Premature Ventricular Contractions and more

Hi Liz, re :- the excersise, probably because ive got used to not exercising
my heart is used to the slow pace i give it ! perhaps if i gradually built it
up it may work out ! and yes it makes sense.
My doc recently told me that the worse time for the palps to kick in is
infact when resting ! ie :- in bed lying down, watching tv etc.
On the note of magnesium, ive just took my first ever one ! lol
i dont really know what to expect ! just hope that they start to work. How
long was you taking mag for before it had any effect ? (how much mag)
chelated/other ?
jackie.

thanx for the info, i'm happy that someone else is taking what i may well be
trying quite soon ! lol tell me , what do you feel like once you have taken
it ?
i am pretty worried about the effects it may have !
i have been told it is similar to an anaesthetic ! is this so ?
and what kind of effect has it on your heart ?
how long have you been on it ?
many, many thanks, jackie.

hi gill, just looking how much you excersise makes me ache ! lol
i dont do ANY thats because i sometimes only have to walk up a short flight
of steps before my palps kick in, so ive decided that if that brings mine on
i should be careful in what i do. saying that excersise is supposed to be
good for the heart and the palps !
jackie.

God Suze, you have made me crack up again! Considering I am in the
Minneapolis area (sort of, that's right, I just moved) and my brother lives
in Texas it's all the funnier. How far is Katy from you? I know, I know
Texas is BIG! Lisa

Hey Suzy!

Loofahing?????????????? Now that's a new one to me!!! And my other advice: LEISURE BRAS!! Laurie

Suzy Finigan <suzy1220@...

LOL....yes, men just don't understand that there is a tiny window of
hair-drying opportunity that will make a difference between great hair and a
horrible hair day. I had my hair cut yesterday at this funky little hair
salon ("The Pickle") and yesterday it looked GREAT....all tousled and
sexy...today I did it myself and the word that would best describe it is
"messy." I think my problem is I put conditioner, gel, AND mousse on it. I
even did a little teasing in the back. Geez, what we women do to look
good!!
Suzy<---enjoys being a woman but it sure is a lot of work :-)
plucking...loofahing...flossing...shaving...highlighting...the list goes on
forever....ohohoh...don't forget UNDERWIRES (a cruel invention by some
sadist)

By The Way

Jennifer, you're not THE Jennifer Lopez, are you??
Suzy

Steve,
Have a great weekend...you can do this. You will be fine.
Jen

Please tell me what BTW stands for. Thank you!
Christine

LOL....yes, men just don't understand that there is a tiny window of
hair-drying opportunity that will make a difference between great hair and a
horrible hair day. I had my hair cut yesterday at this funky little hair
salon ("The Pickle") and yesterday it looked GREAT....all tousled and
sexy...today I did it myself and the word that would best describe it is
"messy." I think my problem is I put conditioner, gel, AND mousse on it. I
even did a little teasing in the back. Geez, what we women do to look
good!!
Suzy<---enjoys being a woman but it sure is a lot of work :-)
plucking...loofahing...flossing...shaving...highlighting...the list goes on
forever....ohohoh...don't forget UNDERWIRES (a cruel invention by some
sadist)

Suzy, you are so funny! I confess I thought Gill was a man, too. Probably
short for Gillian, not Gilbert or something.
I know just what you mean here. My problem is not only the worrying I
learned, but my IMAGINATION!! I think up things and envision scenarios that
leave my friends and family just shaking their heads in wonder... ;o)
And this one, how often have I said "I have to hang up" or "Let me in the
bathroom" because "my hair is in the Formative Stage and I have to blow it
dry NOW!"
Laughs,
Lisa
PS: You will all see me with a new email address soon: lt@ltbydesign. It is
still me, Lisa in Minnesota!

Hi, is any one at all (if not most) lol, on magnesium ?
If so, ive heard there are different types of mag !
the chelated the oxide AND mag glycinate ! as ive never heard of this form of
mag has anyone else ? if anyone takes it i should like to hear from them !
And does anyone know the recommended dose of mag per day ?
Also, is chelated any different from oxide ?
thanx, jackie. (a confused palper ) LOL

Steve,
Whenever I fly I always get Valium or Xanax from my doctor. If yours is on vacation, maybe you could see an associate or even a Nurse Practitioner who might give you a small sample pack rather than an entire prescription...
Regarding the Concorde crash yesterday, don't look at that as a bad sign. Whenever a plane crashes close to my flight I always assume the odds of my plane crashing also have diminished... God bless and rest all the souls of those who died yesterday. Remeber, the PVC's won't hurt you, on the ground OR on the plane! Go and enjoy your reunion. We'll look forward to hearing from you about it!
Lisa

Thanx for the info on your mag ! i see you say that yours is like a chunk of
chalk !
well, lucky me then, lol, the ones i have are in a pink like plastic capsule !
theyre 150mg each (mag oxide)
wish me luck ! i'm starting to take them today !!!!
byeeeeeeeeee, jackie.

LOL, thanks, John.
Suzy

Jackie,
I did exactly what Steve said, started with the high dose,and then
tapered off. I have been pretty much pvc-free for a couple months
now, after having bouts where I'd have thousands per day, sometimes
runs of them in a row, etc. I've never taken a beta-blocker or
anti-anxiety medication. My pvc's went away after I started the
magnesium, but at the same time I started making sure I was getting
enough calcium and potassium as well, and I took steps to reduce my
stress level.
-john

Suzy,
As Marv Alpert, the infamous sports broadcaster with a penchant for
wearing frilly panties would say, "YESH! YESH! YESH!"
-john

Steve,
I am having the same travel problem as you are-I am leaving next week
for South Dakota, I am going to be camping all week in a primitive
campground and we will be on our motorcycle all week. I am very
worried about not getting any sleep-that seems to be the main thing
that aggravates my PVC's. I am going to bring ear plugs and will
hope and pray we get a quiet spot to camp. We will be riding all day
every day on our motorcycle to Wyoming, etc. and I am very worried my
heart is going to act up on the open road. I love to ride, but it is
scary to be far from your "comfort zone"! I still am planning to go
as my husband is very excited about it, it is the trip of a lifetime
for him, and we need a vacation, although it is not the tropical
vacation I always dreamed of!!
Before I started taking Atenolol, though, I couldn't go anywhere at
all, but then when I started taking that, my life changed for the
better. I still get irregular heartbeats on a daily basis though.
Good luck, let us know how you do!!! Shana

I get the flutter in my throat feeling. I've had them for the last 5
years. However, about 6 months ago, they started daily. Now I get
most of them in the morning and evening, with a few during the day.
I am not on any other meds besides Magnesium. Except, I just got
some buspar from my doc because I'm so stressed out over flying to
Dallas this weekend. I'm hoping the buspar is a "temporary" fix to
a "temporary" problem.
Steve

My uncle, (dad's brother) is also named Leopold.....
I thought he was the only Leopold I knew.... until now............
Barb

thanx for the quick response !! lol
can i ask you ? what your palps feel like ? and how long have you had them ?
did you say you are on any other meds ?
jackie.

Within 1 day, I noticed a difference...but I still have PVC's every
day...just not as many.
Steve

Hi steve, on the mag again ! how long was it before you noted any effects
that the mag might have been working ?
sorry to be a pain !! lol
jackie.

Thanks Jen...It was very brave of you to go to a remote area in
Mexico. Makes me realize how ridiculous I'm being. Now if I could
only convince myself that all will be just fine.
Thanks again.
Steve
--- In PeoplewithPVCs@egroups.com, <jlopez@C...
many of us have had these things for years and we are still around.
Brave talk I know, but I flew to Mexico (and it wasn't the resort
area) last year where I stayed for an entire month in a house with no
phone, and absolutely no confidence in the medical community. I had
PVC's almost every day and one really bad night, but I made it and
you will to. Keep calling your doctor.
tried to do a lot of deep breathing and reading...it's hard , but you
can do it.

Jackie,
I started taking the 500mg in the morning and 500mg in the evening
right away.
Steve

what dose did you start on the mag ? and is it mag oxide ? AND how long have
you been taking it ?
thanx jackie.

thanx for the info on your magnesium intake, what dose did you start on the
mag ?
and are your tablets the mag oxide ?
jackie.

Hi Steve,
Hmmm...a familiar problem with a lot of us, I'm sure. You HAVE to take the
trip...or you'll be giving into this BENIGN BENIGN BENIGN condition. You
give into it and it will take away more of this precious life of yours. So
what if they start acting up on the plane...wherever you go, there you are.
Might as well be doing something fun when they act up.<smile
live in Dallas (well, in the burbs) and you can call me (I'm serious) if
they get bad..for some moral support. If I were you, I'd take some
anti-anxiety something for the trip...can't hurt. If you decide to go,
e-mail me for my phone number if you wish.
I have some relaxation tapes which I use when I travel. I always have
trouble sleeping in a new bed...and don't particularly like flying....so I
just bring my walkman and my tapes and they never fail to calm me down
and/or put me to sleep.
YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!!!!!
Suzy

thanx for the info on flecainide ! have you or anyone you know of taken it ?
And what does it do or rather what is it supposed to do for you ?
is it a beta blocker ? and what kind of effects does it give off ??
thanx again, jackie.

Okay, I'm writing this to help rationalize my anxiety. I'm supposed
to travel this Friday to Texas from Washington state for a fun-
filled "school reunion". I went to H.S. in Italy, and we are all
converging in Dallas for our reunion.
Here's the problem...I'm anxious and stressed as hell about getting
on an airplane and flying all day with PVC's. All the doomsday
questions are consuming my head. What if something happens to me up
there? Are my PVC's going to be worse? I don't want to be half a
country away from home if I wake up in the middle of the night with
PVC's.
So, I've just about convinced myself not to make the trip. I called
my doc, he's on vacation, to see if maybe I should take something for
the anxiety. What do I do?
HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Steve

Jackie,
I take 500mg of Magnesium in the a.m. and 500mg of Magnesium in the
p.m. My PVC's haven't gone completely away, but I think it's made a
difference. My doc (cardiologist) says magnesium works great for
arrythmia disorders like PVC's. He also said that 500mg twice a day
should only go on for about 3 months, then to drop down to 250mg
twice a day. BTW, they are the magnesium tablets.
Hope this helps
Steve

Can anyone tell me, If they take magnesium and no other drugs ?
also, what strength of mag,
I have just got my first tablets today and i have got what i think is
magnesium oxide it says take twice daily and is 150mg in strength so that
would work out at 300 mg per day. do you think that would be ok to take ?
My doc has given me mag in liquid form for digestive problems but doesn't
think its going to help my palps but it is only 10mg twice per day making it
only 20mg in the whole of the day and i dont think thats enough, what do you
take and is it beneficial.
Is anyone else taking liquid mag or is it different from the mag pills you
can buy over the counter ?
I must say my doc said herself she didn't know how to prescribe it !!
I thought it may be better if i handled it myself (with your help) lol
jackie.

--- In PeoplewithPVCs@egroups.com, Karen Koenig <karen3069@y...
Congratulations!!! Nice name!!!!!!!
My sons name is Peter Leopold Long. My Dad is Leopold. Everyone
calls him Leo. My husband and his Father are both Peter. Leopold
sounds better than it looks if you say it right!! Anyways, just
wanted to say I like the name Leo.
Mickey
My beautiful boy born 4/24/00 is named Leo Francis

Hi Val....I don't know much about Tambocor. Look it up on the web. I used
to be on Norpace which is an anti-arrhythmic. I was on it for many years
and then I read a lot of stuff on the web about it....how it's MUCH more
dangerous than PVC's....in fact it can CAUSE PVC's!! I got off of it and
suddenly my PVC's went from often to rarely.
Suzy

Hi. I have just read your postings saying that you both get them in runs.
What do you mean runs? I get them throughout the day and its sort of
beat,beat,beat(normal) then mis ,beat,miss etc !
sometimes I have a really bad "do" where by my heart seams to "stop" and my
head goes all fuzzy then it beats again very forceful.
Is this how yours go ?
I went to see my hospital doc yesterday and he told me I dont have PVCs !
I am supposed to have eptopic beats he says its worse than a pvc however, I
always thought that eptopic and pvc were the same !
He asked me to try a class a drug because he took me of beta blockers a few
weeks ago, I have told him NO WAY so i intend to go totally alone, I am about
to start magnesium and camomile/hawthorn etc, natures way ! lol
After all, drugs etc that the docs give us dont seam to do any use so i
though what the heck have i got to lose, i'll try to sort myself out !
right now ive woke up with a good style headache because ive had bad palps
for over 24 hrs but the doc says these headaches are NOT connected to palps !
All i can say is let them live with it for 24 hrs and then tell me there not
!!! lol
bye for now, jackie.

Chris, thanx for the YES that means i am back with you all !!!!! lol
thanx to everyone who said yes
jackie.

Hi-
I'm new here. Just started w/ these darn PVC's the last couple of
months. Went to ER- said not to worry...But these things are coming
in RUNS sometimes and no one seems concerned. My doc gave me some
antidepressants (I'm too chicken to take one)- she thinks its
stress. I don't feel any more stressed than normal so why is this
happening. My heart skips beats or pauses and then beats really
hard. Very troubling. Tommorrow I go in for 24 hour holter monitor
which hopefully will give some answers. But are these things really
from stress??? Should I try an antidepressant? Celexa is what she
gave me. Anyone tried that? If these things are benign then I think
I might need something to make me less fearful. When I get them I
feel a little "shock" run through my body and sometimes I get kinda
sweaty. I don't see how nothing could be wrong with my heart because
these came out of the blue! Anyhow, I'll find out tommorrow- any
input anyone?????
Thanks,
Stephany

Hi Stephany!!
What do you mean as "runs" because I think I get them in runs too!!
Carrie :-)

I know just how you feel. Mine seem really bad when I'm on the
computer- I am getting sick of this. I'm going in for a holter
monitor tomorrow morning.
Good luck,
Stephan

Hi,
I have been having PVC'S off and on for about 15 years but have had
them just about day in and day out since I seperated from my husband
last Oct. I have one about every 5th beat or so and it is totally
wearing me out, I also have panic attacks and am taking Buspar. I
have had all the test and Dr's say there is nothing to worry about
but gave me Tambocor. I haven't taken it yet because I heard that it
is a dangerous drug. Have any of you heard of this medication or
taken it.
Thanks, VAl

hi Karen
glad things were well for you at the end of your pregnancy.... too bad
'good things come to an end'.
Wouldn't it be great if they (pvc's) would go away and stay away!!!
I'm back into wacko rhythm as I write this, after a calm day yesterday
and most of today, but THEY're Back!!
Anyone who takes xanax....what dosage do you take and how often????? Did
anyone try KAVA KAVA? and does it work/help????
I hope I won't be in for a long nite!!
Barb
ps.. Karen, what did you name the baby, by the way!?!?!?
Congratulations.........:o))
Is your 2yr old showing signs of jealousy???

Barb, just what I said. I started full time yesterday. Allie is in first
and Gabby is in 4th. I am not very thrilled today and last week I thought I
was ready. Enjoy staying home.

Hii Suzy....

Good luck on your interview........I'm sure you'll be fine --it's as good as yours!!

That's something I'm thinking alot about lately... getting back to work. My son starts 1st grade now, the other two will be in preschool, and I think I'm ready to leave the 'house' for a few hours a day.

Barb

yes
Christine

Hello, Jackie.!!!!! Whas uuuuuuuuuuuuuppp? We see you loud and clear,
over?
Christine

LOL, thanks, John. I'm way overqualified for this job and the pay probably
will stink, but there are advantages. It's only about 3 blocks from my
apartment...it's part-time leading to full-time (4 hrs/day to start, I
think) and my husband works in the building (when he's not out of town
consulting)....probably a good job overall. Plus, the man I talked to on
the phone sounded super nice.
Suzy
www.finiganonline.com

Suzy,
Good luck! Will be sending encouraging mental telepathy thoughts
tomorrow morning during your interview! You'll get the job......
-john
--- In PeoplewithPVCs@egroups.com, "Suzy Finigan" <suzy1220@e...

U pass with flying colors!!! LOL

--- In PeoplewithPVCs@egroups.com, "Suzy Finigan" <suzy1220@e...
wrote:
Suzy,
YES, I DID!!!!!!
Mickey
Yes, Mickey, you PREVAILED!! Good girl!!

phew, I thought i would never get through those archives!!!
I could respond to almost every mesage but i will restrain myself!
Thanks Christine. It is nice to be back!
Mickey

Hi Jackie!
Yes, I'm getting your posts!!
Carrie

yes

Hi, anyone out there ???
if so ive had trouble with my system ie:- my postings. Can anyone just give
me a yes if they recieve this posting !!
thanx, jackie.

thanx for your e-mail!! ive gone and got my post out at last !!
well, still have my palps but i,m sure i'll cope now i'm back with you all !!
lol
many thanx,
jackie.

Jackie-Received your message! Traci

--- In PeoplewithPVCs@egroups.com, <jlopez@C...
mails. I hesitate to share this because I know how scared we all get
about anything to do with the heart, my 55 year old uncle died
suddenly a week ago Saturday. According to an autopsy he had an
embolism in his aorta, fell and fractured his skull and broke several
vertebrae in his neck. My aunt found him at the bottom of their
basement staircase. He was everyone's favorite uncle, really joyful
and full of life. It is a horrible tragedy. My son was sick on top
of everything else, so I am almost glad to be back at work.
trying to put obstacles in our way and I wanted to share this story.
About 7 months ago it seemed as if life was caving in on my family.
My Father left my Mother after 40 years of marriage for a 38 year old
women (only 3 years older than me) and the whole family was in an
uproar, my Husband who had thyroid cancer 5 years ago went in for a
check up and they found another lump, and my 5 year old son was
experiencing severe headaches had an MRI and I was told that they saw
some things that may or may not be shadows, but needed to be further
checked with another MRI. Someone at work came to me and said "This
all seems like too much for any one person to handle." So that night
in bed, her words came back to me and I began to question why this
all could be happening. I remember it dawning on me that maybe this
all wasn't coming from the Lord, but from the devil. I prayed for
strength and basically confirmed that no matter what comes my way in
life me and my family will always serve the Lord and I would never
turn away from Him. Well, the next day the pediatrician called and
said that they got a second and a third opinion on the first MRI and
they were certain that they saw shadows...no second MRI, no
tumor...they think he may have migraines, he was having 2-3 a week
and probably has had only 2 since December. That same evening my
husband's Dr. called and said all tests seemed clear and they were
almost positive that the lump was scar tissue. He is being checked
every six months and so far so good.
Jen,
Thanks so much for sharing that powerful testimony. Your story
makes me think of Rich Mullins' song, "Awesome God." Have you heard
it? I liked the cake story too. I wonder if Max Lucado wrote it.
It sounds like him. Take care:))
Val

Hi, everyone !
can someone please send me a reply !! any old reply will do, ive been having
trouble posting out and wondered if my postings were reaching you all.
just a simple yes will do !!!!!! help. lol
jackie.

Jen, what a wonderful testimony! Thanks for sharing 'cuz I needed that
today.
Suzy

Hi everyone,
I'm just back from a HELLISH week and catching up on my e-mails. I hesitate to
share this because I know how scared we all get about anything to do with the
heart, my 55 year old uncle died suddenly a week ago Saturday. According to an
autopsy he had an embolism in his aorta, fell and fractured his skull and broke
several vertebrae in his neck. My aunt found him at the bottom of their
basement staircase. He was everyone's favorite uncle, really joyful and full of
life. It is a horrible tragedy. My son was sick on top of everything else, so
I am almost glad to be back at work.
Val, I was reading your response to Christine about the enemy trying to put
obstacles in our way and I wanted to share this story. About 7 months ago it
seemed as if life was caving in on my family. My Father left my Mother after 40
years of marriage for a 38 year old women (only 3 years older than me) and the
whole family was in an uproar, my Husband who had thyroid cancer 5 years ago
went in for a check up and they found another lump, and my 5 year old son was
experiencing severe headaches had an MRI and I was told that they saw some
things that may or may not be shadows, but needed to be further checked with
another MRI. Someone at work came to me and said "This all seems like too much
for any one person to handle." So that night in bed, her words came back to me
and I began to question why this all could be happening. I remember it dawning
on me that maybe this all wasn't coming from the Lord, but from the devil. I
prayed for strength and basically confirmed that no matter what comes my way in
life me and my family will always serve the Lord and I would never turn away
from Him. Well, the next day the pediatrician called and said that they got a
second and a third opinion on the first MRI and they were certain that they saw
shadows...no second MRI, no tumor...they think he may have migraines, he was
having 2-3 a week and probably has had only 2 since December. That same evening
my husband's Dr. called and said all tests seemed clear and they were almost
positive that the lump was scar tissue. He is being checked every six months
and so far so good.
Suzy, I love the cake story and will print it out to remind myself that all
things work toward good.
Jen in PA

I just got back from my vacation. I have been trying to read the
archives before I post but i think that could take a while!!!!
How is everyone???????
I am ok. Had lost of pvcs first day of holidays!! more than I have
ever had!!!!!!!!!! Lasted hours!!!!!! Really got spooked, but told
myself to calm down and they eventually subsided....
I guess I was worked up about vacation and I got some not so good
health news from about 4 people family and friends the day before...
so, anyway, i survived, NO I PREVAILED!!!! RIGHT SUZY?? Is that the
right word???
I am going to go back to the old posts before I say anymore!!!
Glad to be back to chat with you all. Not so Glad to leave my four
year old today though!! boo hoo!!!
Mickey

Isn't this wonderful?!!

Erin,

Are we correct to assume you are pvc free -- due to hawthorn berry mainly???

Good luck!

Barb

Erin,
You have to go to egroups.com yourself and follow the procedures to
unsubscribe.............. good luck.
-john

and support in the past. I wish everyone the best with pvc-free
lives. I still stand by Hawthorn Berry and prayer to overcome PVCs.

Dear Suzy...I missed your post about Grandmother's cake...could you "re-run"
it? DEB

Please remove me from the list. I have appreciated the information and support in the past. I wish everyone the best with pvc-free lives. I still stand by Hawthorn Berry and prayer to overcome PVCs.

Good luck and God bless.

Erin

Sciarra@...

Hi Liz
I'm Gill and I too live in the UK - Essex to be exact. Where are you
from? I've suffered with these dreaded palpitations for 22 years and
i'm still here. At the moment mine are much better. I've been taking
magnesium and cod liver oil capsules which really seem to be helping
(fingers crossed). I don't get too complacent as I know many times
before i've felt like this and the 'rotters' always return, usually,
worse than before. Maybe this time they won't - maybe pigs might
fly!!!
Anyway this group is wonderful and very supportive and helpful. They
certainly get me through a bad day.
Best wishes
Gill
--- In

Hello, Liz!!!! It is nice to type to someone new. We welcome all newcomers
and you will find us to be wonderful no matter what we are talking about.
We are all learning to live with them no matter how long we have had them,
especially me.
Christine

--- In PeoplewithPVCs@egroups.com, Karen Koenig <karen3069@y...
Hi Karen,
Thanks for the information. I really appreciate it. Just
knowing that others have been through an abnormal pap and have come
out ok makes me feel better.
Welcome back to the board, and congratulations on your new
baby. I'm sorry to hear the PVCs are back, though. I know what you
mean about what a relief it is when they are gone for awhile. You
can almost forget you ever had them! I've been doing really well
lately with mine, but I had a few today. I'm one of those lucky
folks who have had them for a really long time (20 years), so I don't
freak out like I used to, but they're still not fun!!! Take care:)))
Val

Hi,
My name is Liz and I live in the UK - I've just joined this group as
I hope it might help me to come to terms with these things...I've
had 'palpitations' for about 12 years - been investigated, told
they're nothing to worry about. Usually they're not too bad but then
I occasionally have bad days (like today) when my heart just goes
bananas for hours and nothing I can do will stop it and I know I
shouldn't but it makes me really anxious (which I assume makes things
worse.) I've worked out some of my triggers (alcohol, being tired,
stress) so I avoid them but they still happen.
Anyway - hoping that joining this group will help me get them into
perspective!

Hi everyone,
I haven't posted since Feb. or March. I was expecting
a baby in April and he is already 3 months old. Time
flies! My PVCs improved dramatically toward the end
of my pregnancy and didn't bother me at all during
labor (hang in there Traci!) Of course, all good
things must come to an end and now they are back.
It's amazing how good you feel when they're gone for a
while. It's easy to forget how awful it feels to be
relaxing in the evening or something and
suddenly--BAM!
I'm glad this list is still here.
Regarding the abnormal PAP--I've had 2 in my
life--once when I was 20 and had to have cryosurgery
where they freeze the abnormal cells and once about 5
years later and I only had to take some antibiotic
cream or something. I've had only normal PAPs since
then (6 years) I've known quite a few women who
experience this. It'll be okay.
=====
Affordable healthcare begins with breastfeeding

Dear Melissa,
Thanks for the words of encouragement:))
Val

Yeah, I will be able to get in August 18 for a visit with my internist. So he can deal with the PVC's and the thyroid. Thanks for the info!!! Appreciated!!!

Shae

I can answer you on that one. If they are Class 1, dysplasia cells or even class 2, a lot of the time they can just treat it with that. It doesnt mean you have cancer. Just that they are abnormal for some reason, perhaps infection, yada, yada,. In my case it was cancer and all they needed to do was cut that part away. (called a conization) Anyhow, that was 20 years ago and Im still around and fine!! And not only that the surgery was a piece of cake and so was the recovery!! So, dont get yourself all worked up on this one, ok? It will be ok and it is easy to take care of!!!

Shae

(and to top it off, I have had Panic Anxiety Disorder for my whole life and I did just fine!!! If anyone out there has it you KNOW thats an accomplishment!! LOL)

Here is a site that can explain all the different tests and results to
determine in your thyroid levels are off.
http://thyroid.about.com/health/thyroid/c/ht/00/07/How_Interpret_Thyroid_Test096\
2932960.htm?terms=ts
Shea, a 10.1 reading on a TSH test indicates low thyroid hormones. My
last tset 3 months ago was around 8.3, and I only had it checked because
I was having an increase in PVC's. My doc does believe there is a
relation between mine and my hormones since they only increase dureing
my monthly cycle (sorry huys) and when my TSH is off. Are you going
back to get it rechecked anytime soon?
Melissa

Hi All,
I don't know how many of you are worriers, but I tend to be one
and chronic worrying/anxiety almost always makes my PVCs kick in.
The nurse at my gyncologist's office called today to tell me that my
pap smear was atypical. She mentioned inflammation and said that
what they usually do is call in an antibiotic cream and then repeat
the Pap smear in a few months. I specifically asked if the results
indicated cancer and she said no. She definitely downplayed it.
Have any of you ever had a similar experience? I would greatly
appreciate your responses because I don't want to kick into that
worry mode and set off a cycle of PVCs (especially since I've
essentially been free of them for a few months). Thanks in advance
for your help:))
Val

Hi Traci,
Welcome!! And congratulations on getting 1/2 way through your pregnancy. No
turning back now.<smile
Yes, I went through what you're going through with my two pregnancies and
those two babies are now 1. a sixth grade teacher and 2. a college
student....and I'm still alive and kicking. <smile
I would suggest reading our archives here....we're kinda slow at the moment,
but in the past few months there has been lots of positive thinking and
encouragement. I'm sure it will comfort you.
If your doctor tells you that your skips are benign, BELIEVE HIM/HER!!!! Try
real real hard not to let your heart rule your life .... something I did for
many years. Looking back, I really hate to think of all the adventures I
missed because of that fear.
Anyway, welcome and if you have any concerns, I'm sure you'll get lots of
support here. Is this your first baby??
Hugs,
Suzy/Texas

Hi Traci!
I'm a new member myself, but definitely NOT a new PVCer. I've
had them for 20 years, and I'm still around:)))) My husband used to
say the same thing to me, but through the years he's gotten much more
supportive. My daughter is 13, so it's hard for me to remember back
to when I was pregnant with her, but if my memory serves me
correctly, I don't think I had many PVC's at that time. I do believe
that for women there is a STRONG hormonal connection. I've seen many
messages on this board from women who were pregnant and experiencing
PVCs. I also know that many women develop PVCs when they enter
menopause. Nevertheless, I would still get them checked out just to
be on the safe side, and more importantly, to ease your worries.
Take care. I'll keep you in my prayers:))
Val

Hi everyone. I'm 20 wks. pregnant w/ my first child & for the last
month or so I have been experiencing "skipped heartbeats". I am also
very aware of my heartbeat & it constantly seems to be on my mind. I
have also had the rapid heartbeat on and off. When it does happen I
feel like my heart will come right out of my chest. I get dizzy,
nauceous (sp) & feel like I'll pass out. Afterward I am very tired
and it usually takes me at least a day to calm down & feel "normal"
again. My husband doesn't really understand & simply tells me to
calm down-YEAH RIGHT!!! I guess I can't blame him, I think the only
way someone could possibly understand this is if they have been
through it. Is there anyone out there who is or was pregnant and
experienced something similar? I was sure glad to find this site and
hope it helps me deal with this. Knowing that I'm not alone is
helping already. Thanks for listening.
Traci

They put me on Toprol XL and it made me very sleepy and my heart could not
speed up if it wanted to. Then they put me on Procainimide(sp) and then
Rythmol. I know they were heart drugs but I can not remember exactly what
they are. They scared me with all their side effects so I quit taking them
( not the Toprol just the other two). Then they tried me on Betapace (can
not remember what it is either but I do know it was for my PVC's) but I
broke out in a rash with it. So, I am off all that and went and saw my doc
yesterday and I am back on my Klonopin and off the Xanax. When I feel my
heart going crazy I seem to clear my throat more but never really cough.
And I do calasthetics(sp) at home and last Friday when I did I ended up
calling the paramedics. That was the only different thing I had done that
day. So, maybe my little exercise drives my heart into a frenzy. I plan on
checking that out today.
Christine

Praise God! But I wonder what the lesson is from all this? They say there
is a lesson in everything. I can understand everyone's point of view about
the straining order. I was just thinking for the paper work if you did
something to him on your property or whatever. I guess I really do not know
what I am talking about. And my body is so happy I am on the Klonopin
again.
Christine
P.S. I am trying to know what I am talking about.

In a message dated 07/18/2000 11:59:39 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
laur812@... writes:
1. Do beta blockers work for you? Yes they helped me but did bring my heart
rate down (sometimes) to under 50 but it did not bother me. Otherwise no
side effects for me. I was on 25 mg of Tenormin and would take it again in a
missed beat or is that an extra beat.
2. Has anyone tried calcium channel blockers? NO
3. Do any of you have a nagging cough that seems coincident with your
PVCs? No, but sometimes they make me cough. If I cough I can break the
cycle (sometimes).
4. Are you aerobic exercisers? NO because of these things. Recently, I have
been riding my bike and feeling good.
Thank you, Roxanne-PA

Hi All,

I think the drug that everyone is thinking about that is the killer and was taken off the market was called Enkaid. That one used to be a very popular and widely used anti-arrhymic that was often used for PVCs. I mean, widely used, like candy! It was taken off the market around 7 to 8 years ago to the best of my knowledge. I know for sure it was during the time I worked in the CCU. They found that the arrythmias were getting worse and killing people with the Enkaid than without. Hope this helps to clear up the questions. Laurie

Andrea.....looks like my advice to take out the restraining order was
premature. After reading the other responses, I agree with them. Probably
best to just try and let it blow over now. However, if I were you, I WOULD
get a lawyer's advice on this.
Suzy

In a message dated 07/18/2000 10:45:07 AM Central Daylight Time,
rpdalton@... writes:
<< 1. Do beta blockers work for you?
2. Has anyone tried calcium channel blockers?
3, Do any of you have a nagging cough that seems coincident with your
PVCs?
4. Are you aerobic exercisers?
Frequent PVCers Unite,
Well, I'm not a frequent PVC'er anymore (maybe 7 per week which I'm loving),
but in the past I would have days with hundreds. Not frequently, but enough
to scare me A LOT.
I. I take Toprol XL which is an extended release beta blocker which is
supposed to give a more even beta-blockade than plain old Inderal. I tend
towards slightly elevated blood pressure and have a family history of heart
trouble/strokes so I'm staying on it because of that.
2. Haven't tried calcium channel blockers....my cardio doesn't like them.
3. I used to USE a good hard cough to stop a run of PVC's, but they don't
cause me to cough.
4. I am NOT an aerobic exerciser. Not even close.<smile
You asked about a bad drug....I used to be on Norpace which my new doctors
kept trying to convince me to stop taking. I had been on it for over 10
years. I sat one night on the computer and read lots about Norpace and found
that it can be deadly....MUCH worse than any PVC, so that night I started
weaning myself off of it VERY gradually. Took me 3 months to get off and
I've been off it since early spring. Since coming off of the Norpace, my
PVC's suddenly got MUCH less in frequency. Coincidence? I think not.
Hope this helps.
Suzy

Andrea,
Good for you! It took a lot of courage to go through with it. In
terms of the restraining order, it's a tough call, but I tend to
agree with you not to take one out. It's simply a legal manuever of
questionable value, it wouldn't change his behavior one way or the
other (at least in my experience - I took one out when I was stalked
by an ex one time). It sounds like your pvc's are directly related
to the stress of that situation.............
-john

You said something that really made up my mind. I don't want the guy to
think he's got me running scared, nor that he intimidated me at all. For
that reason, I will not do the restraining order. I will however carry a
"BIG" can of mace..LOL
He is sick and unpredictable but I don't think he is capable or stupid enough
to break the law. I'll just keep counting my blessings that the creep is
outta there!! Just call me Norma Rae..lol Thanks Dani for giving me the
perspective I needed.
Andrea
P.S. Since he has been gone
I have had little or no PVC's

Wow, Andrea, you sound like you've been put through the ringer. I don't know
what kind of advice to give you. You could go for the restraining order if
you're really feeling threatened. I'm not going to be much help here because I
don't have any experience with this part of the law. Some things to consider
though. Would the law enforcement agency contact him when the order is issued?
If so, that could possibly be enough for him to snap or it may give him some
sick satisfaction that he got the final word in. Do you live in a small
community where everyone knows each other? It could make a difference. How far
away from home to you live and does he know where you live? Is security in your
workplace sufficient? If not, could you and your co-workers put pressure on
management to up the security until this blows over (that's my overactive
imagination working here, I'm thinking postal worker).
Like I said, probably not much help. Did you get any advice from an attorney?
Dani

Hi Rob.
I get about 3-8 a minute, sometimes as bad as every 3rd
heartbeat.
Hear are the answers to your questions (for me).
1. I was prescribed atenonol (sp) beta blocker. I never took it.
I no longer see the doctor who prescribed it to me. One thing
that occurred to me when I started to get PVCs (about 4 months
ago), is that my resting heart rate dropped from high 60s to high
50s. To be honest, I was just scared to take a drug that would
further lower my heart rate.
2. I haven't tried calcium channel blockers.
3. I don't get a cough, but I do get an upset stomach and am
usually nauseous. My wife says my description of it sounds like
when she had morning sickness. I also physically feel sore in the
upper torso if the PVCs hit hard for a while.
4. Yes, I run about 3.5 miles 5-6 times a week.

1. Do beta blockers work for you? -
do not use them
2. Has anyone tried calcium channel blockers?
no
3, Do any of you have a nagging cough that seems
coincident with your PVCs?
I had a nagging cough when i WAS on beta blockers,
known side effect for some.
4. Are you aerobic exercisers?
yes, exercise actaully makes them better for me.
hope that helps
=====
Visit us at:
www.nwlink.com/~mhwolk/

Hi Gang,
Just thought I'd take a minute to share. I have been harassed and treated
very unfairly by my supervisor for the past six months. When he discovered
that I did not accept, nor condone his unethical, ruthless, illegal behavior,
he started making my life miserable.
He would reprimand me for the stupidest things and daily had a new issue to
talk to me about. At one point he had my supervisees literally spying on me
and documenting my every move..i.e., how long was I on the phone, if went on
a work related errand, how long was I gone etc. It was very stressful. He
is an alcoholic and the final straw was he threatened me in several scary
ways. Needlesss to say my PVC's were running rampant despite the Atenonol
etc.
Good news. Several co-workers saw what he was doing and he had also been
harassing them. They asked me to do something. I told them that I would get
the ball rolling, but they better help me push it uphill. They all promised
and stuck behind me. A two week internal investigation was launched, we were
all questioned. I thought the Human Resource person was going to have a
stroke when I went on for two hours recounting every miserable, underhanded
thing this scum bucket had done. The Good news is hes
gooooooooooooooooooooooonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnneeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!! The fired
him.
But I am still dealing with the emotion turmoil that this all stirred up in
my life. I will get through it. I had to go to my doctor and he upped my
klonopin and Atenonol. I'm very happy that I took a stand. The guy was
nuts, truly sick. I'm a little nervous because as I said he is a raging
alcoholic and he also made it known to me several times that he carries a
gun. I'm thinking of putting a restraining order on him. So far so good. I
have had no contact from the pervert. What do you all think? Should I do
the restraining order?
Andrea

Hi David,
I'm Rob Dalton, the person that called all cardiologists in the
Northern Virginia area to find some that had PVCs themselves. Out of
maybe 75 cardiologists I found three that had them. Most of these
cardios are part of a group of doctors. At one point I got to talk
to the head of a cardio group who chided me about wasting their
time. This doctor said none of the doctors in his group would be
permitted to divulge whether they had PVCs. Within two days I
received a call back from one cardio in this same group who said he
has them, and could understand why I wanted to find a cardio with
first hand experience. Interesting, I found a total of 3 cardios
and one general MD that had PVCs.
However, I couldn't find any doctors that had PVCs as frequently as
we have (multiples per minute). One of these four told me he did
nothing for his 2 to 3/hr PVCs. I would probably have to make an
appointment with the others to learn more. I probably would learn
just what you did, and I suspect most doctors don't actively treat
their own PVCs.
Although I wouldn't want to try something that killed me as well as
the PVCs, what was the PVC killer your cardio knew about? Was it a
calcium channel blocker? Also, when you say runs of PVCs, do you
mean multiple PVCs per minute? Apparently a more significant type of
PVC can occur where there are no regular heartbeats between the
PVCs. I thought only these were referred to as runs of PVCs.
My cardio has not recommended anything but beta blockers. From the
people on this list I don't think these work too well. However, let
me ask the half dozen or so frequent PVCers these questions:
1. Do beta blockers work for you?
2. Has anyone tried calcium channel blockers?
3, Do any of you have a nagging cough that seems coincident with your
PVCs?
4. Are you aerobic exercisers?
Frequent PVCers Unite,
Rob Dalton

Usually I can't feel my heart beat in my chest; when I'm having PVCs I can.
If I get a run of them, I almost always get notious (sp), upset stomach,
heartburn, etc. I'm not so sure if the PVCs are causing the GI symptoms or
GI symptoms are causing the PVCs :) I sometimes get shooting pains in my
chest that only last a fraction of a second; it just feels like the area
around the heart is getting sore from it jumping every which direction. I
know this isn't really what happens, but that is what it feels like.
-bruce

I don't do nutrasweet EVER. I used to have bad vertigo and the day after I
stopped all nutrasweet (aspartame), the vertigo went away. I have just heard
too many bad things about that chemical and I just decided I didn't need it.
You get used to drinking seltzer water or just plain old good ice water.
Suzy

Let me describe what mine are right now to you since I am having a bad case.
I get tightness in my chest and I begin to not breath and my heart starts
to race and then beat real hard. That is when I am in bigimeny (like
tonight). My back starts to hurt and my jaw from my neck, actually, to my
jaw will throb with a dull pain. I will start to lose vision (like things
are getting dim) and I get adrenaline rushes. That is probally the anxiety
setting in. My ears fill up and start ringing and sometimes my chest will
have a dull ache. I get very light headed and feel like I am going to pass
out. Right now I am home alone (besides my sleeping one year old) and am
feeling this way. I want to call the paramedics or family because I feel
like passing out but I guess I will try and go to sleep. I do not know what
is wrong or what set it off but I am really really not feeling up to par
right now. Sometimes my head will tingle too (like now) and sometimes my
left arm will go numb.
Christine

Just had my first cardiologist visit in several years. We had an
interesting conversation. First, there was a fellow in this group that was
phoning around trying to find a cardiologist that has PVC's. Well, I've got
one. That's the good news. The bad news is that he doesn't look at PVC's
much differently than cardiologists that don't have PVC's. First, he told
me that there is no medicine that will totally knock them out. He said
there was one a few years ago (I didn't ask him the name). They used to call
it the "PVC killer". Turns out it was a real killer and they took it off
the market.
He said he first got PVC's when he was in medical school, usually when he
was tired. He still gets them, in fact, he gets them in "runs" on occasion.
So he knows about getting PVC's when your're tired but when I talked about
PVC's after eating and mentioned the vagal nerve, he seemed confused, and
acted like he had never heard of that.
Basically, he said they will come and go, sometimes go away for months at a
time. When you do have them, he said you just have to "tough them out",
"mind over matter". He didn't say this in an unkind way. This is what he
has to do also.
Not really much help here. In some ways we know more than the doctors. But
I do think he stated some current truths:
1) There is currently no "cure"
2) Everyone has to fight the battle the best way they can
Dave

Hello Everyone,
I was wondering if any of you have noticed the effect of
NutriSweet on palpitations. Does it bring them on? I love sugar in
my coffee (which believe it or not doesn't seem to affect my
palpitations one way or the other), but I'm trying to lose a few
pounds and wanted to try NutriSweet instead. Good idea or not?
Thanks in advance for the advice.
Val :))

Thank you. I love it. And it is so true. It is nice when you hit a cord
with someone and they pass on their thoughts back to you.
Christine

In a message dated 07/14/2000 10:35:16 AM Central Daylight Time,
youngd@... writes:
<< Kathryn is 29 (to me that is, and she always will be!)
Well, I hereby vote Derrick the most romantic guy on this board.<smile

Carrie,
Yes - on a fairly regular basis, Kathryn's PVCs will change into V-Tach.
Kathryn has an advantage in that they put in a Deliberator/Pacemaker implant
about 2 years ago. When the V-Tach appears, it shocks her heart and brings
things back to normal (as if anything is ever normal around our place!).
Anyway, most of the time we can take care of the episodes at home. But
sometimes (once or twice a month) it gets beyond us.
Thanks for asking. I will pass your concern and prayers along to Kathryn
shortly.
derrick

Dawn,
From what I've gathered in discussions on the list and elsewhere, the
proper balance of calcium/potassium/magnesium appears to be
important, especially for us pvc'ers. I think that magnesium is
probably the most difficult for the average person to obtain through
foods, so it makes sense to me to take a magnesium supplement. I
take magnesium oxide too, but apparently the chelated magnesium is
absorbed better by the body. At any rate, my pvc's have pretty much
abated also. I don't know if it's magnesium per se, or if it's a
combination of a lot of things I've done, like cut all caffeine,
avoid MSG, etc., etc.
-john

Christine,
Here is another one...hope it helps...
"The struggles that you're going through now-don't discard them. Listen to God
as he teaches you so that you can teach others. You see, a time of suffering
teaches us something we never knew before and may prepare us for a time of
counsel that we will give someone years from now."
-Max Lucado
Jen

Have any of you talked to your doctors about Magnesium oxide? My
cardiologist ran some tests on me to see if my potassium or my magnesium
was low, and found my magnesium to be 1.7 (should be 2 or better), and gave
me some IV magnesium, and then put me on a daily dossage of 400 mg of
Magnesium oxide. It has all but stopped my PVCs. I still have a couple,
but they are very very light, and very few and far between. I was very
skeptical that it could be that simple, but it surely did do the trick!!!
Dawnn

Liz,
In this group, there are no questions that are too personal.
Kathryn is 29 (to me that is, and she always will be!) - she has been a
diabetic since she was 18 months old and she will be 52 in October. We have
3 children (and I can relate to those of you with child problems), 25
(girl), 19 (girl) and 4 (boy - and yes he was a surprise!). We have been
married for 26.5 years.
Kathryn has had heart problems for the last couple of years and started
having PVC/PACs after her first heart attack. She has had a 5 way bypass
(all failed), multiple catherizations, and all of the tests that folks her
have been talking about. Currently, she is in the hospital with diabetic
problems and complications from her heart (again) - anyway she gets along.
We all help. Kathryn is a "stay at home Mom" by choice. She is a highly
trained musician and our church organist. She likes to go sailing (but she
gets so tired that she spends the day sleeping).
I don't know how long that I will he working today, but if you have other
questions, please ask. That is the only way that we learn things.
derrick & Kathryn

Hi all, just a quickie to say :- I noticed that some of us tend to get pain
with their PVCs ! I myself dont. The feelings I get are like sometimes my
heart is like jelly quivering/beat/beat/miss/miss/miss/etc, and sometimes
light headedness.
The only time I get something like pain is say if I climb stairs my chest
gets a sudden thump and although i can feel it its not a sharp pain its a
dull thump.
I would be interested to hear how others in this group describe their pvcs.
jackie.

Lisa....maybe you're eating too many bananas?? Hyper-potassium can cause
heart problems, too. Just a thought.
Magnesium can be bought anywhere. I get mine at the grocery store, but some
on here recommend the "chelated" kind. I get plain old magnesium oxide and
take 500 mg a day.
If you're really into running a LOT, why don't you find a certified sports
nutritionist who could help you with the electrolytes, etc. Or better yet, a
cardiologist could do a battery of blood tests to see if your blood chemistry
is out of whack.
Suzy

Have fun, Susan!! We'll miss you!!
Suzy

Hi, I just thought I had to post and get this out of my system, hubby came
home from work yesterday and told me that even though we had arranged a full
weeks holiday (going away) he had told work he would take a job away leaving
me to look after kids etc. on my own (no rest) and that he would be away for
4 nights !
Well, I thought he just hasn't got his priorities right, I mean, how would
you girls feel if your partner/hubby told you to book a weeks holiday (only a
few days ago)
then told you to go on your own take the kids because he's offered to work
and will be working and staying over in a hotel ?
Well, I feel like ive been dumped ! so, I got really wound up and I know I
shouldn't have BUT I threw a pot plat started ranting and raving threw a
coffee table, and raved some more for something like 2 hours.
All this time I kept thinking stop, your PVCs are going to kick in anytime !
guess what ?
I never had one ! it was as though the adrenaline that was going through me
kept going and I was full of energy not any effect after at all ! lol
SO do you think I should keep going ? lol only joking !
It felt damn good though just for once to have a control over the palps, just
go's to show, mind over matter, I wanted to have it out with him more than I
cared about my palps playing up and got it over with !! LOL
let me know what you would have done if your hubby/partner did this to you.
jackie.

Hi all,
I am off on holidays at the end of today for two weeks so won't be posting
during that time. I have to unsubscribe for that time frame - I have NOT
forgotten you all and will really miss reading the posts. If anyone comes
up with a miracle cure while I'm not here be sure to hang around in two
weeks time and let me know what it is!!!!
We plan to have a relaxing break at home (plenty of work on the farm to
catch up on!!), my daughter is on school holidays and also my partner and I
(just the two of us) are going away for 2 nights.
I hope my pvc's are quiet during this time. Anyway I hope you all have a
good next couple of weeks - don't forget me!
Love Susan (in south australia)
Ms. Susan Bentley--
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
SOS Children's Villages
Australia (SA) Inc.
sosaustr@...
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

I think by raising your arm you pull everything tight around your heart area
and you feel them more just as lying on your left side you feel them more.
Or when you lay down flat gravity pulls everything on top on you more so you
feel it more. Which could lead to some anxiety which then leads to more
palps and skipped or fluttered beats. I do not know they sky is beautiful
right now.
Christine

Hi Lisa
For a start try to stop the caffeine - I've found it makes them much worse.
Some people have almost totally stopped having palpitations after ditching
the coffee!!
Welcome to this group - we all give each other excellent support!
Susan

Ms. Susan Bentley--
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
SOS Children's Villages
Australia (SA) Inc.
sosaustr@...
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

to lisa:
cut down on the caffine. it will help and also
consider magnesium and postassium supps. (eat a
banana after running)
i also take hawthorn berry 2 caps twice daily. look
for the standardized type. natures way and
mothernature.com are good. also ask to see a cardio
and get all the tests. once you rule out any disease
you can relax. i find it better to lay on my stomach
at night when they are bad.
good luck

Hi Lisa,
Welcome to the group. As said by others, cut down on the caffeine
if you can. I'm no marathoner, but I run 3-4 miles a day and have
*lots* of PACs/PVCs (3-6 per minute).
If you find any info about athletes and this condition, please
pass it on. I've found none to date.
Some potential medications, such as beta-blockers, would
seriously affect your performance since they limit your heart
rate. One nurse told me she almost fainted after taking
beta-blockers and going running because they limited her heart
rate to only 80BPM.
Also, if the problem goes away when you exercise, but is more
prevelant when you cool down or are sleeping, it may be related
to your vegus (sp) nerve. By any chance, do you have digestive
problems, heartburn, or reflux? This is what happens to me.
The other thing you might want to review are your mineral intake,
especially magnesium. This helps some people with PVCs. Check
previous messages for more info... its a common topic.
Good Luck,
-bruce

Hi Lisa,
#1....cut out ALL the caffeine. That should really help, especially if
you're ingesting a lot of it.
#2...we have people in this group who are quite athletic (I'm not one of
them....I'm trying to work up enough gumption to go out this morning after
breakfast for a 20 minute walk.<smile
#3....should have been #1....WELCOME to our group. I'm sorry you're
suffering through these dumb palps, but you've definitely come to the right
place.
#4...get your heart throughly checked out by a cardiologist who knows what
he/she is doing and if he/she says they're benign, then believe your
doctor....and go on with your life
#5...the fact that you've been diagnosed with panic attacks in the past is
not insignificant....I have had that too....and so have many others
here....in my way of thinking, I'm an anxiety/panic prone person and when
these PVC's came along (about 23 years ago), my anxiety/panic proneness took
the ball and ran with it. In other words, my panic latched onto this new
benign physical symptom and made it the focus of my life and the focus of all
my fears. But the bottom line for the vast majority of us is that the skips
are BENIGN and once that actually settles deep into our thinking, then the
fear leaves and all we're left with is a heart that does the polka sometimes.
Nothing to panic about.
Write back often, Lisa, and I would suggest reading our archives here. Lots
of support and reassurance here.
Hugs,
Suzy who IS going for that walk!!

Hi again, I forgot to ask, where abouts do you live ?
And how long have you had the PVCs?
jackie.

Hi, My only bit of advice to you would be to DEFINATELY cut down on the
caffeine !
I have had these PVCs for 3 or more years now and my docs have always said
that exercise is supposed to be good for you ! I beg to differ though because
when I do a little more than the norm i.e.:- only a little extra walk they
come like god knows !
I think its a case of each individual finding what works for them. Up to know
I haven't found anything ! Are you on any type of drugs for the palps ? (beta
blockers etc.)?
I was on them for 3 months but had to come off them for they made my heart
race so it goes to show, what may work quite well for one wont for the next
person.
I dont know of any sites that may be beneficial to you which you could look
up for your running etc., but I can say, this group knows what you are going
through, we all have the same ! lol
keep your spirits up, the PVCs are perfectly harmless ! they are BEIGNIGN.
jackie.

Hi, I don't really know you, but I found your entry on the People
with PVCs website, and was so glad to!
I have terrible palpitations! I am a 25 year old female - never
smoked, don't drink, excellent shape, ran a marathon, lift weights,
yada yada yada... I get kept up all night by these. I am frightened
that they are going to make me put on more weight. My doctor always
says I'm fine, and everyone jokes about the idea of a 25 year old
female running having heart conditions. But I'm becoming scared to
death! Do you know of any places I can find info about atheletes who
suffer from these? I have in the past been diagnosed with Panic
Attacks. But I know what those feel like, and these are decidingly a
different animal. THey are almost always late in the day (esp. late
at night), esp. after eating. I also drink alot of caffeine. Please
let me know if you have any advice.
Thanks,
Lisa

Hi all
I've noticed the recent posts about pvc's being worse at night time and just
thought I'd add my two cents worth.
Mine have always been at their absolute worse when I first get in to bed at
night. At one point I could actually 'bring them on' by lying down - scary.
They are also worse if I lie down straight on to my side. I have to lie
down first propped up a little on my back until my body seems to "settle"
and then I can roll over and hopefully go to sleep.
They can also be bad if I am sitting down relaxing and lean to my left side
or raise my left arm over my head.
I have long wondered why these postural changes have this effect. I don't
really go along with the theory that we only feel them more at night when
relaxed - if I get some during the day I certainly feel them just as much!!
Does anyone have any ideas on the posture issued?
Love Susan
Ms. Susan Bentley--
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
SOS Children's Villages
Australia (SA) Inc.
sosaustr@...
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Hi Susan, you have a point about leaning over to the left side, I was doing
something the other day and leaned over to get something off the floor whilst
sitting in the chair it immediately brought out a severe palp attack ! I also
know that my father in law had a near heart attack last year and the docs
told him NOT to rise his arms above his head. So I think somewhere along the
line there's something, not a coincidence.
And yes, mine are there all day coming and going I used to get periods of
quietness where I could go maybe a day or a couple of weeks without any
problems but for the last 3 months since I was on the beta blockers and taken
off them because of problems that they are now with me constantly. It makes
me wonder whether drugs have made it worse because I haven't got back to how
I used to be since I came off them. (marvellous thing medical science)
jackie.

Hi Jackie,
I also try to stay up reading, watching TV, etc... when the
palps are bothering me. It's a real catch 22 though because one time
my cardiologist told me that they're worse if you don't get enough
sleep. I think you have a point about the reason behind them seeming
worse at night - we're just more still and settled and have LOTS of
time to focus on them! Another thing that sometimes helps me is to
step outside for a little while. We live out in the country, on the
water, and the sights and sounds are always soothing to me. If it's
too cold or rainy to do that, sometimes I will just sit near an open
window. Take care:))
Val

Yes ive definitely told my PVC's to go away today ! (not that they listened)
lol
BUT they are NOT gonna get to me !! so tough luck PVC's. Get out of my life
or live with me !!!!!!
bye for now, a former pvc sufferer, now reformed !! LOL
jackie.