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Cant cope any longer

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Posted 9/8/2013 6:08 PM (GMT 0)
I really don't know what to do anymore regarding these pvc's!!
As I type I'm having them every other beat,they have been like that for nearly 16 hours,I've been to the A&E and caught them on ECG as usual and basically tell me there is nothing they can do!!
I really feel that I'm gonna drop dead from these things!!
I even get them when I'm exercising now...I never used to get this!!
I'm scared really I'm scared!!
How does anyone carry on with this irregular heart beat!!!!!?????
I'm so sick of feeling this way...I feel as if my anxiety is slipping into depression!! cry
Posted 9/8/2013 6:59 PM (GMT 0)
The only thing i can tell you for sure is buy some cheep 325mg aspirin that dont have the protective
coating and take one every day after you eat a little something, I do this only I take two I hold them
in my mouth until they are dissolved and drink about half a diet coke, it wont change the pvc's but it
will protect you from harm. Some how some way I would go to a cardiologist and make them tell you
what to expect or not to expect, if the doctor says its harmless, then you need to find a way to let it
go. Peace
I have been to several heart forums and the condition you are describing is termend "harmless" by all of
the medical opinions, I know it can be an aggravating condition but use some of the coping skills here on
the resources and use them daily at the least, anything to quit listening to this. Peace

Larry ***

Post Edited (lgm1942) : 9/8/2013 7:11:06 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/8/2013 11:06 PM (GMT 0)
MSB,

Have you done the holter? If not, why not ask your doctor to order one for you to wear. This could do double duty of giving you peace of mind...and giving your doctor a little more insight as to what you are experiencing. Then you can go from there in terms of treatment?

My other thought is this. Are you sure that all of these are true PVC's? I ask because I have actually felt the 'skipped beat' sensation of a PVC on my pulse. (carotid artery location)

However, I have also had gastro issues that mimic PVC's. I know this because I often would have what I thought were palps, but soon after I would burp. (gross, sorry!)

So, I would check my pulse when this would happen...and lo and behold, no skipped beats...just air and indigestion/bloating.

The stomach is really close in proximity to the heart, and it can be hard to distinguish between cardio and gatro sensations.

I hope that this gives you some ideas. Please don't despair, you will get better with time and proper treatment!

S.C.
Posted 9/9/2013 12:18 AM (GMT 0)
Miss Spice -

Do you have a cardiologist? If not, see one. Not that there should be anything to be concerned with, but they can do other investigative testing that the emergency services doctors don't do. Stress test, holter monitor (usually 24-48 hours), event recorders.

I think it may help put your mind at ease. It won't do anything as far as how scary and annoying they are, but at least it may help convince you that they are not dangerous.

Also, because of the frequency you are having them, they may prescribe you a mild beta blocker.

Hope you find relief soon.
Posted 9/9/2013 7:33 AM (GMT 0)
Ive had a heart monitor fitted a week ago so I'm waiting for my results!!
Also they are 100% pvc's as you can clearly feel them in my pulse,and the doctors always catch them on ECG!!
They just feel so wrong!!
I need some relief!! If only for 10 minutes!
Posted 9/9/2013 3:58 PM (GMT 0)
Call your doctor's office and see if your results are in yet. Did you and your doctor discuss any treatment options yet? Or are you waiting to see the results of the reading?

Etiher way, you should have your answers soon I hope.

Until then, keep doing your coping mechanisms. I know that it is frustrating and scary...and sometimes it is tempting to quit, because the very act of sitting quietly and breathing/relaxing seems to make them even more noticable...but it will start to help in the long run.

S.C.
Posted 9/9/2013 4:18 PM (GMT 0)
I went to the doctors today and told him how I've been feeling!!
I've not got my results yet,that will be next week!!
Anyway he decided to give me beta blockers called propranolol,10 mg!
He told me to use these when I'm having a bad episode of pvc's!
I'm slightly nervous of trying these as my resting heart rate is only 50bpm,
But during my bad episodes I'm sure I'll be reaching for them!!
I'm also having my 2nd CBT session tomorrow!
Thank you all for your kind words!! I'm so glad I ground this site!!
Posted 9/9/2013 5:07 PM (GMT 0)
I am glad that you went in for peace of mind.

I too have a low HR, and have wondered how that would work with a beta blocker or BP med...your doctor is aware of this though, yes? Did he address this concern for you?

It is the worst waiting for results! I am sure that all is going to be normal, but the wait is tough, I know.

Really glad to hear that you are doing CBT!!  It is really helpful!

Keep posting and keep us updated as to how you are doing.;)

S.C.

Posted 9/9/2013 7:33 PM (GMT 0)
SC

Yes I told him about my heart rate,and he checked it and it was about 62bpm, so he didn't seem concerned!
But my resting rate especially at home is only about 50, I have a heart rate monitor to check this!!
I was thinking of only taking half a tablet when things got bad to see if it had any adverse effects on me!!
I'm quite a pill phobic, so I'm nervous at the thought of taking them!!
And I'm really gonna try my best with this CBT,my therapist is truly wonderful!! :-)
Posted 9/9/2013 8:04 PM (GMT 0)
Sounds like a good plan...just make sure that they are splittable (you can call your doc or pharmacist if you're not sure) as some pills are time released and are not intended for dividing in half.

Let us know if/when you take one, and how you feel.

Cheering for you and wishing you success!!

S.C.
Posted 9/9/2013 8:17 PM (GMT 0)
I'm not quite sure if I can split them in half or not,I'll probably have to check!!
They have a line down the middle of them,don't know if that means anything!
I was prescribed 10mg to be taken three times a day!
Posted 9/9/2013 9:14 PM (GMT 0)
If the 10 mg is a tablet your are ok to cut it in half. The line is a score line so nurses like me know how much half is lol. If you have a capsule do not open it it is a extended release version of the drug. If you still have concerns call your pharmacist and ask them for reassurance. Hope this helps you out some.

Post Edited By Moderator (stkitt) : 9/9/2013 4:02:26 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/9/2013 10:17 PM (GMT 0)
MSB,

A little knowledge is often good but when it comes to the heart you are missing a few essentials................. PVCs often do not perfuse (cause a pulse beat) and so frequent PVCs can cause a reduced pulse rate even when your heart rate is normal. I just want to reassure you that PACs ( atrial contractions almost always perfuse and you will feel the premature bit at your wrist.

The good news would be that your comment, "Also they are 100% pvc's as you can clearly feel them in my pulse" is misleading and perhaps many of your beats are atrial beats and not ventricular.

If the Dr. ordered 10mg tab and told you to take the tab you should call him first before taking only half of the dose he ordered.  If you are  wary about the dose, do ask the Dr. why he chose 10 mg.

Remember we are your peers here and not medical professionals so we can not prescribe or dx. 

Keep working on the anxiety and trust that your event monitor will be normal or close to normal - if you were in dire straights you would have been contacted by now.

Cheering you on for your next CBT.  Don't forget to practice what you are learning.

Gentle Hugs,

Kitt

Posted 9/10/2013 7:26 AM (GMT 0)
I think they are all ventricular ectopics because every time I get an ECG that's what he doctors say they are!!

As for the beta blockers,I'm really not sure if I want to try them as I don't want to make my heart rate any lower than what it is!!

I'm at a loss really!!
Posted 9/10/2013 4:05 PM (GMT 0)
As a person with heart trouble feel free to contact me on my e-mail. Peace

Larry ***
Posted 9/10/2013 4:17 PM (GMT 0)
MSB,

I am sorry I have nothing to offer to help you get past this anxiety re PVCs. I suspect you are dealing with health anxiety which is a tough anxiety to learn to work with.

Health anxiety, as one would expect, involves intense anxiety about one's health, usually to the point that it produces significant distress or interferes with one's day-to-day functioning.  Health anxiety involves either the fear that one has a serious physical illness or the belief that on has a serious physical illness.

 

I will go out on a limb today and post a link to a free on-line self help  program that teaches strategies drawn from cognitive, behavioural and interpersonal therapies as well as relaxation and physical activity.

e-couch: http://ecouch.anu.edu.au/welcome

I actually worked this program when it first came out but it is one you can always go back to when you start to feel your anxiety trying to rule.

Gentle hugs,

Kitt

Posted 9/11/2013 8:24 AM (GMT 0)
Kitt

Thank you for that!! I'll look on that programme right away!!

I went for my Second CBT therapy yesterday! And she told me for at least one week I'm not to look online for anything medical or to do with PVC'S!
So I'm not gonna be around until I get my heart monitor results!!
I thought I would keep to my word and do as she asked to see if it helps!!

Thank you to always replying to my anxious posts!!
See ya soon!!

Oh and Larry I can't see your E-mail address!!

Sally xx
Posted 9/11/2013 3:56 PM (GMT 0)
Well done! We will talk to you when you can come back...wishing you the best!!

S.C.
Posted 9/13/2013 2:08 PM (GMT 0)
I'm back :(

Went to A&E again yesterday!! I felt as if I was getting runs of v-tach which scared the living daylights out of me! They felt like 6 or 7 pvc's in a row that made me short of breath!!
The doctor finally decided to refer me to a cardiac specialist!!
I'm sure my problem is getting worse!! I never used to have couplets never mind 6 or 7 in a row!!
The doctor also prescribed me a anti anxiety drug to help me!!

He told me I should NOT take the beta blockers as my pulse is very low!!
I'm so glad I didn't take them!!

I thought I'd be back with better news!!

Larry....how can I get your E mail??
Posted 9/13/2013 4:06 PM (GMT 0)
MSB,

I am glad that you are seeking help. I am sure that you are going to receive good care, and that all will be fine.

Do let us know what is determined when you see the specialist okay? When do you go in for your appointment?

Also, let us know how the anti-anxiety Rx works, and whether it helps to relieve the palp issue. (what did they prescribe if I may ask?)

Wishing you the best...you have your support and cheering section right here...you are going to be allright!

S.C.
Posted 9/13/2013 4:07 PM (GMT 0)
Oh...and did you get the holter results? What did it show?

S.C.
Posted 9/13/2013 5:21 PM (GMT 0)
I've been prescribed citolopram,I'm not sure how you spell it!!

I have to wait for a letter to come through the post for my appointment with a cardiologist!

And I'll get my monitor results on Tuesday!!
It seems as I've been waiting ages for ages for theses results!!
Posted 9/13/2013 5:23 PM (GMT 0)
Oh yeah and the only side effects im getting with the pills are a spaced out feeling, and I feel like I'm clenching my jaw a lot!!
I can still feel my pvc's but I'm hoping this will relax me a bit!!
Posted 9/13/2013 5:29 PM (GMT 0)
It does seem to take forever! You are taking all the right steps to get to the bottom of your issues though!

I would not be suprised if your medication helps to reduce your symptoms to a great degree...then you will know to what degree anxiety is contributing to your issue.

Hang in there!

S.C.
Posted 9/19/2013 11:16 AM (GMT 0)
24 hour heart monitor results

1200 pvc's
5 beat run of SVT
Average pulse 63 BPM
Highest pulse 133 BPM
3 bradycardia runs at 46 BPM

I only thought I had 500+ pvc's in one day
So I was very surprised it was double that!!
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