shortness of breath heart palpations

[0224]

I was wondering 8th shortness of breath, and heart palpations are these symptoms of chiari.  I also notice if I raise my heart rate my symptoms get worse.  Does this happen to anybody?  I wanted to call the neurosurgeon but I don't have my surgery until October 28th :(

[Jennifwe223]

Hi, although I am not a candidate for the surgery, I have recently been experiencing these symptoms as well. It becomes a challenge for me walking five feet and not being out of breath. My daily activities such as just getting changed in the morning or showering are becoming longer because I will walk over to choose an outfit and have to stop and catch my breath first. I was able to get changed and do everything within 10 minutes of waking up and could be out of my house. Now it takes me at least an hour because of all the breaks I have to take to catch my breath and have the energy. I agree with heart palpitations as well. Although I do not always have in increase in heart-rate while having an episode, when it does occur first, I notice that the other symptoms come more rapidly where I know the episode is going to occur and there is no way of stopping it or at least I have not found a way yet! Just wanted to let you know that you are not alone in experiencing these symptoms. Good luck with the surgery next month!

[selmaS]

  I will bum the thread up and you post in it just like you are posting in this thread.....

  No worries : )

[0224]

Thanks for all the advice!  How do I post my surgery date and where?

[selmaS]

  Hi....as the above posters have said this could be related to Chiari  and anxiety of your pending  surgery.....

  I will encourage you  to post your surgery date on the surgery date thread so a Prayer thread will be posted.....this can sometimes help knowing others are keeping you in their thoughts and prayers when  you are heading in for surgery....

Chiari also has some related conditions like POTS that can affect BP and I was told to avoid straining as it can and will cause a flare of symptoms as we are trying to push more CSF and blood thru a tight area faster so symptoms can change when we do.....so I am not surprised that you felt as you did.....and would suggest not trying to get your heart rate up until after you are healed....

[Elisaandbucky]

What are your feelings about your upcoming surgery? Like Munchies 2012 and Rod44 mention above, stress could be causing some of these symptoms for you. Looking ahead to your surgery has to be frightening for you (just as it was for me the entire month of July). Your surgery date is also at the end of the month. One thing I did, that could possibly be helpful to you, was walk around my block after dinner each night in July. I did not walk fast; I I went at a comfortable pace. If you are calmed by some mild physical activity, it may comfort you a bit during this very long wait that you have.

[rod44]

Chiari can cause these symptoms as can many other conditions including anxiety. Get advice from your family doctor especially with shortness of breath.  

[Munchies2012]

Chiari can cause symptoms like this due to brain stem compression. But I just want to throw this out there. That it may be anxiety due to your upcoming surgery.