of your life (unlisted phone number, having your address not in the phone book, using a different bank than you had before, etc).

Hi Justwannafeelgood,

Sorry to hear about Booker. I can't tell you what to do or tell you that everything will be OK. It may or may not. You said 50/50 - so it could go either way. All I can offer is my support and remind you not to assume the worst. He's just as likely to live and your anxiety will not increase his odds of surviving. And even if Booker doesn't make it your family should rest assured that you gave his life a happy ending. You'll have made his last days that much brighter by being a part of them.

  Thank you for understanding Fugs.   Sorry about the puppy but  Parvo is a very insidious infection and not easily cured when contracted. I love animals and pray that Booker lives and prospers for many many years.  You are doing everything you possibly can.

Dancinheart...that is fantastic that you found the culprit and with the right meds it has gotten rid of the palps!!  What exactly is a hiatal hernia...where is it and how do you find out you have one?  Very interesting!  My palps have pretty much gone away except for a flutter every now and then.  Makes me wonder if mine might be from some simple underlying problem.  Im really happy for you...one less thing to make you worry!!

"Booker" is hanging in there.  Just got back from the vet for a check-up and he is not dehydrated and didnt have a temp and thats a good thing.  We are not out of the woods yet, now we have to worry about infection in his intestines since this virus has wiped out the part of the intestines that absorbs nutrients.  (which is what this virus does to all dogs that get it).  Evidently once the intestines are damaged, all the bad bacteria from everywhere in the body builds up in the intestines and puts toxins in the body which poisons the dog and kills them.  Soooo,  we are still giving all the antibiotics and fluids under the skin.  I think it is working but it is a wait and see game.  He seems much more alert and happy today.  Once we can get his tummy completely settled down, the intestines can start to repair and hopefully he will be back to normal.  Thanks for asking Dancinheart!!

dancinheart,

Hey there, sorry I am just getting to this now.  HealingWell is open to the public to read without becoming a member.  In order to post and be a member you must register as you did when you joined.  The forum rules include the following:

16. Do not post offline personal contact information (ie. your home address, phone numbers etc.) and do not ask for personal information from others.  Modify your member profile in the Control Panel (VIEW IMAGE) at the top left corner of the forum to set privacy settings for your account.  Use of full names (your first and last name) is allowed but strongly discouraged.  This is to protect your security and identity.

 

This forum has 88840 registered members. As long as you do not share any private information online you should be OK but do remember to be savy and not give out any info should someone ask for it. I do not know that any forum could absolutely gaurantee your complete privacy but do feel free to email the adminstrator/owner of HealingWell if you still have concerns.   

 

On the other side of the coin, your own computer may be a trouble spot for Internet security. <!-- new -->If you have a DSL line, broadband cable modem or other connection to the Internet that is up and running 24 hours,  unlike a modem-and-phone-line connection, be sure to turn your computer off when you are not using it.

 

Great questions and legitimate concern.

 

Kindly,

 

Kitt