PACs

[josh97]

This isn't a question, just wanted to share my story..I was told i had PACs a couple of years ago and i didn't quite understand then the whole story of what was wrong with me. Anyways, about twice a year, usually around April and October, as weird as this sounds, my PACs go crazy. And when i say crazy, i mean all day, sometimes 10-15 times per minute, for anywhere between 5 days to 14 days..It's draining, stressful, and irritating all at the same time. For the first couple of intense spells i had, i would get extremely nervous and scared..I mean, how could something so crazy with your heart not be harmful, right? So, as i've investigated more and more about these and read other forums and what not, i've learned to just be okay with them. They do not bring me severe anxiety or anything anymore..Instead, i just get really annoyed. Especially when this goes on all day long for days and even weeks at a time..The longest the spells have lasted has been 2 weeks..I'm in the middle of one right now that has been present for 5 almost 6 days now. Usually they go away after a couple of weeks. It's just hard and it's rough to deal with them. To not be in control of your body *****, and to not be in control of your heart is terrifying..But i just noticed that some people who are only now discovering their PACs/PVCs and how scared they are, and looking back how i was in the same boat at one time. Hang in there and maybe one day soon we can lead a PAC/PVC free life!

[Jerry_NJ]

I believe a ablation decision is based on risk/benefit and the estimate of success.  The risk is small, but not zero, so the benefit must offer enough to take the risk. It sounds like your quality-of-life is affected badly enough to consider taking the risk.   I don't have any numbers for PVC but believe for AFib (another atrium problem) one might expect a probability of success of 80%, otherwise the recommendation might be not to try.

[josh97]

Thanks, but today seems like they are still going to be going strong :/  I've been to the cardiologist and all that. I've been on Toprol XL for a couple of years now, which doesn't seem to really have much effect. I've tried everything that anyone has suggested to stop the PACs. I've coughed, elevated myself, i've ran, i've stayed away from caffeine and foods. You name it, i've done it and absolutely nothing helps make them better. I wish i knew something though. I've read that you have to have numerous palps in a daily period before an ablation could be considered??

[Jerry_NJ]

Sounds rough, hope you are seeing relief today, the current run has been too long already.

I hope you have been examined by a cardiologist and that you condition isn't considered dangerous.  You didn't mention any medications  

At a much older age than you I developed, or became aware of, atrial fibrillation.  Medicine has helped return me to normal sinus rhythm a couple of times, but that no longer works so I just live with permanent AFib.  Happily the worst of it is the risk of clots and a lower energy/fatigue/endurance.  But, at my age I'm past running for exercise anyway.