Joining the PVC club

[Brian77]

Feeling terrible yesterday. In addition to skipped beats, I was feeling flu-like symptoms - probably something I ate. Went to ER. They treated me for flu-like symptoms but of course they were concerned when I mentioned the month-long (so far) issue I've been having with skipped beats. Did Ekg and heart rate monitor and - low and behold - finally showed PVCs. Crazy as it sounds I was glad - at least there is evidence. They showed me the graph, pointing out that its not really a skip but and extra beat and the heart compensating with a pause - which I already knew. They did blood tests and everything was good. Discharged me, saying nothing was seriously wrong, but that I was one of the lucky ones who gets to feel their PVCs. I guess right now I'm in a stretch where the blips are acting up like crazy. Hopefully it passes soon.

Got an appointment with my doc and I'm going to get him to send me to a Cardiologist, I want another echo. The Cardiologist will no doubt tell me I have to live with it. On my own I've done some research. Some people say Magnesium supplements have helped them. Going to try that.  Also, I've read about more homeopathic remedies suggesting the use of supplements called Cataplex-B and G, Drenamin, and Cyruta which are B Vitamin related, helping the nervous and circulatory systems. Hell right now I'll try anything.

I'm also on Effexor XL 75mg for anxiety-stress, but I've read a side effect is arrhythmia. Going to ask the doc about that too.

Well you'll be definitely seeing more of me here. It seems like a wonderful place for advice, support and commiseration. I was pretty healthy up until this eruption of palps but I guess none of us get out unscathed, do we? Any and all advice is welcome and needed.

[jsuter69]

I can totally understand your fears...I think that if my cardiac doc could actually see my episodes,than I would at least feel more reassured but since he hasn't,I always carry around this doubt, almost gloomy like cloud with me, for me,it's the fear of the unknown....it's like ok...my heart just did something really scary,now is it going to do it again or is it something that's lethal...I hate letting it consume my every thought....I just try and ignore them sometimes....but it does get worse the more anxious I am....some people on here say to try deep breathing exercises, but when I get scared it's hard to think about relaxing when your scared!

[SassyLassie]

Hey, I just re-read your post. I take those same supplements, they are by Standard Processing Lab and the best on the market. In fact, the Cataplex B is loaded with B4, and that is the one B vitamin that our bodies can not make but need desperately in order to have a healthy heart. Cataplex B is the only "B" supplement that supplies that particular B vitamin as it is food grade. Their product called "Vasculin" is great also as is "Organic Minerals" for arrythmias.

[SassyLassie]

You put it perfectly. When we get scared the child certainly does come out in all of us. I know when I get some PAC's, I just want comfort and for folks to tell me it is going to be OK. My dear mother went to heaven 4 years ago this coming April 14, she was my strength and when I would get scared, she would comfort me, I sure do miss her. I am blessed to still have my dad, but, he does not understand the PAC's or anxiety like she did, and besides, I hate to bring him down or have him worry,(he misses mom too, they were married 60 years) so, I keep very upbeat, however, when I am alone, then I cry or just feel plain lonesome. I may not be a youngster, but, I miss my mom just the same, and having these horrid irregular heart beats and anxiety do not help.

Oh yes, I, too, have a hiatal hernia, and believe me, when I eat too much or drink too much water, it makes my flutters worse as it causes my hiatal hernia to act up as well. No fun, for sure.

Welcome again to the group, we are glad to have you.

Hugs and blessings
Susie

[Brian77]

Soopester:
didnt have the PVCs before the effexor. Last year though was strange. I had a bunch of workups due to unexplained chest pains, which set off anxiety. All tests came back clean as a whistle. Doc thought I might be having anxiety issues - I said "now I am, now that i have unexplained CHEST pains". He put me on the effexor, but i got him to send me to get a GI workup. Found that I had a small hiatal hernia. He put me on Nexium and the problem went away.  Then a month ago the PVCs started, right after a rough basketball game. The doc, with more clean ekgs and bloodwork, attributed it to over-caffeining myself and dehydration. The skips went away for a few weeks, then bam here they are, new and improved. Lucky me.
Cortland, eh? Not too far. I'd say we should blame it on central new york and all the snow, but it seems to be a nationwide epidemic.

SassieLassie:
like you I am a worrier. Can't imagine having what we have and not worrying. And yes I am find this site very helpful and the people so very friendly and knowledgeable. You probably know what I mean when I say I want to hug everyone who knows what I'm talking about and can empathize. Silver linings everywhere. Things like this, afflictions, seem to bring out the scared and loving child in all of us. The child that wants nothing more than to feel better and to have those they know feel better. Thank you for your kind words; and thank heaven for this community. I will definitely be active in this community; strong as I am, I need it.

[SassyLassie]

Welcome to our group. There are lots of helpful and knowledgable folk here and they are very understanding.

I have PAC's and PVC's, I had an ECHO and wore a holter monitor and of course, the results were both good. However, I am a worrier, and I worry about them lots.

You are in good company here, write anytime you want, someone will help you.

Hugs
Susie

[Soopster]

I'm sorry your feeling terrible. PVCs are no fun as everyone on this forum can attest. Did you have PVCs before starting the Effexor? Anxiety is a common side-effect of PVCs and PVCs can be caused by anxiety. LOL

You'll feel better after meeting with your cardiologist. He may prescribe a low dose beta blocker. That worked for me.

I see you're from Rome. I'm a little over an hour away in Cortland!

The forum is here to help!