heart palpitations?

[supertex]

This is my first post on this forum.  Was diagnosed with hep c 3a in April 2010.  I am also HIV+.  I am in week 11 of tx with Pegintron and Ribavirin.  I had an RVR at week 3 and still undetectable at week 8.  Just had blood drawn again on Tuesday so waiting for latest lab results.  I am experiencing a number of the side effects -- fatigue, irritability, depression, hair thinning, insomnia, etc.  I am managing these the best I can.  But the thing that is bothering me the most is heart palpitations.  I can hear and feel my heart pounding a lot of the time.  My heart isn't racing -- it is still beating at the same rate but it feels like it is beating MUCH harder.  It's kind of scary and very distracting.  Makes it hard to concentrate on anything else.  I told my gastro about this on Tuesday and he didn't seem to take it very seriously.  Asked me if I was drinking enough water and getting enough salt in my diet.  Has anyone else experienced this?  If so, how have you dealt with it?  I welcome any advice or thoughts.  Thank you.

[meakea]

Yes, supertex, I know what you mean about the reassurance of knowing you aren't alone with the side effects.  I will encourage you to also continue to do what you already did...tell your doctor of all side effects even if your doc shrugs them off.  Keep up the great progress with your treatment.

[supertex]

Thanks meakea -- it makes me feel better that others have experienced this side effect and that things went back to normal...

[meakea]

supertex...  I had all of the same symptoms you mention including the palpitations.  I must say that I was glad to know my heart was beating but it was very annoying to HEAR it beating all the time, especially when I was trying to sleep.  I found that when I laid on my left side it helped with make the noise less.  In addition to the noise, I had a much faster heart rate also...usually 100 or more.  Once treatment was done, my heart rate gradually got back to my baseline (60ish) and the noise went away.  I have read of others having this side effect during treatment also.  I believe it has to do with the anemia which is brought on by treatment.

[supertex]

i feel the numbness in my extremities at times, too....so weird.  glad to know i'm not the only one!  congrats on making it to week 22...
My HgB was about 16 when I started then dropped to 12 in the first 3 weeks, then stayed at 12 through week 8 so they couldn't really treat it.  I'm anxious to see what it is this time.
Thanks for advice and encouragement.  Much appreciated.

[supertex]

Thanks, Will.  I will ask the doctor about my thyroid levels in my latest labs.  I appreciate the recommendation.

[willbb]

Congrats on your great early results!

As far as your heart palpitations...very often(especially early on in tx.) the thyroid gland goes  hyperthyrioid (overactive) and palpitations is a very common symptom off that.

Have you had your thyroid levels checked thru tx.? ..if not may be a good idea tos see if that could be the problem

All the best

WILL