Premature Ventricular Contractions and more

--- In PeoplewithPVCs@egroups.com, "christine jobe" <CHRISJ817@H...
Chrsitine,
I have been wondering the same thing. He must be feeling pretty good
these days. Which is a very good sign.
mickey
Barb,

Hi John,
I suffered from bad PVC's for YEARS which pretty much coincided with the
years of my bad marriage. When I finally got divorced, moved out, and got a
job, they continued because I was under the stress of being a single mom
plus my ex husband was only about 5 miles away. THEN, I met my second and
final<g
miles)...leaving my ex-husband up in Illinois. Suddenly, my PVC's almost
totally disappeared. My kids are grown now (20 and 23) and are also 900
miles away with frequent trips to visit....our relationships as
mother/daughters have improved 1000%...no more guilt trips on their
part...no more me letting myself be a doormat, etc. etc. So, I really agree
the PVC's are in a large part aggravated by stress.
Regarding fish oil...this study that I read was SO interesting in that the
doctors had such an easier time inducing PVC's in men who had NOT been
taking fish oil. That is enough to send me off to the store today to buy
some. I'm going to take 2 g. a day. My PVC's are minimal now, but I'll be
starting work again soon and I want the PVC's to stay minimal.
Suzy

Dang girl. Talk about up and Adam. I am glad you are typing.
Christine

Just thought I'd send this information out on my experience with Paxil (an
SSRI). I don't get to read the Emails as much as I'd like to so I don't know
if this has been discussed much.
I'm in my 40s. About 8 months ago, after having some bad PVCs (5-12 per
minute) that lasted 4 months, my cardiologist prescribed Paxil in case that
might help. I didn't take any because I didn't think they would help and my
heart was acting so weird I didn't want another drug to mess me up more.
About 3 months ago I started to take Paxil because I was feeling better,
although I was still having about 5 PVCs per minute, just to see if it would
help. The prescription dose is 20 mg. I took 10 mg the first night and 10
mg the next day and 20 mg that evening (for 30 mg on the second day) and when
I woke up my pupils were extremely dilated and stayed dilated all day. I took
10 mg the 3rd night and my pupils went back to normal. I have continued to
take 10mg at night for the last 3 months. My PVCs disappeared after the 3rd
night and have never come back for 3 months (even though I am drinking 2 to 3
cups of coffee to counteract the sleepiness and am exercising back at my
normal levels which includes 19 mph bike rides for 40 miles). There are some
side effects of the Paxil (e.g., I'm more tired during the day and need more
sleep at night) and I wouldn't recommend taking 20 mg for long because you
are more tired, etc.
I don't know why the PVCs went away but I sure don't miss them. If I were to
guess, I would say that there was a hormone pathway (which makes the heart
hypersensitive or prone to ectopic beats) stuck on the "On" position (due to
past mental or physical stress, inflammation of nerves or myocardium, or
oxygen deprivation of a few cardiac cells??) and the Paxil unstuck it. Maybe
the 30 mg I took on the second day contributed to this. I think I've read
that others on this board have used Paxil but I don't think they stopped
their PVCs completely.
I hope this information helps someone.
Ed

Hi Susan,
When you notice your heart beating slow... are you getting skips with
it too??
I'm glad I'm not the only one!! At times I feel like a nut case, thinking
"is it just me....????"
When I got low (40 & under) one night, I was actually running up & down our
staircase at 3am, and believe it or not, it did NOT speed up much.... I
recall I ended up in the ER that morning. Then of course by the time they
get you in there, you get an adrenaline rush, and things speed up and they
say "It's only pvc's"!!!!
I guess what Charlie said about the nervous system makes sense with
anxiety. I always thought with anxiety it should be super fast, but I
suppose it could do the opposite. Never-ending, vicious circle!!!
Take Care all!!
Barb

--- In PeoplewithPVCs@egroups.com, "John Paravantis"

All this talk of fish oil is very interesting!!! and the stress too.
I am sure stress is a major factor for me also. Worrying about
whether my boss will be in a good mood or not, or troubles with a co-
worker, definitley unresolved issues here. The news of my Aunt last
night was upsetting. i thought i was handling it well. When i went to
bed last night i had about 3-5 skips. not in a row more like in about
5-10 miuntes or so. i am sure it was because of that news!
Another thing, (unresolved issues, yes) the mother in law - well yeah
that can be a problem at times too. i am not getting into that that
is a long 16 year story.. however, i must warn you there is no
getting rid of her so you just have to accept that she is who she is
and will not change and learn to deal with that stress. whenever i
have complained to my mother about her she has always said to me "He
(meaning my husband) will never thank you for saying something
negative about his mother." She was so right!!!!! It is his/her
mother so be careful!!!
On the other hand, maybe we could connect with E.T. and arrange for
some aliens to abduct them huh?
Glad you are palp free hope it keeps up!!!!
mickey
On the subject of fish oil, as I have e-mailed in the past, if it is
omega-3

I agree.... Most of the time I have that vicious circle under control
now. Although, sometimes i can feel myself start to slip a bit.. i
just keep myself busy and usually it subsides.. and the word benign,
benign, benign, keeps ringing in my ears thank goodness. thanks to
all of you that is..
mickey
Hi,

Hi Christine,
That's how low mine get when it gets into 'slow mode'. I prefer the
pvc's with a quicker pace. When the HR gets so slow, my chest hurts, and it
freaks the s--t out of me!!! And when I asked the docs after my holter test
(that's when the bradycardia showed up) if your heart would just stop, he
said if it gets to 35 to go to the ER!!! Then they suggested to stay off
the beta blockers if it stays slow. When I had the event monitor for a
month awhile ago, when I would call in the recordings, the tech would then
ask me "are you sure you're feeling ok??" & I'd say "Well somewhat, the
ususal uneasy feelings with these damn things, why??? Should I be more
worried, or in the ER by now???" Then he'd say do another recording in a
few minutes, normal or not!!! Talk about going nuts!!
Well, I'm rambling. I am having a bad morning already. Trying to catch
up on the emails too. Yesterday went to my friends house, she lives about a
hour away, the kids played all day, had not one pvc that I noticed. This
morning they woke me up at 5:30am already, and haven't let up yet.....Why
can't they figure something out for these damn things!!!
Sorry for the whining!!! :o)))
Barb

On the subject of fish oil, as I have e-mailed in the past, if it is omega-3
(not sure of spelling) rich oil (e.g. salmon oil), then, yes, my experience
is that it helps eliminate more than half of my regular palps; I may even
dare to hypothesize that it seems to eliminate STRESS-related palps.
The main reason I am writing this message though is to make to all of you
co-sufferers of (what I think is) a hugely important point. I have now
confirmed that the (few a day) PVCs I was having for 2+ years were 99%
STRESS related. There were a few things in my family life (related to wife
and mother-in-law) that never were quite alright - when I decided to discuss
them upfront with my wife, I had one LAST night with quite a few PVCs and
HAVE NOT HAD BUT A COUPLE IN THE LAST 10 DAYS!
This is such a major breakthrough and I am so relieved to be rid of them
(for now). I am crossing my fingers and wish I am permanently PVC free!
So, to finalize my point, perhaps palps are a symptom of SERIOUS stress
(they are KNOWN to be a symptom of depression) perhaps such as the one
arizing from long-lasting unresolved conflicts or other annoying affairs
seriously wrong in our life that we naively thinkwill go away if ignored.
I would be interested in any of you commending on this stress concept as
well as offering any ideas as to how one can make his mother-in-law
disembody and rematerialize in a very distant part of this (or, to be sure,
another) universe.
John Paravantis
from sunny and warm Athens, Greece

OK, it's 6:19 AM and I'm typing.<smile
Suzy

--- In PeoplewithPVCs@egroups.com, "Suzy Finigan" <suzy1220@e...
Suzy,
I am not in much of a typing mood lately either. I have missed your
posts too. Please keepon typing........
mickey
I've been just reading and not replying.<smile

Suzy, It is so funny that you wrote about Omega-3 fatty acids. I have
added ground flax seeds (from the health food store) to my diet the past
couple of months. I add it to my morning cereal. (Flax seeds are also a
source of the Omega-3s.) It really seems that my premature beats have been
better - but I wasn't sure of the connection! Sounds like it may be!
Susan F

THANKS, JACKIE:))
LUV,
VAL

Susan,
Thank you, thank you, thank you. Yours have really felt like
that , too? That makes me feel a lot better. I'm only somewhat
better this morning. I have to leave in about an hour, and I'm
definitely still dreading it. I do have a car phone, so if worse
came to worse, there's always 911!! :))
Luv,
Val

--- In PeoplewithPVCs@egroups.com, "Gordon Haywood" <gordon@s...
stress .. u know i've had a few panic attacks lately too as I've been
trying to find a new job and interviews have left me in a bad state!
anyway, praying you can get a good night's sleep and try to control
your breathing .. especially when driving .. sometimes i find myself
holding my breath if under pressure .. bad breathing can really mess
with the heart beat
Thanks, Gord. I think I finally got to sleep around 2:00. My
breathing was definitely "off." I could tell I was holding my breath
because every now and then I'd have to take a real deep, full one,
and it felt so good! Unfortunately I still have the palps right
now. I'm having a banana, and hoping that will ease them. I think I
better cut out my evening cup of coffee too. I can usually tolerate
it, but maybe with the additional job stress right now, it's not a
good idea! Thanks again for writng:)
Luv,
Val

Hi just read your post on the breathing, i haven't done this one before but
now ive heard of one i am going to give it a shot ! thanks.
Hope i dont forget to breath out ! LOL
jackie.

Hi on the subject chat room, i too have often thought wouldn't it be nice to
have someone (like you all ) that you could chat too as well as posting ect !
we shall have to wait and see what happens ! LOL
jackie.

Hi Val, just read your post, I also had strange beats 3yrs ago which I now
know was PVCs but for some strange reason mine got worse until they are as
they are today !
Different docs say I have ectopic beats, v - tach, PVCs you name it they say
it ! LOL
all they do is speak in the doctor talk and never explain whats going on in
me i am now at the stage where all i know is i have a stupid irregular
heartbeat and dont know some days if i am coming or going ! i know its scary
but i keep saying to myself hang on there you've had this before ! i know at
the time all that goes through my head is what if its different what if its
more this time ! i think we all do at some time !
so palps or whatever you are if youre staying with us tough ! you canlive
with the way we want to live ! LOL
jackie.

Hi, from what i am beginning to believe is that being as your cycle is pretty
much near it may be just that! also with your child starting school and the
separation feelings ect ! i know too i have gone through the same with my
little one last year and now i am going through the guilt feelings again as
my other little boy starts as well next month !
jackie.

Hi, ive just read your post on the anti depressants and, we over here in
england have been reading more and more just lately on the disadvantages on
taking ativan.
I think if it were me i would wean myself of this one totally and see if i
could substitute this one for another type of antidepressant ! take care,
jackie.

Hi Susan (south australia) My father too has recently been diagnosed has
having diabetes and the weight that he has lost is unbelievable ! and like
your father mine too is very energetic with work ect. I hope i am as good as
him when i get to his age ! LOL
jackie.

Hi, reading your post today i wished i lived nearer to all of you and that we
could meet up you have all helped me through my bad days and would dearly
have loved to have met you however, living here in England can have its
drawbacks ! LOL
jackie,

Hi, just read your post on the ablation ! wow ! i dont think after reading it
that i will opt for it ! LOL
jackie.

Hi, thanx for the info on ablation ect, its sounds scary ! My cardio has not
mentioned either of these treatments to me yet and, if i have the choice i am
going to go without them i am still on the mag, no other meds but i dont feel
any difference in my palps so i just take it as it comes !
jackie.

Hi Val
I hope by now you're feeling a bit better. That's just how my pvc's always
feel - and I always get them at night when I lie down. I don't know why
they get so bad when you lie down - quite often I have to sit bolt upright
in bed to make them stop. Miserable I know - but you WILL go to sleep and
they WILL go away and they ARE benign.
Love Susan (in south aust)

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

Too bad this isn't like a chat room where you could get instant
feedback when you are in crisis!!!!
Val T.

I'm still here Val :-) different time zone!!

hey, lack of sleep is the biggest PVC trigger I know .. plus stress .. u know i've had a few panic attacks lately too as I've been trying to find a new job and interviews have left me in a bad state! anyway, praying you can get a good night's sleep and try to control your breathing .. especially when driving .. sometimes i find myself holding my breath if under pressure .. bad breathing can really mess with the heart beat

Gord.

Hello Everyone,
It's 1:00 AM. I have to get up at 6:20 tomorrow and go to a
workshop for school, and here I am having terrible palpitations that
worsen as soon as I lay down. I haven't had them this bad in a very
long time. I finally took a Klonopin about 15 minutes ago, so I hope
it soon overcomes the PVCs so I can stop worrying and get some
sleep.
They're worrying me more than usual tonight because they feel
different for several reasons. For one, sometimes the pause seems
longer than usual. I'm like "Helllllllllllllo - are you going to
start again or not???? Anyone ever had that sensation? For another
reason, they seem more erratic than usual. I don't know if I can
really explain this all that well or not, but usually I can feel and
identify the PVCs because they are very distinct. I have normal
beats, a pause, a harder beat, and then things continue normal until
the next one comes. Tonight it seems like there aren't many normal
beats going on. I feel like I'm having PVCs, but without the pause
(at times). The rate is not fast, though. It feels pretty normal.
It's just like a different rhythm or something. Of couse I am VERY
tuned into each and every beat at the moment.
I am feeling super stressed out right now. In fact, I had a
panic attack on my way into town yesterday. The first one I've had
in probably a year. It was not fun, but it's a sure sign that
something's going on in my psyche. The workshop I'm going to
tomorrow is at least an hour and 15 minutes away from where I live,
and I can tell you that I am very apprehensive about the drive (fear
of having PVCs which develop into some deadly rhythm). Common sense
tells me I need to get ahold of myself and think rationally. I've
been having them for 20 years now, and nothing has happened yet. But
my irrational thought is - "Yeah, well now maybe it is."
I did work on school stuff ALL DAY today (and I'm still on
summer vacation - haha!). As I've mentioned before, I work with
special ed kids who have serious behavioral and emotional problems.
I enjoy my work, and thrive on helping kids, but I don't
know........ I'm grasping at straws here. Always looking for a
reason for the stupid PVCs. I HATE them. I wish they would go
away. I keep asking God to give me a strong, steady, regular
heartbeat, but the answer must be no. And there must be a reason for
that answer, I suppose, but I get real frustrated because how am I
supposed to do what God wants me to do if I don't know the reason I
have these stupid things. Mad, scared and frustrated. Sorry - I'm
probably bringing everyone down. I'm going to try and go to sleep.
I hope that all of you are doing much better than me right now.
Lots of Love,
Val T.

Hi Val,
Thanks for the confidence boost---boy do I need one!
Do you take any other meds--beta blockers...???
I have the xanax .5mg, usually take only 1/2 of one and it doesn't seem to
do anything. The ativan (lorezepam) is what I use most often, especially at
nite, it seems to work better (1mg of it, sometimes only 1/2 also) Maybe
the xanax I should try the whole .5mg. How is your dose?? I hate to get
addicted to the stuff, and lately I seem to be using it more. Maybe once
school starts, and I'll have a couple hours kid-free during the day, I'll
hopefully get back on track.. I hate these pvc's!!!!!!!!
Well hopefully tomorrow is better!!
Take Care!
Barb

Hi Mickey --- and Everyone!
Being at home with the babies is great! I would do it over again in
a heartbeat (pvc or not--haha)
But after 3 kids it tests your patience after awhile, and I think it was
mainly because I started getting these pvc's(over a year ogo) and at first
had no idea what was happening to me, talk about anxiety levels. I waited
as long as possible to have my daughter close enough to age 3, but since my
4 yr old is going there to pre-K, maybe she'll do OK too. Although after
tonights episode, and often lately, she screams her head off if I am out of
sight, my husband can't even calm her down (and all I did was lock the
bathroom door, and she layed in front of it screaming) I am REALLY
starting to dread next week!!! HELP :o((
Tonight I am having MAJOR palps and funky feelings thru my chest, but am
trying really hard to stay calm. I took 2 herbal 'calming' pills, but I
think I will take a lorezepam or I won't fall asleep
those nights!!! These rhythms don't just change to something worse?? do
they!!??? (can you tell I'm starting to panic!!) I should also be getting
my period any day now, so maybe it's extreme hormones too HUH????
Anyone have bradycardia????
Hope everyone is better than I am now!!
Take care
Barb

Jen, I kid you not that was me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I wish you would have stopped
me.....

Hi Susan,
Thank you. Wow I really like that Pennies from heaven story.
Hope you are having a good day!!!
Mickey
That is fantastic new, Mickey!!! Hope everything continues to look
positive!!

Thank you Val, Yes, it is encouraging!!!!! Thank you, Thank you,
Thank you.
Sounds like you are having a bit of a rough time. Just keep leaning
on GOD for guidance. He will help you get there!!
You and everyone ont his board are in my prayers and thoughts
everyday.
Mickey
mickey
Hi Mickey!

Hi Susan,
Thank you. My Father is home now and doing ok... He hada little
heart fluttering going on while in the hospital and they did
cardiographs, hooked him up to a monitor. The nurses just said oh
you've had these for years you are used to them. Acted like it was
nothing, no concern at all, and this is to aman with a heart
condition and 76 years old!!!
I have been thinking of you alot. You dont post as much as you used
to. Are you ok?? Are you feeling better.
mickey
Mickey

Hi everyone!
I just wanted to let you all know that I went to Hershey Park (big amusement
park in PA) on Saturday...went on rides and ate a pound of chocolate...and only
1 pvc that I felt all day. Go figure! Roxanne, I swear I saw you down by the
Lightning Racer ride (I did not go on, but my daughter went on twice) by the
time I got off the ride I was on you (or your look alike) was gone.
Jen

Hi Liz, you mentioned hawthorn, how are you taking this ? i have been
thinking of trying it too but so far have found no guide lines on how it
should be used !
I currently take 600mg of mag but nothing else so i would like to give the
hawthorn a shot !
jackie.

Hi, yes over in england evening primrose is indeed taken for PMS or any other
symptoms to do with the cycle and lots of women i know swear by it.
But i myself have not taken it because i dont know if my palps are connected
to cycle. Although i admit they do seem to be less irritating when my cycle
arrives !
HOPE is close by !! LOL
jackie.

Hi thanx for your info, what is an EP study and ablation ?
thanks, jackie.

--- In PeoplewithPVCs@egroups.com, "christine jobe" <CHRISJ817@H...
Hi Christine:)
BYI - By the way. FYI - For your information. At least I think
I'm right. I forget things all of the time, especially things like
that (my forgetfulness increases when I'm anxious or worried about
stuff). Hope you're having a good day. I'm having lots of PVCs this
morning. Yuck:(( I had two beers last night, and some chocolae, and
I'm at Day 16 of my cycle. No wonder I'm having the blasted things,
right? I could kick myself for the beer and chocolate. Bad for my
PVCs and bad for my Weight Watchers program! Oh, well - I'm a
fallible human being:)) Take care all......
Luv,
Val

Hi, Hrvoje,
Welcome to the group! I'm pretty new to the group myself. These experiences
with the heart can be very scary, can't they! I have premature heartbeats
but no documented tachicardia (except sinus), though I have noticed a fast
heart rate at times. I have the same experience as you - getting the
PAC/PVCs when taking in deep breaths, bending over to pick things up,
stretching etc. I had asked if anyone had them at those times and others
wrote back saying that they did. It has been very comforting for me to hear
from others having similar experiences!! As you will hear from me and
others, exercise, relaxation techniques (I do yoga and meditation) cutting
out caffeine, watching alcohol intake and taking various supplements (I take
magnesium and calcium supplements along with regular vitamins - others have
talked about hawthorn berry (if I have that right), and evening primrose oil)
can help a lot. I do not take any prescription drugs, but many do and are
helped by them. You need to experiment and find what works best for you.
Regarding exercise, I had let the premature beats scare me into inactivity
also. I pushed myself to take walks and do yoga, and I feel so much better
physically and mentally now! Your best advise on exercise would come from
your doctor, but if he says you should exercise, I say do it! Start off slow
and build up to more - as much as you're comfortable with. There is so much
more I could say, but this is getting long already! For me, though, the fear
and stress over the premature beats definitely made/makes them worse. You've
been tested by a doctor and he/she found nothing wrong - try to relax and
accept that you will be OK!! FYI, I am 37 and have had them very noticeably
for about seven years. Take care!!!
Susan F

Hi !!!
My name is Hrvoje, and i am new to this group also i am 21 male, and
i came from Croatia. I begining to expirienced problems with a heart
about one year ago (PVC). That was on 9 month last year
when i was going thru lots of stress becasue i have lots of exames on
my college. on that time i also smoke about two and half packs of
cigarets and have a verly little sleep so i go to see cardiologist
and he sad that i am fine that i need to stop smoking and have some
exercise. after that i fill fine until january 2000 when i
experienced first atack of tachicardia(200+) after that i have three
other atacks of tachicardia and experienced problems like PVC, chest
preasure i run EKG, holter, Ultrasound, Stress test and all test came
back normal on holter was catched 2 PVC and 1 SPVC. After my second
atack of Tachicardia which was in march during a walk with my
girlfriend i stop any activities that can trigger tachicardia or PVC.
Today i have very litle fisical activity because almost every time
when i going to walk i experienced PVC and i am afraid that cen lead
to tachicardia. I know that i have little PVC (less than 10 a day )
but my PVC are very bad fill like someone punch me inside my chest,
something like heart spasm and this is very uncomfortble felling,
after the first one usally come another one after few seconds.Also my
PVC came sometimes when i take deep breath, picking over something
from the floor, streching out my body and almost every time when i
walk . I read in enciklopedya that if PVC occure when you have
fisical activity that this point on organic proces in heart and that
scares me.
Well this is it from mefor now. Sorry about my tachicardia writings
and my bad english.

Dear Barb,
I'm sorry you're under so much stress right now. Fall often
seems to be the time for that. In answer to your anti-anxiety med
question, the only other ones I've taken are ativan and Xanax (my all
time favorite!). They all worked about the same for me.
I also worry when I'm going to go on a trip and my palps are
acting up. All I can say is that in every case, I always went on the
trip anyway, and everything turned out fine. Just keep reminding
yourself that they're benign, and that they've been bad before and
gotten better, and they will this time too:)) For me it helps to
have water and some meds always handy just in case the PVCs really
start to bother me. Kind of functions like a "pacifier" or a "teddy
bear" would for a little kid:))) Good luck. Go on that trip and try
to put all your worries behind you for a few days at least. I'll be
thinking of you.
Luv,
Val T.

--- In PeoplewithPVCs@egroups.com, "christine jobe" <CHRISJ817@H...
Dear Christine,
I sure am sorry they put you through all of that turmoil, but I
am very glad that the cardiologist said it was just an episode of
tachycardia. I know that's uncomfortable too, but 140 isn't even
that bad. Once when I had an adverse reaction to some asthma type
medication, mine went up to 240!!! Now that was scary. I thought
for sure I was going to die any minute. As far as prayer goes, you
are in mine every day, and I'm sure I'm not the only one in this
group praying for you. We all love ya:)))))))))))
Luv,
Val T.

Liz,
Which brand of hawthorne are you using? capsules/drops???? and how
much of it do you take??
I am trying the capsules, but get a terrible aftertaste from them from the
stomach. The brand is NOW.
How much mag do you take, too???
Thanx
Barb

i have been taking EPO for years and swear by it.
lessens PMS and makes my skin lovely. you cannot take
it if you are trying to get pregnant or nursing. and
during those times i had awful PMS and my skin was
really dry. i have also heard that it's great for
menopause. as far as palps go, not sure, but if your
palps are related to PMS then by all means try it.
black current oil has also been recomended as a good
substitute as EPO is very expensive. i have also read
alot about fish oils and palps, so i take that too.
my palps have been quite good recently i am on a month
long experiement with mag and hawthorwn and am pleased
so far.

Barb,
My Dad has SVT and has also had PVCs. I seem to remember reading other posts
where they seem to run in families.
Jen

Hi everyone,

I was talking with my cousin in Europe the other day, and we got on the subject of pms and palps, which I found out she started getting recently too (the palps). (I wonder if its genetic....she's my mom's sisters daughter, my mom had them too, now I do also...could it be connected??) Anyway she says her doc out there suggested she try evening primrose oil, she takes capsule form, and swears her symptoms are 90% less....this is after 3months on it. I will do some research. Maybe the less PMS the less palps?!?!! Ya never know!!

(Sorry guys--- I know its not your topic :o))

Anyone ever hear of this stuff??

Barb

Hi Everyone!!!
Well this is turning out to be a week out of hell... I can't remember
the last time they were this bad...(well actually, I probably can, but try
not to!! :o)) This morning my heart feels like the little engine that
CAN'T! (again) I have an appointment to the doc with my 2 young ones for
medical records/lead screening...the ones going to day care!! :o((( Maybe
the stress of it all is piling up, plus pms!! This coming week, before
school starts, we want to go up to Wisconsin, kind of a vacation before
summers over, but I can't get myself to pack, thinking of stupid worse case
scenarios ..."what if's??" are driving me nuts.
I finally gave in and took a lorezepam(ativan), hopefully they'll go away.
Those of you on Klonopin, did you ever try any different anti-anxiety meds??
I'm wondering if one works better than others. I could ask the doc while
I'm there today too.
Anyway, hope everyone is palp free!!!
Barb

Hi Christine,
Great news on your tachycardia...what a couple of idiots the tech and nurse
were. One time I was having an ekg and the tech goes "oh my". Then when I
asked what that was about, she wouldn't say. Turns out they had recently
had the machine fixed and it was acting up again, so she goes "oh my". I
could have kicked her.<smile
Hey, I'm so glad you're at peace, Christine. I've been listening to the
greatest set of tapes from my brother's church on worry and stress. The
pastor talks a lot about how we just have to BELIEVE that God is our
shepherd...we have NOTHING to worry about and when we worry, we're just
wasting our time and hurting our health.
Hugs,
Suzy

I went and saw my cardio again yesterday and he wanted to know what
was up. I said the tech said it looked like I was having a heart
attack with the EEG/EKG. So, he got the results and .....are you all
ready for this?........ I was having tachycardia. My heart rate got
up to about 140bpm. That is it. All that scare they did to me.!!!!!
Dr. Marable has not read the EEG yet so I do not know about that end
of it. I thank you all for your support and your prayers because I
know someone has been praying because I am at peace and have not felt
that way in a long time.
I hope you all have a wonderful day wherever you are,
Christine

Thanx Jen,
At least I know it's not just me. My friend, which I might add, has
no children yet, thinks I'm nuts and over reacting...I told her we shall
talk when hers get to this point....
Barb
ps how many children do you have by the way...???

HI LYNNA,
I AGREE WITH YOUR 98% AND YOUR 2% (SOMETIMES THE %'S ARE A
LITTLE HIGHER THAN THAT FOR ME, DEPENDING ON HOW BAD THE PVCS ARE),
AND I AGREE WITH YOUR COMMENT ABOUT THE CONSTANT EFFORT TOO.
VAL T.
IS "ROLLING ROCK" BEER? AND YOU ACTUALLY FIND THAT IT HELPS THE
PVCS? BOY, I SURE WISH BEER WOULD HELP MINE. 90% OF THE TIME OR
MORE IT MAKES MINE WORSE, OR BRINGS THEM ON. I CAN NEVER TELL WHICH
WAY IT'S GOING TO GO, SO I OFTEN JUST DON'T DRINK.

BARB,
DON'T FEEL GUILTY. VERY OFTEN I THINK THE PALPS ARE GIVING US A
MESSAGE, AND YOUR MESSAGE MAY VERY WELL BE THAT YOU NEED MORE TIME
FOR YOURSELF. I KNOW MINE KICKED IN BIG TIME WHEN I WAS WORKING FULL
TIME, EARNING MY MASTER'S DEGREE,TRYING TO MOTHER MY THEN TWO YEAR
OLD DAUGHTER, AND BE A GOOD WIFE, MOTHER, DAUGHTER, FRIEND, ETC....
SUFFICE IT TO SAY MY PLATE WAS TOO FULL, AS IT USUALLY IS. I STILL
HAVE TO WORK ON THAT. ANYWAY, I DO BELIEVE YOUR PLAN WILL RESULT IN
YOUR BEING ABLE TO ENJOY MORE QUALITY TIME WITH YOUR KIDS BECAUSE YOU
WILL BE MORE RELAXED. HOPE IT ALL WORKS OUT. BANISH THE GUILT -
IT'S SO UNPRODUCTIVE:)) REMIND ME OF THAT WHEN I NEED TO HEAR IT,
OK? <LOL
LUV,
VAL T.

According to the way my PVC'S show up on the monitor they are really only
seen in the text book. And it is a shock when someone sees them in the
field. And my EP doctor said that things can change daily and that is why I
need to be monitiored closely. I do have OCD but there is more there. And
they really have not seen me and what is going on without any medication in
my system and I have woke them up.
Christine

Hi All, Can anyone tell me the difference between v-tach and PVCs ?
I had what I thought was a simple irregular rhythm for 3yrs and also PVCs but
the cardio and the new doc I have said I have ventricular tahcycardia ! (help)
I really am so confused. I am still taking my 600mg of magnesium, do you
still think this might do me any favours ? I have been taking it now for 3
weeks and noticed no changes. I am grasping at straws just hoping anything
other than drug treatment will work (i dont want the drugs).
thanks anyone for taking the time to explain this to me !
jackie.

Hi Lynna!! Yes, it's been a long time...I'm glad to hear you're doing good.
Question: what's Rolling Rock? I know it's a drink, but I don't know if
it's beer or wine or whatever. (I'm not a drinker, but hey, I might give
this stuff a try on a bad night.<g
Suzy

Hello!
I have not posted for quite a while and can not possibly catch up on
everything I've missed. I hope that all of you were able to enjoy
your summer. I think I did. Granted, being PVC free would have been
nice, but I am happy that these things haven't broken me. I continue
to take a 250 mg tablet of magnesium, about every other day now, and
have started drinking coffee again. Headaches, heartburn and
twitches (throughout my body) happen almost daily, but the PVCs have
greatly reduced. About 98% of the time I can accept these things,
and go on with my life but the other 2% of the time I'm trying to
avoid panic. It is a constant effort...reassuring myself that these
things will not hurt me and finding peace with the fact that they may
never be cured.
I still sip a "Rolling Rock" or two on evenings when they start
flaring up. For me, it really does make a positive difference, and I
even believe it makes the PVCs stop (for a good 6-8 hours). Call me
crazy, but even after one sip I cease to feel PVCs.
Take care,
Lynna

Good Luck to you Val!!! (my son starts 1st grade aug 29. I could imagine
that day already---boohooo:o((( )
I also have a guilt trip going because I signed my younger son (age 4+) and
daughter (almost 3) to daycare. My son went to preschool, so he likes it
already, but my baby was never away from mommy!! She has terrible
separation anxiety already just staying at grandma's house lately, I can't
imagine her in school!!! HELP!! Am I doing a good thing!?!?! I know
eventually she'll be fine, and probably like being with other kids her age,
but I'm sure I'll be a basket case that first week...
I'm doing it first for "selfish" reasons. I want some time for ME. Ever
since these pvc's started (its been a year in June), I feel like I'm in a
whirlwind and can't find myself... mainly 'cause of the anxiety. I feel if
I have the kids in school, our time after 3pm will be with more "quality".
I would also like to go back to work too I think. Just to be around people
(of legal age!!)
DON't get me wrong, I LOVE my children to pieces, and enjoyed being home
with them all from day 1, but this past year (for health reasons) has not
been the same!!
Well I'm rambling, I think I will try to go to sleep, hopefully this polka
stops already....that's what I get for "piggin' out"!!
Thanks all for listening!!
Barb
ps... Christine--hang in there....I'm sure the Angels are watching over
you!! Have faith!

I agree!
Val T.

Wow Laurie! Way cool!

Hi everybody.

I just got home from my trip, and am trying to catch up on my email----225 messages in 4 days!! Anyway, I don't as a rule do this, but I just read the story about one of the members picking up pennies for the last few days, and what they meant to her. Sorry, but I can't remember who sent that post. Well, anyway, a few emails later, I came across this forwarded email from my sister, and I had to share it with all of you. Very weird and coincidental, don't you think?? I got goose bumps! Take carell Laurie

Note: forwarded message attached.

--- In PeoplewithPVCs@egroups.com, "Suzy Finigan" <suzy1220@e...
THANKS FOR THE REASSURANCE SUZY! IT DOES FEEL MORE LIKE HEARTBURN,
BUT I COULD FEEL MY ANXIETY BEGINNING TO KICK IN ON THE DRIVE HOME.
I AM SURE IT WAS BECAUSE I WAS FOCUSING ON THE SENSATION, OR AS A
WISE COUNSELOR ONCE PUT IT, I WAS "CATASTROPHIZING." I DO HAVE A
TENDENCY TO JUMP TO THE WORST POSSIBLE CONCLUSION. WE ALWAYS HAVE
OUR QUIRKS TO WORK ON, HUH? :))))
LUV,
VAL

sounds like heartburn to me....I think if it was heart related you'd be
feeling nauseated and sweaty and icky, too. You had a bunch of caffeine and
green peppers & onions.
Suzy

PS I'm definitely feeling stressed about the start of school. I had
a nightmare about my classroom being flooded, and filled with all of
this junk, and my para being asleep in a chair with a blanket pulled
over her head. Obviously my subconscious is working overtime. But
seriously - you should see our school!!!!! Wires and lights hanging
down from all the ceilings, hallways completely filled with
construction junk, dirt and standing water everywhere. It's AWFUL.
The worst part is we aren't allowed in until Aug. 29th, which means
we will only have 3 days to set our rooms up before the kids come.
Scratch that - not 3 full days, because they fill our time up with
meetings. We'll be lucky to get 9 hours total "room time" out of
those three days. Yikes!!!!!!!! I can feel my body and my brain
tensing up already. I really don't want to get back into that cycle
of negativity. I hope God will show me how to handle things without
getting super stressed.
Luv,
Val

Hi All,
I spent today going through special ed files, and helping new
special ed teachers. On my drive home I had some chest pain. That
was all - no other symptoms (not even any PVCs). I hadn't had much
to eat (coffee on an empty stomach, one granola bar, and a 6 inch
veggie sub for lunch - with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, green peppers,
etc.., diet coke). Just to relieve my mind - do you suppose there's
a good chance it was just heart burn? I'm also mid-cycle right now,
and for some reason I notice a lot of chest pain/burning then.
Anyone else notice that at that particular time? Thanks.
Luv,
Val

Hi Suzy,
I couldn't help but add my two cents worth. You are ABSOLUTLEY
right - a man who can (and will) cuddle is worth his weight in
gold:)))))))))) There's nothing like it.
Luv,
Val

I am hanging in there. I really am. I have the doctors on their feet with
the things they saw on the EEG. They were calling me left and right
yesterday. I was so emtionally drained. I am ok now but there is something
there. It could be sezuires but they are seeing things with my heart. So,
I do not know. I am playing the waiting game and I go back to see the
doctor tom.(Thursday). He did not want to see me until next month but with
the results from the test(and they are not done reading it) he wants me back
in in less then a week. I saw him last Friday. Praise God!!!!!!!!! I have
things to be greatful for. And if my time is coming then Praise God if not
then Praise God still.
Christine

Dear Christine,
I don't know if you've figured this out yet or not, but you are
a very strong person. You have really been through the ringer here
lately, and yet every now and then I still hear your sense of humor
come through. I'm afraid I wouldn't be handling all of this stuff
half as well as you are. I am a little confused. Why all of a
sudden did the doctor change his mind from thinking the symptoms were
basically all in your head due to OCD, to now there may actually
really be something wrong with your heart? And just when will they
know for sure? Please let us know how things are after you see the
doc again tomorrow. I'll continue praying for you:))
Lots of Love,
Val T.

How do you go about signing up for this group? It's been almost 2 years
since I signed up and I forgot how. I have been speaking with a couple who
has an 8 year old son with bad arrhythmia that is going in for ablation soon
and they need some support. I want to send them an e-mail on how to get
into our group.
Thanks.
Aaron Levine
Convergent Communications
Network Sales Engineer
Work: (303) 749-2982
Cell: (303) 589-3462
EMAIL: aaron.levine@...

Thanks, Val. My first morning smile!! :-) It's only 8 AM, so they haven't
called yet from the cancer center, but I hope they do. Heart of gold, huh?
I like that.<smile
love you all.)
Christine...at the end of your rope there, tie a knot and hold
on...meanwhile (I'm repeating myself here), don't try to cure yourself by
yourself, get on some appropriate meds and get some counseling. I
personally LOVE counseling 'cuz you get to sit there for 50 minutes and get
somebody's undivided attention. They're not looking over your shoulder to
see if there is somebody more interesting in the room...they're riveted on
you. I love that! LOL
Susan in Australia...regarding Paul and the thorn in his side. If I recall
Sunday School correctly, he THANKED God for it! There have been times when
I've thanked God for my annoying heart because it ALWAYS brings me back to
Him where I belong. I won't lie and say I'm always grateful for this heart,
'cuz I'm not. But like others here have said, other people have such
greater burdens than this. These PVC's are just an annoyance that I've
allowed to become a mountain instead of a molehill.
To all: last night on a Letterman rerun, he had on Ellen DeGeneres who was
talking about her bout with atrial fibrillation. It was quite interesting.
She had the racing heart (she said 400 beats per minute I think) for about
24 hours before going to the ER. They admitted her and shocked her heart
back into a normal beat. Apparently she's been fine ever since. (Actually,
I thought a-fib caused a very irregular heartbeat, but she said it wasn't
irregular, just fast). It was fun to hear her crack jokes about her heart
with Letterman who is especially interested in heart stuff since his
surgery.
OK, time for breakfast. Have a good day, y'all.
Hugs,
Suzy

Hi, Can anyone tell me the difference between PVCs, ectopic beats and v-tach ?
I always thought that I had ectopic beats (irregular heartbeat) but my other
doctor has told me i have v-tach ! I am now worried to say the least. I still
take my mag but no other drugs and am even wondering if this is now any use
taking.
could anyone give me any insight to this at all ?
jackie.

Mickey
I haven't been able to read all the posts lately so I'm a little behind and
also have had the most terrible week!
However - I do pray for you, your family and your father. I know how you
feel. My dad had a double bypass done 10 years ago and the days that he was
in the hospital were so horrible.
We all seem to be doing a lot of praying lately. Maybe these
pvc/pac/panic/anxiety attacks are meant to always give us a 'nudge' (as Suzy
would say!) towards God. Perhaps indeed we are blessed - like Paul the
Apostle who lived constantly with an affliction. It never says what it was
only that it was a constant "thorn in his side" - however he learned to live
with it. Perhaps it was God's little nudge of him all the time too!!!
Lots of love
Susan B (in south oz)
Ms. Susan Bentley--
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
SOS Children's Villages
Australia (SA) Inc.
sosaustr@...
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Dear Christine,
You have sounded so down in your last several posts. I'm really
worried about you. Wish there was something concrete I could do to
solve all of your problems. I do agree with Suzy - there are all
kinds of meds on the market to correct our brain's periodic chemical
imbalances. I know when I was having lots of panic attacks, the
medication really helped me. It stopped the panic attacks long
enough for me to learn how to think differently (in my case, more
rationally). Without the meds, the counseling would have probably
been ineffective. I'm wishing the very best for you. I mean it:)))
Love ya,
Val T.

Hi Suzy!
The job you are describing does sound perfect for you. You are
always so uplifting to those of us in this group. Your heart of gold
shines right through the computer screen. I don't doubt for a minute
that God wants you in a position where you can lavish that love on
the people who need it most.
Love ya,
Val

Hi Mickey!
I am so, so, so, so happy to hear the good news about your Dad.
Not only is it wonderful for you and your Dad, but it is encouraging
to others to see that He hears our prayers. You've been on my mind
AND in my prayers everyday.
Luv,
Val T.

Mickey,
Wonderful, just wonderful!
Love,
Suzy

Yes, Jackie - I sure do get sick of the "premature heartbeat diet"!! I
better slow down on the chocolate end, though, or I'm going to be very sorry
real soon! CHEERS!!
Susan F

My Dads operation was a success today. The tumour was easily removed
along with part of his prostate which was sent to pathology. The good
news is the tumour was superficial, not deep AT ALL. He is having
some troubles with bleedng so they may have to go back in and fix
that up. (Guys You dont even wanna know what i am talking about!!!!)
We have not been told that the cancer has spread or not spread, but I
thibnk so far this is excelelnt news. Chemo will start in 3 weeks,
not a severe kind, and pathology reports still have to come in, but I
am done worrying....I think he is going to be ok!!Thank you so much
for all your kind words and prayers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I read
all of your responses and appreciated them more than you know. A
funny thing happened with one of the nurses. My Dad has had alot of
work done in the lower area ya know !!!My Dad recognized her as one
of the nurses who looked after him once. She did not recognize him at
all. But when she took the blanket off and saw his Penis,, (haha
really sorry guys,) she said oh yeah i remember you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Another thing. Last night I sat in my room and asked God to do
something.Give me some kind of sign. Let me know that you hear me and
heal my fathers wounds! Hows that for answering prayers!!!!
Love to all of you and may you all have the peace i have found
tonight.
mickey

Hi, Just reading through the posts and your e-mail caught my attention !
you mentioned v tach, is this short for ventricular tacycardia ?
I myself have only recently been told i have this after 3 yrs of thinking i
had PVCs !
are they the same ? my cardio or my gp are never very helpful LOL
jackie.

Hi Susan, dont you get fed up with the no choc, no alcohol diet ? I know I do
! LOL
So, now ive tried every thing going to stop my palps i throw caution to the
wind if i fancy choc or any other forbidden fruit I have it ! LOL (tell
myself its a treat)
I wouldn't care if i got over fat ! i would eat as much as i could if it made
the palps go away, BUT it wont so to all chocoholics CHEERS LOL
jackie.

Hi all, on the short note of chocolate, its yummy scrummy delicious makes you
fat and last night i stuffed myself ! LOL and did not get a single palp ! i
didn't even fancy it i just thought "right palps take this" they must have
enjoyed it as much as me, poor things. On the note of alcohol, i can go and
have a really good wacky night out and drink to over the limit (well over)
and mine at the time dont bother me. Poor palps i'm probably drowning them !
now, where's that booze ? LOL
jackie.

Susan,
My husband says the same thing. Men!!!!! Gotta love 'em.
Val T.

Dear Mickey,
Thanks for your kind words re my Mom:)) I'm praying for you and
your Dad. Every night now when I say my prayers, I ask God to bless
and protect everyone in this group. It's a nice feeling - like all
of a sudden I have a bigger family:)))))) I think it was Suzy who
said how tough it is to WAIT, so that will be difficult tomorrow.
When I was waiting for my Mom I took a book to read, I walked some, I
visited the gift shop, etc... Anything to avoid just sitting there.
Do you think you could find something to do like that, or is your
mind too anxious? It's funny that you should mention a Pina Colada -
I told my Dad when we were waiting for Mom's surgery to be over, that
the Junior Board shop ought to serve cocktails:))) Of course then
that would get my palps going. Bummer:((( Put your Dad in God's
hands, and then try hard to trust Him no matter what. That's the
best advice I can think to offer. My heart really goes out to you.
Take care, and let us know something as soon as you can.
Luv,
Val

Hang in there Mickey! I've been there and know how hard it is! Sometimes
the anticipation and not knowing the whole story is the worst part! Take
care - I'll be praying for you and your dad!
Susan F

Hi everyone.
Christine,
I hoep you are doing well today.
Val I am glad your Mother is home and well!!!!
My Dad is having laser surgery tomorrow. I am really stressed now!!!
The Dr. is not sure if he can help or not. I guess they cant promise
mcuh when it comes to such a deadly disease! I iwll know tomorrow how
deep the tumour is and if it has spread!!!! Talk about STRESS!!!!!
The waiting game!!
Gotta go........... :) I cannot think clearly these days. I am in
another world or something! I wish I was somewhere tropical!! sipping
a pina caolada!!! Not sittign here wondering how much time my father
has left. Could be lots of time right????????? No need to worry yet!
YIKES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
mickey

Hi all, ive been trying to drink camomile tea ! YUKKKK i cant go on like
this, it taste awful LOL
Has anyone else got a drink that calms with the same effects as camomile is
supposed to have ?
also, I have increased my dose of magnesium (8 days ago) from 300 mg to 450
mg daily, and nothing different has happened with my palps ! I was wondering
if anyone thought it might be worth increasing it again ? The amount i take
seems very low compared to what a lot of you take and i wondered if i am
taking enough to have any benefit.
jackie.

Hi, Yes I think that you are right it sounds like the docs over here just
want to create more words for these beats so they try to confuse us as much
as possible !! LOL
One doc says i have ectopic beats one says irregular beats (same) others says
ventricular tacycardia !! help whats going on ! I have has all the tests ie:-
event monitors, x rays, scan, now he is sending me for another scan to make
sure there is no underlying cause ! I had one a couple of years ago, surely
if there was they would have known by now ! the darn things are still here
like they was when i first started 3 years ago ! Do you take any meds at all
? I dont not now because nothing medically seems to work !
jackie.(over here in the silly UK )

Hi Val, firstly let me say i'm happy your mum is ok and home !
Secondly, Yes ive looked up the tambocor on the internet and it says that
this drug is used to treat irregularities of the heart and its supposed to be
like an anaesthetic that it dulls the heart rate !!! sounds tricky to me LOL
Thats one of the reasons i dont want to take it because it also says it can
have a reverse effect ! Ive stuck to taking the magnesium and have been
taking more healthy foods but ive not noticed any changes.
jackie.

Hi Val
Wonderful news that your mother is ok :)
I have to totally agree with you about the drinking thing too. I got overly
tipsy (ok, so I was totally drunk) on saturday night, and since then I have
had constant skips....is driving me insane...but I'm doing my best to
remember that it is happening because of the alcohol and there is nothing to
be worried about and just to float through them.
I mean I'm right arent I ??? It is because of the alcohol isn't it ??????
(see I'm freaking out here...lol)
Peta

Hi Everybody!
I just wanted to thank you all for your kind words and prayers
during my Mom's surgery. She came home today:))))))) She's still
very sore, but at least the surgery is behind her now, and we have
her back at home where she belongs. I appreciate your support more
than you can imagine.
Jackie - I've never heard of the drug Tambocor either. Have you
looked it up on the Internet? I do that every time a doctor
prescribes me something new. I probably shouldn't because half the
time after I read the stuff I won't take it. HeHeHe:)))) I bet I'm
a bigger pill wuss than you, Suzy!!!! (LOL).
I'm having a few palps tonight, but I'm approaching mid-cycle, and
I have to go back to work for 3 days this week (meetings and
workshops), so between these factors and a zillion others, it's
probably not surprising. At least they're not as bad as they were
last night. I tell you, drinking is just not worth it.
Getting sleepy. Nite, nite all.
Luv,
Val

Hi All, Is there anyone taking Tambocor ? or anyone who has taken it ?
OR does anyone know of any side effects or other useful info on this drug ?
I have been prescribed it by my cardio and do not really want to take it !
Also is there any one of you who may have (VT) Ventricular Tacycardia ?
Thats what the doc says I have !! I though i just had a real bad irregular
heartbeat ! LOL
Are these the same ?
love, jackie.

Yes, and I HATE it. It was like that for me last night, but I blame
myself because I had 2 beers and a frozen alcoholic drink (Strawberry
Shortcake). My heart rate was fast and irregular. They didn't all
feel like PVCs either. Sometimes I would just get a few quick beats,
but no pause. Other times I could feel the pause. I finally took a
klonopin and fell asleep. Probably shouldn't have with the alcohol,
but I did wait for a couple of hours.
Just remember - if you've had them checked out and were told they
were benign, then you're ok:)) I kept running back to my
cardiologist when I was first diagnosed thinking that they
felt "different," but they were the same thing every time. He told
me that unless I develop a new symptom with them (such as passing
out) there's no need to go to the ER. Good luck:))
Val T.

Hi, someone else mentioned hawthorn berry, what uses does it have ?
Is it taken as a drink or as a supplement from the herbal store ?
Also has anyone that has taken it had any benefit from doing so ?
jackie.

Hi, I myself find children rarely complain of something so serious unless
there is something to complain about !
follow your instincts and keep intouch to let me know how you get along.
jackie.

Val,
You need a change. Something to bring life back into you. I know I do
because I feel that way and here lately it is all the time. Try a journal
that is just for you or a few hours maybe a few days of just you to see
yourself and where you have come. Maybe step out of you and see what you
see. Just saying you do not feel right and reaching out helps you come
along way out of the hole. And we are here for you as much as we can be.
If you need to go see someone (because depression can be scarey for you as
well as the others around you) then go and do not be ashamed.
Christine

Hi All,
I don't know what's wrong with me, but I have been extremely
irritable and depressed lately. There are a few issues - my Mom's
surgery, my abnormal Pap smear, and a job that I thought was going to
get that didn't come through after all (I still have a job, but this
was a new position that the school system was trying to create, and
it didn't work out). I'm frequently tired, and I can't seem to stay
focused enough to get even everyday kind of things (like housework)
done. Also - the least little thing sets me off. For example, I'm a
die-hard animal lover, and have always overlooked the "damage" they
do in the house (clawing woodwork, furniture, tearing up our plants,
etc...). Now I'm finding myself very irritated by it. Then there's
my 13 year old who rarely picks up after herself, and often acts like
I'm clueless or way too overprotective. I'm frustrated with how
slowly my weight is coming off (only 6.8 pounds since July 6th), I'm
wondering how in the world I'm going to do a good job in Sept. when
they cut one of the teachers from the program in which I teach (and
now I'm the only one). There are lots of other things, but the
bottom line is, I'm NOT HAPPY. Any you know what else? I feel VERY
guilty about it because I KNOW that there are a lot of people out
there with BIG TIME SERIOUS problems. I try to remind myself of
that, so that I can get out of this blue, irritable funk, but it
doesn't help. Needless to say, the palps are back. IF anyone has
any thoughts or suggestions (please be kind - I feel bad enough to be
complaining like this), I'd b very receptive to hearing them. Thanks
so much.
Val T.

Val,
Don't feel bad about venting. Everyone is entitled to a "one person
pity party" when they need one. If it makes you feel better that is
all that matters.
Melissa

Dear Jen:
Just try to calm down and relax. Everything will be all right. I have
experienced what you are feeling. If we can think that we come out of it
each time and that it will not do damage to us - we can cope with it. I just
keep telling myself when this happens. Now you know that everything will be
all right just be calm, relax, etc. It isn't a nice feeling to feel this
way, but we can weather it.
Elizabeth

What a wonderful group of people you are.
Thank you all for the loving thoughts and answer regarding my 13 year old
grandson.
Just know you are on the other side of my monitor is a tremendous help.
Thank you again.
Elizabeth

I'm really hoping someone is out there. I have had a really stressful week
at work. To make a long story short one of my employees has not been doing her
job, so about 4 months ago we took disciplinary action as well as steps to help
her better do her job. Well it is really not working and to top it off last
week while I was on vacation she completely and blatantly defied one of the
directives of the disciplinary action. She also has a bad attitude, so when I
confronted her it did not go well. She then goes to a few people claiming to be
a martyr, which really doesn't bother me much because I know the truth, but it
makes for a very strained environment. Further discipline is still pending
which absolutely drives me crazy because I want to get this all over with and I
'm not sure if she thinks it is over by my just confronting her.
I guess that wasn't such a short story...Anyway, since this all started I
have been so tense and I am sure my blood pressure has soared from time to time.
But the most disturbing to me is I have this constant feeling of
excitement/fluttery feeling in my chest. I feel it high in my chest, maybe a
couple of inches below the bottom of my neck. It is hard to describe. It's
almost like it doesn't completely go away at all, but sometimes I feel it more
than others. I won't say that I am short of breath, but sometimes I feel like
my breathing gets out of rhythm.
I want to say it is anxiety, but at the same time I am thinking maybe I
should call the doctor. I just don't like the fluttery feeling...I'm really
starting to get myself scared. And I'm also mad because this stupid job is not
worth it!!!! Any advice?
Jen

--- In PeoplewithPVCs@egroups.com, <jlopez@C...
Jenn,
my advice to you would be to practice the deep breathing you once
told me about. Talk about stress in the workplace! Also remember,
this is just a JOB! Don't let one person's wrong doing bring you
down! You are worth much more than that! If it makes you feel better,
call your dr. Get your blood pressure checked. But do remember that
if you have no pain and are not passing out, then you are probably
just having the usual pvcs/pacs and symptoms. BENIGN!!!!!! That they
are!
Hope you are feeling better soon.
Mickey
I'm really hoping someone is out there. I have had a really
stressful week at work. To make a long story short one of my
employees has not been doing her job, so about 4 months ago we took
disciplinary action as well as steps to help her better do her job.
Well it is really not working and to top it off last week while I was
on vacation she completely and blatantly defied one of the directives
of the disciplinary action. She also has a bad attitude, so when I
confronted her it did not go well. She then goes to a few people
claiming to be a martyr, which really doesn't bother me much because
I know the truth, but it makes for a very strained environment.
Further discipline is still pending which absolutely drives me crazy
because I want to get this all over with and I 'm not sure if she
thinks it is over by my just confronting her.
started I have been so tense and I am sure my blood pressure has
soared from time to time. But the most disturbing to me is I have
this constant feeling of excitement/fluttery feeling in my chest. I
feel it high in my chest, maybe a couple of inches below the bottom
of my neck. It is hard to describe. It's almost like it doesn't
completely go away at all, but sometimes I feel it more than others.
I won't say that I am short of breath, but sometimes I feel like my
breathing gets out of rhythm.
maybe I should call the doctor. I just don't like the fluttery
feeling...I'm really starting to get myself scared. And I'm also mad
because this stupid job is not worth it!!!! Any advice?

--- In PeoplewithPVCs@egroups.com, <jlopez@C...
he wants me on for my blood pressure. I think my blood pressure is
fine, actually very low most of the time. He keeps talking about
taking me off of it, but keeps putting it off. Right now I see my
family doc every six months to monitor the bp and the cardio once a
year for echos. He did mention that he thought my PVCs might worsen
if I go off of the meds. Mine have gotten much better over the past
18 months so I am at the point where I am going with the flow.
(can't remember the name of it, but it is how I found this group)
from parents with children who have PVCs. I think like adults they
do not consider it dangerous.
evening I have weight watcher's so maybe Tuesday, but that doesn't
look good due to my work schedule. I will keep looking for some time.
THANKS, JEN. I TRULY APPRECIATE YOUR PRAYERS. THIS IS A WONDERFUL
GROUP TO BELONG TO, ISN'T IT?
LUV,
VAL

Just said another one for you, Val. And your mom. But I sent one for you
'cuz I spent many hours in hospital waiting rooms with my mom and I know
that those hours are so hard. I'm SO glad she's in recovery. That's a
great word RECOVERY!!
Love,
Suzy

Hi Erin,
Don't know if you're still on the list, but thanks for the post on
Hawthorn Berry (8/3/2000). It sounds like you tried about everything
before Hawthorn. I don't remember anyone else having as much success
as you, but I think I'll give it a try.
Rob

Thanks, Barb. I really appreciate it. I'm trying to stay "cool,"
but I was up off and on all night with palps, and this morning I have
an upset stomach:(( At least this time tomorrow the surgery will be
all over.
Luv,
Val T.

Hi Elizabeth, Funny you should ask this question because I have a son now
aged 24 yrs but he started having our palp feelings when he was about 13, we
thought it was excitement etc but he has been having them regularly now and
steadily increasing over the past years, he says he once passed out and woke
up in the hospital but although tests had ben done he was discharged the next
day without treatment. Like us I think he has just learned to live with it
because he hardly mentions it these days but i know he still has them ! so
yes, i do think its possible to have them at an early age.
jackie.

Hi Jen, I too like you only felt the palps worsen when I took Beta Blockers !
I told my cardio this but he dismissed it. Before I started taking them the
only missed/extra beat I felt was perhaps a few every couple of days or so.
But now ! I was on them for two months and developed a terrible missed/extra
all day every day and they have never gone back to how they were before i
started taking them !!
I still say the blockers in my case altered the rhythm and it hasn't gone
back to it. So my feeling is if you can live without the b blockers go
without !
(if i had known, i would )
jackie.

Hi Val,
I shall keep you & your mom in my thoughts and prayers!! Your mind
could conjure up things at a time like this....try to think of pleasant
things. My mother in law had surgery a few weeks ago, had her right kidney
removed due to renal cell carcinoma. She is almost 70 so alot of crazy
thoughts and worry ran thru everyone's mind, but she's OK and healing
beautifully.
God bless,,
Barb

Carrie,
In my case, the only thing they have documented with my heart, through holter
monitoring, was PACs - and I certainly feel them!! Also, my sister-in-law
has PVCs but is unaware of them (lucky her). Her doctor noticed and tested
her during a routine physical. So, it seems it varies from person to person.
Susan F

Hi Elizabeth,
As for myself, I remember getting occasional "thuds" when I was a kid. They
didn't concern me then(!) In later years they turned out to be premature
hearbeats and I started getting runs of them. I have, so far, not had my
premature beats show on my EKGs. The only way they saw them was in holter
monitor testing (24hrs.) Even then, they have never caught my worst ones.
I would guess your grandson could have PVCs/PACs. Also, did they consider
asthma? And kids certainly can get anxious - is anything bothering him in
his life (which you may or may not be aware of?) Good luck - hope everything
goes well with him!
Susan F

Hello:
Do children get PVC's?
My grandson who is 13 complains about pain in the chest, and also a feeling
of fluttering in the chest. His pulse is about 108, he had shortness of
breath. He was so bad on Sunday night that we took him to the emergency room.
They check him out and gave him an EKG, Blood Test, Urine Test. After about
3 hours the Doctor came back and said that he was in wonderful condition.
Would PVC show up on an EKG?
I am concerned to say the least.
Thanks,
Elizabeth

hi mickey
we watched deuce bigalow last weekend. loved the bit with the lady who was
the giant when he was massaging her feet (did you check out the size of
them!!!) - i thought it was a laugh too!!
Love Susan B (in oz - we are currently getting bombarded with "olympic"
advertising!!)

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

Laurie,
That is even closer...I know exactly where it is. I will check my plans for
next week and let you know. What do you guys plan on doing while you're there?
Jen

Jen,

That sounds great. I really hope we can get together. As for what we are doing, just the regular touristy things. We want to do a buggy ride, check out the Amish shops, maybe go to the town of Hershey, and definitely do a QVC studio tour! And most of the time, we will be soaking in the hot tub or sitting in our whirlpool tub, and of course, lots of eating at the local restaurants!! Looking forward to seeing you! Laurie

Jen,

Wow, only 20 miles away from where I will be! We will be there from Sunday afternoon til Wednesday noonish. I am staying at the Fulton Steamboat Inn in Strasburg. Do you know where that is? I'm sure you must. Let me know if you will be available for a visit any of those days. Laurie

Laurie,
I live only 20 miles from Lancaster County.
Jen

Hi, sorry to here you are not having a good night again !
I myself am pretty lucky in the respect I only seem to get the palps when i
try to get to sleep if i find a comfy position i can lay they tend to think
they are comfy too ! LOL
I wonder if thats the difference with ventricular tacycardia and PVCs ?
Whereas i get them most of the day every day they tend to let me get some
sleep whereas PVCs also seem to keep you awake !
Whatever they are its not fair !! WE dont need them ! LOL
anyhow, its now 11.10 in england and wet, no gardening today !
jackie.

Hi Barb,

It's 6:32 AM here in Ft. Worth and I hope you're sound asleep by now. I'm up and wired 'cuz my daughter is flying in from Chicago this morning (hopefully....she's flying United who are cancelling flights all over the place...I'm bringing a book with me to the airport.) Then tonight we're going to my niece's house to see her who I haven't seen since she was about 6 (she's 24 now!) and my brother and his wife and other daughter will be there. I'm excited and nervous and shouldn't be sitting here typing. I should be taking a shower and getting ready to go to the airport. But, something you said made me want to reply to you....you said you notice that you sometimes hold your breath when you're having lots of palps. That's very natural....BUT, you'd be a great candidate for learning deep breathing and deep relaxation. I HIGHLY recommend the CD/tape from Dr. Andrew Weil where he teaches you how to do this. I'm not an expert at it yet, but I'm trying. Correct breathing has
SO much to do with how we feel. I believe it even can eliminate the skips...or at least get you so relaxed that you can enjoy them.<smile

Have a good day!!

Hugs,

Suzy

Hi, Thanks for your support on the VTs, I really dont understand the
difference between these and PVCs ! I thought that perhaps they both worked
in different feelings ie:- not the same thing at all.
I have read somewhere that VTs are dangerous ?
And if I do decide to take the dreaded tambocor will I notice any difference
in me ?
not just with the palps but in me myself, what kind of side effects could i
have ?
Or is it just one of those drugs that i coul