Premature Ventricular Contractions and more

Hi Suzy, First of all extra good luck for the job you want!
Secondly, I doubt very much that the drugs you are taking would have any
effect on a drugs test at all. Like you say, it's for the most illegal like
cocaine, etc.
Once again GOOD LUCK!!!!
Leanne.

I am printing that one too. And I laughed out loud. I am connected so you
do not have to come and find me. You'll know who I am. I have God's
nutcase written in neon all over me. :)
Christine

Sorry to hear that Rob, I hope your next try gives a little better results.
-bruce

Dear Majesty:
Maybe Sotalol works even better than Inderal. Besides being a beta-blocker it
has some specific antiarrhythmic effects.
Benjamin

Hey Suzie,
It's for illegal drug use. If it was to find out if you were on legal
prescription drugs...everyone in this country would be unemployed because
they couldn't pass a drug test. LOL Good Luck!!!
Yvonne

Dear Christine,
I read your post with great sadness. I'm so sorry that you feel
the way you do right now. The words of comfort and wisdom from the
members of this group have been incredible, and I hope that you are
taking them to heart. I believe God is reaching out to you through
all of us:)) Shortly after Dad died I found this poem on the
Internet. I have it posted on my refrigerator, and it sure has
helped me get through some dark days. Hope it helps you as well:
The will of God will never take you,
Where the grace of God cannot keep you,
Where the arms of God cannot support you,
Where the riches of God cannot supply your needs,
Where the power of God cannot endow you.
The will of God will never take you,
Where the Spirit of God cannot work through you,
Where the wisdom of God cannot teach you,
Where the army of God cannot protect you,
Where the hands of God cannot mold you.
The will of God will never take you,
Where the love of God cannot enfold you,
Where the mercies of God cannot sustain you,
Where the peace of God cannot calm your fears,
Where the authority of God cannot overrule for you.
The will of God will never take you,
Where the comfort of God cannot dry your tears,
Where the word of God cannot feed you,
Where the miracles of God cannot be done for you,
Where the omnipresence of God cannot find you.
Everything happens for a purpose. We may not see the wisdom of it
all now, but trust and believe in the Lord that everything is for the
best.
Christine - I hope this ministers to you, as it has for me. I will
keep you in my daily prayers. Stay connected to this group, ok? We
WILL be expecting to hear from you. Don't make us have to come
looking for you, girlfriend:))))))))))
Lots and lots and lots of Love,
Val

Hi Sharon, regarding your question "burps" and grumbling stomachs!
This is what I have ALWAYS said, when I have "gasses" my PVCs play up and I
know I am in for a bad time. Asking my doc about this he gives me a funny
look and says NO. I know he is supposed to know more than me but they ARE
connected and whatever he says will not change my mind at all!
Leanne.

Hello everyone,
I am so happy to have found this group. I can certainly identify with many of
you and what you are going through. I have PVC's and PAC's and have had them
for 23 years. I am 53 years old and a retired teacher. I know how scary they
can be and I must keep reminding myself that they are benign, but it is hard to
remember that sometimes. I was wondering if anyone else seems to get the
"burps" when they have PVC's. I have noticed lately a definite correlation
between having stomach gas and the "burps" when I am having a session of PVC's.
When the gas goes away, the PVC's get much better. Sound familiar to anyone?
Hope everyone is having a good day and thanks so much for your input.
Sharon

Hmmm....that one's a stumper. I think you can pretty much safely say that is has NOTHING to do with your heart. Maybe a blocked tear duct?? Is your eye dripping tears?? My daughter used to get this when she was a baby...the cure was to massage the inner corner of her eye where that little tiny hole (tear duct) is...the one that drains into the nose. Have you had a cold or allergies lately?

Suzy

HI Carrie, and everyone, Oh yes, I get those thuds!!!! I never know
when they are coming but they do. Ever since last night I feel so
much anxiety!!!!! One of my Dogs is sick, going to vet this
afternoon. $$$$$$$$!!! But i'd do anything for my pets!! My Dad is
getting checked for cancer tomorrow. Now why would I have
anxiety!!!???? I have had a few thuds of course!!!! Man I hate these
nasty critters!!! Off to aerobics tonight, hoping I can get it out
of my system!!!! alright take it to the left, grapevine right, lets
go skiiing, face the back wall, backward lunge singles!!!! DOUBLES!!!
Come on ladies lets do some boxcercise!!!!!!!!!!!!! Right jab left
jab singles doubles!! Now we're pumpin check your heart rates
now!!!!!!!!!!!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mickey
Hi Everyone!!

Hi Guys, As I said yesterday I had the twitching around my right eye/cheek
area that I could put up with. Today is a different story! my eye/cheek is
now painful and swollen like it is filled with fluid under my eye! Anyone
have any clues as to what is going on?
When I look down all I can see is my cheek!! As I drive on that side with the
window down my mother seems to think it could be draught from the window I do
not know. S0 come on, lets have your views! LOL.
Leanne.

Hi Carrie, Yes I get what you are asking the hard thud then the skip and
whatever else comes after! LOL I just put it down to the PVCs again After
all, we live with these things now on a day to day basis so I suppose they go
out of rhythm at times LOL.
Leanne.

Thank you Val! I really at this point do not care if they even figure it
out. I just want the symptoms to be put under control. I am so tired of
being consumed when I do have the symptoms and then it taking me up to a
week for me to come back down. I am normal as long as I feel normal. I
follow the doctors orders to a point only because half the stuff I forget or
I think they are just reaching way to deep and that is why I keep going
back. They tell me to and I do. Thank God I have insurance.
Christine

I just started sessions with a psychologist but I do not know what we are
doing just yet. He wants me to write down what I was doing before and what
I was thinking before my attacks hit. To see, I guess, if there is a
connection. But here lately I can not remember to much to write down.
Christine

Hi Carrie,
Yes I get all sorts of weird THUDS, followed by what seems like a
looooonnnnggggg pause sometimes. It drives me nuts for hours at a time
usually. Sometimes I'd get such a hard 'thud' at night especially when I
just lay down, that I could feel it in the mattress... Those always make me
jump right back up. Usually when I start to get them, they just seem to
come in runs that seem endless. (like a little engine that could, but can't
get started) Thank God, and I don't want to jinx it, but this past week
was pretty calm, and I mean hardly any considering how I was before. I had
a brief episode late last night (probably from lack of sleep) then today for
a few hours. But the past week was GREAT. I haven't noticed any!
How were you on the verapamil? are you still taking it? any breaks?
and yes Suzy has been quiet lately, and Susan from Oz seems like she's
totally gone??? ::))) You guys still out there? There's a few of you
'frequent' shall I say old timers, that just stopped writing!!
HOpe you're all well!!
Take Care
Barb

Dear Christine,
I am glad that you are continuing to see your doctors because
it's always important to rule out any medical causes of your symptoms
before trying another approach! I really do hope that they will soon
be able to figure out what's going on with you. You're doing a great
job of hanging in there, but I'm sure you're more than ready to get
your health issues resolved. Take care.
Love,
Val

I don't recognize the names.............Do we know you???? :))

Dear Christine,
I have also suffered from forgetfulness, and it's been much
worse since my father passed away. I believe that the forgetfulness,
along with all of the other symptoms we've been discussing lately,
can also be attributed to anxiety. Try not to worry (easier said
than done, I know). The one thing I have learned, is that for me,
worrying makes EVERYTHING worse!! Have you ever tried biofeedback?
About a year ago, when my PVCs were really bad and I was having a lot
of other odd symptoms too, I went to a psychologist who used
biofeedback with me, and it really helped a lot. It might be worth a
try. Good luck:)
Love,
Val

Dear Laenne:
In my case, sotalol can reduce the frequency of my PVC's but not totally abolish
them. However, if I drink more than one unit of alcohol or eat a spicy meal the
40 mg sotalol does not protect against the isolated PVC's or tachycardia
attacks. In that case I have to take 80 mg to stop the tachycardia, but it takes
more than one hour for the medicine to work. Can the magnesium totally protect
you against PVC?

Hi Benjamin, As for your reply re:- Magnesium, No I don't think that the mag
cures all but it definately makes my PVCs a whole lot easier to live with!
LOL
I don't know what it does but it sure helps me!
Leanne.

Hi Leanne, my experience with the beta blockers that I started recently is
that the side effects tend to diminish after a couple of weeks. I still have
some side effects but not nearly as much as right after I began the
medication. This probably doesn't help much, but that's all I can tell you
right now. Have a good day! Majesty

Hi, Can anyone educate me a little here?
If any of us take meds i.e.:- Beta Blockers or likewise, the side effects
like sluggishness/dizziness and sometimes headaches or any other side effect,
do these go away after so long? or can some stay with you as a minus against
taking these meds? My friend who has been on Tambocour? (spelt wrong)? for
over 6 months now still has the tiredness, out of breath easily, sweats,
dizziness, confusion and wondered if it could still be a side effect on
taking this? Come on guy's you are the only one's who can help with this one!
LOL I haven't got a clue!
Help as soon as possible is VERY much appreciated on this one.
Leanne.

Hi all.
Although I am not definitely sure, in certain cases, there could be a link
between the muscle twitching and a propensity for PVCs. Like the "wiring in
the heart" (conduction system) there is definitely wiring to our other
muscles as well (legs, face, trunk). This wiring in some people gets
screwed up if their electrolytes (sodium, potassium, etc.) are not in
balance, if they are overly stress, or extremely fatigued. It could be that
what we see in our other muscles (which are visible) is similar to what we
"feel" in our hearts ("skip-thud, skip-thud"). I think that this is why
rest and a stress-free environment can often be helpful (If only we could
get more of these two things daily). Well thanks for the feedback to my
original question. It's good to know that I am not imagining things when I
fell my heart skipping and my legs twitching.
Take Care,
Rob Whittington

Hi Rob, The answer to your post is yes I definitely have more twitching
around my right eye/cheek on days when my PVCs are at their worst!
Don't really know if there is any connection there though and I've thought of
asking my doc on tuesday but I think I am wasting my time there! all he says
is well, we don't know for sure it sounds unlikely (that's with most things)
Leanne. (twitching this morning) LOL

The medical term for the muscle twitching is fasciculations. Since I am new to the group I was wondering if anyone else gets these fasciculations in conjunction with their palpitations (or other heart rhythm problems). Just curious, because whenever I have increased muscle twitching I tend to get more palpitations.

Rob W.

Dear Laurie,
I haven't been posting much lately, but I've been reading
everyone else's posts, and I wanted to let you know that I've been
praying for you. I agree with Bruce - your courage is admirable, as
is your dedication to your patients. That you're so anxious to be
back with them even in the midst of your own troubles, is a beautiful
thing indeed. The world needs more people like you, especially in
your profession:)) Hang in there, and I will certainly continue to
keep you in my prayers.
Love,
Val

Dear Don,
I have also been reading your posts and keeping you in my
prayers. I hope that the doctors will be able to find a combination
of drugs that will be helpful to you, so that you can continue with
your life in as close a manner as possible to what you have been used
to. Have you gotten any recent updates on your condition? Does RA
ever go into remission, or periods of time when it is not as bad as
at other times? I will keep you in my prayers, and trust that He
will sustain you:)
Love,
Val

I get dizzy when I have a run of v-tach that is short lived or when my PVC's
decide to go into bigimeny. As far as the twitching goes I get it because
it is one of the side effects of Klonopin. It has sorta went away but I
will still get the muscle twitches now and then.
Christine

Hi Guy's, Do any of you suffer from a kind of dizziness? I am on no meds but
noticed I seem to suffer dizziness now and then the kind like you are getting
over a bad type of cold! not enough to make you fall over but just feeling
out of it! I have them on/off and wondered if this had anything to do with
PVCs? I also get a lot of muscle twitching around my right eye/cheek area and
wondered if this was any connection.
Leanne.

I would try and stay in the 150 - 155 range Mickey if I were you.
Don't worry about a few PVCs while exercising. Usually I do not get
any when I exercise, but do sometimes, especially if tired. This is
all normal according to my cardio. Listen to your body, it is the
best gauge telling you how easy or hard to exercise.
Ken

Hi Guys, Help needed again ! LOL
How long would you say side effects from pills could last in most cases, :-
I have a friend who has been taking Flacainide for almost 1 year now and she
has said to me she has "heavy legs", disturbed sleep (nightmares), confusion
(forgetfulness), dizziness, blurred vision, and has constant needs to go to
the loo to open her bowels (sorry guys), But although her PVCs have not gone
she feels the Flacainide have made life easier for her and she will continue
to take it.
She did not have all this before she took this so it is obvious that this is
the meds but don't side effects subside? or do we have to learn to live with
this also?
I would welcome ALL your views on this and pass them on.
Leanne.

Ken and Robert,
thank you for the advice. I am 36 btw. I have exercised at home now
for 7 months, obviously not as hard as a real aerobic class for one
hour. I always throw pvcs when on the rowing machine. I got used to
that. I think I will try not to push myself so much at the next one.
I am anxious and want results now!!!! Want to be fit!!!!! Dont want
to waste time with low impact and get no results.
anyway, thanks alot. I feel better now.
Mickey

Hi Mickey,
This depends on your age. As a gross measurement, take 220 - your age. Then
take 80% of that answer. This is a good starting point for a tarket heart rate.
For those of us that have done an exercise stress test, we know our maximal
heart rate.
If you have not exercised in awhile, I would say that you are pushing it too
hard. You probaly got the PVCs because you were tired and pushing a little hard.
Nothing to be concerned about. I usually throw one or two while exercising.
Sometimes I throw a lot while cooling down.
Bottom line, you will be able to do more as you get accustomed to it. The
younger
you are, the quicker you reach that point. My personal advice to you is slow
it down a little until your body gets accustomed to the exercise.
If you feel really fatiqued after a session, you probably pushed it too hard.
Good luck in yoyr exercise quest.
Ken

Mickey,
I suggest getting your heart rate up to the
recommended aerobic rate for you. This means from 60%
to 90% of your maximum heart rate which is 220 minus
age. For example if 40 years old, your maximum rate
is 180 and your aerobic rate ranges from 108 to 162
BPM. I think I would start on the low side and work
my way up close to the highest aerobic rate as I got
more in shape.
If you can take your pulse while exercising, you will
probably not have any PVCs. If you have to stop
exercising to take your pulse, you may feel PVCs at
that time. You also may have them while building up
to your aerobic rate, and when slowing down. It is
very rare to have them while at your aerobic rate (in
fact if you do you should check with your cardio).
This means there is one activity where we can almost
guarantee you won't have any PVCs. Hooray for small
victories!
Rob

Last night when I was doing my aerobics at the YMCA my heart jumped once or
twice int he beginning and then half way throught he workout we check our
heart rates. I was at 180!!!!! Is this because I am not used to it yet? It
should improve right!!!??? Should I try to slow it down or should I keep on
going and see if it improves with time?
Thanks,
Mickey

Hi Guys, I have just found out that the question I have been asking you for a
while now:- Does anyone take Flecainide? (none of you heard of it) is
actually called:-
Tambocor!!! Does this happen to ring any bells with anyone? LOL
I have heard a lot of you say you take/have took this. SO, my next question
is:-
What is it? (not a Beta Blocker) so I don't know what it is and secondly any
of you who have taken it is there any side effects? and lastly, has it done
you any good!!!
Many thanks for being with me! LOL
Leanne.

Hi Benjamin,

Welcome!! I tried the fish oil capsules for about 2 days, but could not STAND the fish burps.<smile

Suzy

Leanne,
I just started taking Zebeta and I am a little tired. I also try not to get
up too fast after sitting or standing, but these side effects don't last
forever. I have taken Zebeta in the past, and once my body got used to the
medication, the side effects subsided.
Kim

Hi Guys, Just a short post to ask do any of you take meds?
If so, what kind and do you find they have any side effects?
Its just that my cardio seriously wants me to give Flecainide a shot he
thinks it will do me "good" I am a little bothered by the side effects
listed. I know that different drugs affect each of us in different ways but
still wondered if any of you who did take meds had any side effects at all.
Thanks.
Leanne.

Hi Ron, I am sure like a lot of us who found this group that you will find us
extremely useful. I know I have! I really don't think I would have got
through my "bad" days without my "friends" out here!! so WELCOME.
Leanne.

Hi Again, Though I know I have v-tach, I am a little confused about the
difference.
What does symptomatic mean?
Leanne.

Hi Laurie, I take it you are a nurse! Sorry to see you have had a crappy
weekend. I noticed in your post you mentioned it could be after years of
tacycardia thats brought on these latest symptoms. I also have tacycardia but
my cardio at the hospital says its very rare he treats patients with
medications only if the tacy is troublesome! what's your views on this?
meds/no meds?
Leanne.

Hi Guys, The article in question was in yesterdays SUN newspaper it was
really encouraging as my mother also has this. If you can't get the full
article on the web I would be happy to send it over to you. It was a subject
practically everyone was talking about when the papers came. However, it does
lead me to believe that the quicker this medication is sought upon the
diagnosis, the more likely this will work. So saying like my mother whom has
had it for 15yrs, it would probably not be used, it is only going to be tried
for those newly diagnosed. But then again the docs here in England say one
thing and do another! LOL
Leanne.

Laurie,

My goodness, I can only imagine what you're going thru'!! Take care and chin up!!

I will keep you all in my prayers......

Barb

Way da go Todd!!!!!!!!!!!!! Glad your trip went well!
I just got back from my first aerobic class in about 7 years or so.
Not one pvc, pretty high hr but not a pvc in sight!!! Feel pretty
good too.
mickey
Hi gang!

Hi gang!
I am back from my trip to Iowa. I flew from Dallas to Kansas City,
then drove a car for 5 hours. And guess what? Almost no PVCs!
While I was there, I even went through a "haunted house"! Some
increase in my heart rate, no doubt, but it didn't trigger any PVCs.
I hope you are all doing well.
Todd

I like that picture idea. Maybe a surgery patient could write across his/her chest with permanent ink something like "Pretend I'm your mother!" Of course, if the surgeon wasn't too happy with his mom, that might not be good.<smile

Kim.....Lisa is right. PVC's are benign and if anything happens during surgery like extra pvc's...they'll either ignore them because they ARE BENIGN or they'll deal with them. Anesthesiologists know arrhythmias like the back of their hand. You'll be fine. I'm going to add you and your gallbladder to my prayer list (I really mean this) and will ask God to fill that operating room with His angels to watch over you. You're gonna do just fine, Kim. Keep in mind that your heart is HEALTHY and the pvc's are just a variation of normal. I read a newspaper column about 10 years ago written by Dr. Charles Lamb who did a Q&A type of medical column....he was a cardiologist and he said that he was in charge of doing pre-flight ekg's for the original astronaut candidates and they ALL had pvc's. ALL!!!!! So, relax, kiddo.

Hugs,

Suzy

Kim & all:
I was under anesthesia just 10 days ago. My MD and my anesthesiologist both
have pvc's. They were not worried about them one little bit. The other thing
to remember is that they will be constantly monitoring you and therefore
would be able to address any issue the moment it arises. Remember pvc's are
not life threatening and nothing needs to be done about them. You may or may
not even get them under anesthesia, and you will be very relaxed most
likely! Speaking from experience, I also had my gall bladder out about 4
years ago. Also no problem with the general anesthesia.
Lisa
PS: I read this morning an article about heart health (imagine!) and they
showed two columns, one being symptoms of a heart attack and one being NOT
symptoms. "Palpitations" was in the "Not a Symptom" list!
PSS: I had another idea about anesthesia. The gowns or caps or something
(not interfering with the operation, maybe even a little "clip-on" on the
bed) should have a little slot where you could bring and slip in a picture
of your family or loved ones. That way when the whole medical team works on
the patient, they would see the picture and be reminded "Hey, this person
has someone waiting for them, is real, and has a family like ME" and maybe,
just maybe they would treat each patient with that much more care, concern
or compassion... Kim, maybe you should bring along a picture!

I have no idea what made me call you Kris...
I'm sooooo sorry
Peta

Hi Kim, You have outlined my fears also! I am scared to go to the dentist, I
always have to be put out to have teeth extracted and the last time was 5
years ago so the PVCs were not there then so things went ok. But now I have
them I worry if I can at all be put to sleep to have this done. I dread to
think that if I can't I would have to be awake the whole time whilst he
pulled it out! I am even bothered by the fact I have to have another heart
scan this month and I am scared because I know I will be having PVCs the
whole of the examination.
Leanne.

I admit as I was reading your post I was looking at my tongue.
Christine

--- In PeoplewithPVCs@egroups.com, "christine jobe" <CHRISJ817@H...
wrote:
no way am i looking at my tongue!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
mickey

Hi Guy's, I was just wondering if any of you had ever tried/thought of
chinese meds?
I have been reading an excellent book called:-complete chinese medicine by
tom Williams PH.D. It is very interesting. It states that :-
The Heart Opens Into The Tongue:-
It is often said in chinese medicine that "the tongue is the mirror of the
heart.
Although the condition of other organs can be gauged from the tongue, it is
the Heart function that most readily shows in the tongue-especially the tip.
If Heart Blood is deficient then the tongue will be pale, and if there is
stagnation of Heart Blood, then the tongue will appear purple in colour.
There are so many interesting things in the book about circulation and
functioning it really is worth the read. I haven't put it down yet but it is
a little difficult to understand in some places like Qi, Gu Qi, Zong Qi
etc.!!!
I hope this is not rubbish, just thought it may be of interest, I also hope
there are not dozens of people with PVCs rushing to the mirror right now
looking at the colour of their tongues! LOL
Leanne.

Hi, Re your post Argument, It's funny really but I too have some steaming
ones with my family at times and throughout you think slow down the PVCs are
going to kick in anytime. Then for like you say a solid week I feel so good
hardly any at all!
If it wasn't for the fact I dont like the arguments a good one seems to do me
good! LOL.
Leanne.

hi mickey, thanks for your advice. i went and saw "meet the parents". it was
a very funny movie.well i had negative on my colon test and i showed the
doctor my blood test that my gp said i was enemic. well he said i was
borderline. but not enemic. i told him i was trying to make sure i dont have
an underlying illness, because when you get pseugout and noone in the family
had it, there could be an underlying illness.my mom told me before my dad had
gout but not pseudogout. the doctor told me that if i go back and ask my mom
that she would say he never got his leg drained to check this out and that he
probably had pseudogout and didnt know it. pseudogout is a false gout . well
he was right . i feel so much better now that i know my dad had it. now i
have to find how to deal with it the rest of my life. he said that only 1
sibling will get this out of 4. so my brother and sister wont get it. why did
i have to be the one? i think my brother and sister owe me for bearing the
pain that could of been theirs. dont you think? ha ha, don

Hi, In regard to your question does anyone have a headache?
YES! LOL. when I have a really bad day like there's no let up on the PVCs, I
get a real bad headache, My doc/cadio says this is not a related issue and
they dont think its anything at all to do with these things! I beg to differ
because I get bad headaches for days when this happens!
Leanne.

Rob - I am taking 100mg, at night, every day. I'm 6 foot 1 inch and weigh
190. Like I said in the past, I did not have any side effects except
constipation for a couple weeks. I have been on it since January of this
year, it still is kicking butt with the PVC's. It will probably take a few
days before the effects kick in. Let us know what happens...
THanks.
Aaron Levine
Convergent Communications
Sr. Network Sales Engineer
Work: (303) 749-2982
Cell: (720) 236-4301
EMAIL: aaron.levine@...

My Pvc's can bring on a headache but I think it is the drop in blood
pressure or the tension that actually causes that for me. And the vagus
nerve runs from one end of you to the other end, I believe.
Christine

Hi everyone, I'm back after some time being signed off
from the group. I've been catching up on some of the
past postings.
I read one post that mentioned the pvc's being
triggered by upper back being out of alignment. I know
that my recent run of pvc's started after a bout of
upper back pain and tension that I've had for about a
week. Then after that, my pvc's started up again.
I've been having them pretty regular. I go to bed
early just to avoid dealing with them at night. It
make me nervous and hurts my chest wall. Going to
sleep is the only relief I can think of, but then they
are there to greet me as soon as I wake up!
Does anyone in the group notice that the pvc's bring
on a headache? And where is the vagus nerve? You
would think with science today that they could come up
with something to alleviate this problem for us....

Hi Majesty, On the note of your Thuds, I too have these whenever they want to
thud!
Honestly I've had them a few times over the last 4 yrs. It comes without
warning and just when you least expect one it comes with one forceful thud
and thats it.
Hope your cardio can convince you that all is ok.
Leanne.

Hi, Thanks for the webmd list. I checked the drugs out! wow, I wonder if its
best I hadn't! LOL
Leanne.

I don't know, Val, but I would assume that there's a "range" for what's
considered normal, and ANYTHING in that range would be normal. Please don't
let how the person worded it cause you to worry because if it wasn't normal
(just normal - not "close to normal" or "almost normal") they would have you
back in that office in a flash!
Also, forgive me for bringing this back up, but you referred to your pain
during the THUD as a "sharp" or "shooting" pain. Mine felt like a deep
pressure - like someone hitting me in the chest and knocking the breath out
of me - I wouldn't really call it sharp - maybe like someone stepping on my
chest. Any of yours feel like that? My cardio said "it didn't sound
critical." What the heck does THAT mean? He didn't know why I was having
them, but not to worry about them. But I AM worried. It was such atypical
pain from what I'm used to. Anyway, could you possibly elaborate a bit more
just to pacify me, Val? Please?
Majesty

Hello All,
No PVCs for me, but I have an aching lower back and am so tired
and sad (really missing Dad). However, I wanted to respond to a
couple of your posts.
Don - I'm sorry to hear about your knee diagnosis, but I agree with
everyone's idea of finding a specialist. It doesn't make sense that
there's not something that can be done. I will keep you in my
prayers:)
Majesty - I have DEFINITELY had the pain you described getting with
the THUD from the PVC. It IS very scary, but nothing has ever come
of it for me, and I continued to get good check-ups from the
cardiologist, even after having those sharp pains. When I get them,
they practically take my breath away. It hasn't happened very often
fortunately. I agree with the person (sorry I can't remember who it
was) who said that you don't usually have to worry about a quick,
shooting pain. In my opinion, it's just another "quirk," related to
these PVCs. On the other hand, it could be a stomach thing (like
GERD?). If it started happening to me everyday, I'd be in my
cardiologist's office in a "heartbeat" LOL :)) just to be on the safe
side, and to prevent me from worrying myself into a frenzy.
For those of you who might remember, I had to have a PAP redone. I
just wanted to share the happy news that it came back "within normal
limits." I wouldn't have even found that out except my Mom and I go
to the same doctor and she had an appt. on Wednesday and asked them.
We take care of each other in my family:)) I don't think they were
going to call because they only call when it's "off." I know this
sounds paranoid, but is "within normal limits" just as good as plain
old "normal?" I know, I know - what a worrier I am. But seriously,
if anyone knows the answer to that question, I'd appreciate hearing
from you. Take care all.....
Love,
Val

--- In PeoplewithPVCs@egroups.com, Robert Dalton <rvdalton@y...
Rob,
That was wonderful reassuring info. I am sure I can make my pvc's
come on some of the time; just talking about them!! I usually just
ignore them now.Sounds like a great Dr. Very helpful. Do you feel
satisfied now???
Let us know how the verapamil works for you. Are you taking it?
Mickey
I think I found a good Arrhythmia Specialist. This

Rob, what is a flex sphig? Majesty

I think I found a good Arrhythmia Specialist. This
doctor was actually an electrical engineer before
becoming a doctor. Here's what I learned.
First. his office wasn't that close and I had to get
there at 8 AM. this meant I had to drive on a fog
snarled Washington beltway, alternating between speeds
of 65 and zero as conditions prevailed. Here's the
crazy thing. I get up with my usual atrociously high
number of PVCs (5 to 20/minute). Enroute, while
negotiating the beltway traffic I happen to notice
that I'm not having PVCs. I check my pulse and get
0/minute. Apparently the stress of beltway traffic in
the fog lessened my PVCs.
Luckily (since I was going to the cardio), the PVCs
returned as soon as I relaxed in the waiting room.
This doctor seemed willing to listen and comment on
some of our PVC topics.
My PVCs are most likely caused by a group of renegade
cells in the far upper right ventricle. When my heart
rate slows down, these cells try to maintain the
higher rate. Because they aren't communicating well
with the rest of the heart's electrical signals, they
trigger out of synch beats.
He has an acquaintance that has nearly constant
bigeminy (PVC every other beat - about 43K/day). He's
had these for over eight years. When benign, they
will not kill you. Be glad they are benign.
I then went over some of the questions we've had on
this list:
* PVCs seem related to gas, and of course you get more
gas the more fruit and vegetables (healthier diet) you
eat(also the older you get). He believed there was a
connection, but the medical communnity had not
sufficiently defined the connection to allow medical
action. He didn't have any patients that benefited
from anti-gas medications. Because of the variability
of PVCs, a treatment has to have worked about a month
to be successful.
* Related to blood sugar after a meal? When you
digest a meal, a lot of complex issues occur. The one
he finds significant is the release of high levels of
serotonin which he believed was related to PVC onset.
This relationship explained why Paxil (a selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitor) might help with PVCs,
although Paxil is not usually prescribed.
* Diet (high fiber, vegetarian) or taking Lipitor for
high cholesterol? I got my PVCs 3 weeks after
starting Lipitor. He thought diet would be extremely
rare as a cause of PVCs. He also thought Lipitor was
extensively tested and not likely the cause.
This doctor does procedures to "zap" offending heart
cells. He did not recommend this for me, but just
wanted me to know there were procedures that will work
in many cases to remove the problem. He related his
experience with one young patient who decided to be
zaped (I liked his use of non medical terms) to get
rid of his PVCs. In this case they had the patient
prepared, the catheter was up to the heart and ready
to zap, but no PVCs were occurring. The patient said
he could cause PVCs to occur by thinking. In a few
minutes he was able to produce PVCs, and the operation
was successfully completed.
So some can mentally control their PVCs! Another
patient insisted he could start PVCs by eating a
turkey sandwich (turkey produces high levels of
serotonin). They had this patient in the hospital,
all instrumented, and ordered up a turkey sandwich.
The patient started having PVCs while still munching
on his turkey sandwich. In this case the doctor
thought this occurred too rapidly to be the turkey,
and rather was the patient's mental process. His use
of actual examples was nice, because I didn't feel he
was suggesting my PVCs were all in my mind, but rather
that they can sometimes be controlled by the mind.
Again using non medical terminology he described the
types of treatment. He said we give out beta blockers
like water because they are so safe. In a follow on
comment, however, he said there are withdrawal
symptoms when coming off beta blockers (including
mental states like anxiety) so you always have to
taper off them. By the way, I think I suffered some
withdrawal coming off Hawthorn Berry because it seemed
for a while my PVCs got worse than before I tried it.
I just stopped taking it, but should have tapered off.
The next drug used for PVCs is a calcium channel
blocker. These are almost as safe as water if the
patient does not have serious heart problems (heart
attack, angina, clogged arteries). They don't
decrease the heart rate as much as beta blockers, and
in my case since my resting heart rate is low (44BPM),
Verapamil is what he prescribed.
The last ditch, if you can't just accept these benign
little twitches (rhymes with), would be a procedure
to locate and zap the offending renegade cells.
I told him about Hawthorn Berry working beautifully
for two weeks. He said don't forget a lot of
medicines come from natural ingredients (foxglove,
digitalis), so it is quite possible some of these will
work. Supplements are, in a sense, just like
medicines except they are not controlled with respect
to purity and concentration. When you take any
medicine or supplement you are experimenting to find
what works for you. There's nothing wrong with
experimenting as long as you don't take ridiculous
dosages.
Other than possible drug treatment (my option) to
control the number of PVCs, what he would do is take a
good multi-vitamin (with lots of minerals - calcium,
magnesiun,...), and have a stress test every year. He
also suggested not neglecting other good medical
routines like keeping cholesterol low, and having a
flex sphig every few years, which were actually more
important to be concerned about than the PVCs.
Rob

thanx suzy, i am going to do just what you said . i was thinking about that
last night. and i am going to try to take care of this so it doesnt happen
again. byee, don

Where in Iowa are you going? I have family about an hour away from Des
Moines.
Christine

Dear Lynna, I'm glad you're getting the event monitor - that sounds great!
As for the tears, I completely understand (been doing it since yesterday
afternoon), and I don't see anything wrong with the medical professionals
knowing that this is upsetting to us! I always try to "be strong" and not
cry when I'm with the doctor so he won't think I'm a nut case, but I wonder
if I just let it all out if he would see that this IS really bothering me
enough to make me emotional. I don't know - some would probably take you
more seriously if you were emotional, some would take you less seriously. I
think the best thing is to be true to yourself and your feelings. You know
who you are, and you know your body. Don't worry about what anyone else
thinks!
Majesty

Hello everyone,
I wanted to let you know what I am about to do.
In 2 hours, I will be getting on an airplane (by myself) and flying
to Kansas City, where I will rent a car and drive 4 hours through
pretty isolated areas (by myself) until I reach my destination in
rural Iowa. I am a little nervous, since this is the first time I
have travelled since having PVCs. In fact, last night, I was having
worse problems than in the past 2-3 weeks, probably because of nerves.
But I decided that I AM NOT going to let the PVCs dictate my life - I
am going to do the things that I did before, because PVCs are BENIGN,
right!!
I'll let you know how the trip (and the PVCs) went after I return to
Dallas on Monday.
Take care everyone.
Todd

I've just finished reading the posts from the past couple days and
want to say "thanks" to everyone for sharing your experiences. My
Cardio did not prescribe any drugs on my last visit. Rather, he has
me on an event monitor for 30 days. For those of you who may not
know the difference, this monitor records heart activity that can be
downloaded via telephone to a technician who will analyze the reading
and even send an ambulance, if needed. If I'm just having PVCs, I
certainly shouldn't need that level of attention, so I think this
Cardio is just being very thorough. I appreciate that.
I agree that I have some sort of anxiety disorder, but my Doc was
more concerned about my EKG than my mental state and referred me to a
cardiologist. While waiting to see the Cardiologist, I had tears
running down my face - and could not fight them back. When the nurse
called my name I put on a big smile and expressed that I really could
not explain the tears, except that I hadn't slept the night before
and felt like I needed some inner peace due to the exhausting run of
PVCs I was experiencing. DON'T THEY GET IT?!!!!
All of you have been fabulous. I mean, YOU GET IT! Thanks for your
suggestions and for simply being there for me during this very
difficult time. I know "this too shall pass" but when I'm in the
moment it is an overwhelming thing.

hi leanne, thanks for your concern, but i am off to the er. but not for
palps, but my knee. my doctor called me late last night and told me that the
other patient he had with the same thing i have in is the hospital with a
temp of over 105. he said the bursea sac busted in his knee and spread like
wild fire to his blood stream. he is now fighting for his life.he want to
insert a needle in mine to see if i am going to have the same thing.he said
if he inserts the needle and draws fluid there is a chance for an infection
to take place. but he said i could already have an ifection and not know it
till the last minute. he is closed today so he wants to do it thursday. i am
not waiting i am going now to er. keep me in prayer, don

Hi Majesty,
Great news, I'm glad you found something that works
for you. How many PVCs/day did you have before the
Toprol and Inderal? I wonder how many other PVCers
have had success with Toprol? Thanks for sharing.
I'm trying a new cardio tomorrow, if he gives me
something that works I'll let everyone know. I'll
also mention the Toprol.
Rob

Hi Guys! Lynna, I just started Toprol XL 25 mg. (1/2 smallest dose - I have
to cut it in half), and so far, so good. I was on inderal la, and that was
pretty good, too. I did have one day on it where I had pvc's quite a bit,
but most days, I only have about 10 or less, and I haven't had ANY "runs" of
pvc's since I started the medication Sept. 7th. That is like a miracle for
me. My new cardio changed me from inderal to toprol because he said it had
"more steady levels in the blood" and shouldn't cause as many side effects.
He also thought it wouldn't affect my blood pressure as much. (It's already
really low without medication.) I haven't really noticed any side effects
either, so that's good - maybe still a little tiredness, but not bad. I've
always been absolutely OPPOSED to meds of ANY kind, so it was a struggle for
the docs to get me on this, but I felt desperate. Now I'm glad I tried it. I
still get pvc's, but only after meals and only a few. I would try it if I
were you. Sometimes I think ou
r anxiety keeps us from trying medicine when it could actually help us!!
Good luck - let me know what happens, okay? Majesty (:

I am sorry you are feeling so bad. I know anxiety does not help and I am
not sure were you are on this planet but I hope you are doing better or at
least sleeping. I know other people on this board swear by breathing
techniques but I can not do them. I just panick more. Can you take a
benadryl or half of one to get you to sleep?
Christine

Magnesium is a major ingredient in a lot of laxitives. Too much magnesium will
give you diarrhea. I take 1000mg of mag per day, and it has calmed down the
PVCs/PACs to a few per day. I also make sure I get enough dietary pottasium.
Anyway, yes mag will and can send you to the bathroom.
Ken

Hi Suzy, I am so happy that I am not the only one then who needs to "GO" more
often! LOL
Leanne.

Hi Again Suzy, Thanks for the info on the book, I'll look it up next time I
go shopping, the way I am feeling I think I can feel a good shopping trip
coming on! LOL
Don't you think it makes you feel better! LOL
Leanne.

Hi Lynna,

I've been on ToprolXL for a few years now and it seems to be really good for me. No side effects other than a slower heart rate, but that's ok with me. If you're suffering with lots of PVC's, I'd give it a try. It just might be the magic bullet that makes them disappear!

Suzy

Hi Again guys, Just one more question, (promise) LOL
I have been wanting to ask a rather delicate question for a few weeks now!
Here go's, Do any of you who take magnesium have to "go" more often? and, is
it
" I must go now" LOL (sorry), its just that since i've been on the mag
(4months now)
When I wake in the mornings its the first thing that greets me! I must go
then, its as though the mag is clearing out my system. I currently take:-
250mgxtwice per day=
500mg in total, I was taking 750mg but didn't feel "right" on this so I
lowered it to 500mg and I think (fingers crossed) its helping I feel better
with the palps but my system seems to be clearing out so often.
I am beginning to think I shouldn't have asked this question it sounds so
strange!
but it has been bothering me for some time, just wanted to know if I am doing
the right thing.
Leanne.

Hi Guys, Thanks to all of you who helped me with my question :-
"Do we class this as a disability" I will now try to finish my project, It is
only for a college subject but as many people do not know of PVCs/v-tach it
will be very useful.
It may even get me the grades I need for a pass! LOL
Thanks again people!
Leanne.

Well folks, I survived another string of these things. They're much
less intense/ frequent now, so I'm going to try to get some sleep.
Please post if you're using Topral and share your experience/ opinion
of it.
Thanks,
Lynna

...something like that. I may not be disabled, but I certainly feel
UNABlE to enjoy many things I used to take for granted. Physically,
I'm told I'm perfectly able to do anything I did before PVCs.
However, I tend to be less active each day worried that if I partake
in physical activities I will suffer more frequent PVCs. I'm always
trying to be still for some reason. Also, I have become co-
dependent. I fear being alone now, and try to be in the presence of
others (my significant other, family or friends) at all times. I
tend to have panic attacks when I'm alone, although I've even had
them around others. In general, I feel as though I've just lost ME
over the past year. What's worse, I've gained over 20 pounds! It
was depressing selling all my size 4 clothing items for $1 during my
last garage sale.
Lynna

Hello!
I'm not big on meds, myself. Although I'm getting to the point where
I may just go for it. I have a bottle of Topral in my medicine
cabinet but I've never used it.

It is 1:00 AM and I am not able to sleep because my PVCs are so
intense right now. I'm feeling nausiated and have been gagging, here
in there. I figure that is probably due to my nerves...I'm a wreck.
I've taken magnesium and am out of Sleepy Time and Rolling Rock. Now
what?!!!!

Well, for whoever it was that wanted to know why my doctor wanted me to take
Tylenol from now on and not I buprofen. Suzy gave the answer. Thank you
Suzy! Smart doctors sometimes to think of everything.
Christine

Dear Kim,
Thank you for your stories. They were a great witness and hope
to me:)) By the way, I wanted to share a positive about my
principal. I received a sympathy card today from him and his wife
with a check for $100 to Dad's favorite charity!!!!!!! Now I feel
incredibly guilty about how awful I was feeling toward him. Oh,
well - not much I can do now, except of course send him a thank you
card ASAP. I guess my lesson here is to try not to think the worst
of people. Morale at our school is at such an all time low it's easy
to fall into the spiral of negativity. Thanks again for writing and
sharing.
Love,
Val
PS Guess what I got today on my drive home from work (which takes
about 45 minutes)? Tingling in my left hand. Anyone ever had that
before??????

Hi Leanne,

The way I see it is that my PVC's cause me to have an emotional disability. There are many people with lots of PVC's who aren't the least bit limited in their activities. However, somebody like me disables myself by being afraid of them, ya know?

BENIGN BENIGN BENIGN

Suzy :)

Hi Guys, Ineed a little help here!
I am currently putting a short write up regarding PVCs, v-tach.
And one of the question concerning me is:-
Does anyone consider PVCs/v-tach as a kind of disability?
I know its not like we have a limb missing but disabilities do cause us to
miss out on certain things and was just wondering if at all anyone had
thought of this?
So basically its kinda do PVCs stop you from doing things you could do if you
DIDN'T have these damned things?
Thanks Guys.
Leanne.

Val,
Well, it is only 11:00 pm here but I cannot sleep either.
I cannot believe the nerve of your principal! I think you are handling it
just right though. Looking into other schools for next year but not
abandoning your kids this year. You sound like a smart lady.
Also, I have not taken the opportunity to tell you how sorry I am about your
Dad. I have not actually lost a parent to death - only to a stroke, which is
like death in a way - but I can imagine your loss and I am sorry you must go
though this. I went to a funeral about 5 years ago and the minister said
something really beautiful. He said think of death like this: When you die,
your soul leaves your body much like a butterfly leaving its cocoon. We
shed our "skin" and fly to eternal life just like a butterfly sheds its
cocoon and flies. I also believe that we will see our loved ones again.
I'll tell you a couple of true stories. One of them happened to me, and one
to my great Aunt. I will start with my great Aunt. I never knew her, but my
Mom has told me this story a few times. My great uncle was not a Christian.
It wasn't that he worshipped the devil or anything like that, but he did not
believe in God. My Aunt was a very stong Christian and she tried for 40+
years (their entire marriage) to help him find his way to God. Well, he got
cancer and a few months later was dying. While lying on his deathbed he
started screaming "Jane! You were right. There really IS a God!" What
other explanation can you have for that? He had not believed for 40 years -
why now? Because he saw God on his deathbed. I truly believe that. Now, 5
years ago, my grandmother was dying of liver failure. She was in an out of
consiousness for a few days and then in the end she was in a coma. Well, she
lived in another town from me, so I would drive the hour and a half to see
her a couple of times a week and just sit with her. On this particular day,
my Dad went with me and it was just the two of us sitting in her hospital
room. I was sitting beside her and my Dad was standing at the foot of her
bed. Now, remember, she had been in a coma for several days. She had not
opened her eyes or spoken a word in days. And even before she finally
slipped into a coma, she had lost a bit of her mind as the infection in her
body reached her brain. She had been talking a bit crazy for a couple of
days. Anyway, my Dad and I were sitting there just looking at her and
talking to each other when all of the sudden she put her arms up in the air
and said "Mama, Daddy." I looked at her and said "Grandma?" I thought she
was waking up or something. And she did not respond. Then I looked at my
Dad and we just stared at each other for a minute like we couldn't believe
what we had just witnessed. I knew two things at that moment. I knew she
was going to die and I knew she was going to heaven. My grandmother was 84
years old and both of her parents had died at a relatively young age, so they
had been dead for more than 40 years. She had not mentioned her parents in
YEARS! I mean, YEARS! Some people might say "she might have been dreaming."
Well, maybe, but I doubt it. She was brain damaged from the liver
infection. Are you capable of dreaming normal if your conscious mind is
damaged? I don't think so. I think she saw her parents as she was dying. I
think they came to get her. And sure enough, she died the next day.
Unfortunately, I was not there when she died but my sister was, and she said
that my Grandmother just took a deep breath and never took another breath
again. And at her funeral I had such a feeling of peace. I cannot explain
it. I grieved for her, but I was completely at peace. I hope these stories
help you. I know that your Dad is in a beautiful, peaceful place, living
eternal life. I know you will miss him and you will grieve for the loss but
do not grieve for him.
Love, Kim

Hi Guys,
Well - it's about midnight and I should certainly be asleep
right now since I have to get up at 4:45 tomorrow, but the PVCs are
kicking in big time, so I'm typing to you guys and eating a banana.
A lot of times that gets rid of them for me. I also know I'm
stressing out about my return to work. My first day back was last
Friday, but it was a Teacher Inservice day, so I didn't have any
students. Tomorrow I see my students. I've really missed them, but
I haven't missed my paraprofessional. She is a real piece of work.
She complained to the vice-principal that she felt left out because
when I was home on bereavement leave I called my substitute about
lesson plans, but I never called her. That prompted him to call me
just one week after Dad died, WHILE I WAS STILL HOME ON BEREAVEMENT
LEAVE to encourage me to call her to help cheer her up. "He was sure
it would mean a lot to her." She didn't even call me or send me a
card when Dad died, but I'm supposed to call her and soothe her
ruffled feathers over some inferiority complex she has? I thought I
was doing pretty good to make one phone call to my substitute. I
didn't even have to do that, and most people wouldn't have. Also -
my own principal never called or sent a call either. The whole
situation has really hurt because I give 110% at work, often to the
detriment of my family and my relationship with God, and I sure am
not getting much respect in return. Needless to say, I'm rethinking
my priorities. I knew they were out of whack, but now I have the
impetus to set things right: God, family, work - in that order:))
I'm also going to update my resume and look elsewhere for the next
school year. I have a job offer right now in another district, but I
don't feel right about leaving my students in the middle of a school
year. Too many people in their lives have already abandoned them; I
don't want to get added to that list!!! I love them too much for
that. Please forgive my whining, but I think I needed to get that
off my chest before I could attempt sleep. Hugs to all.
Love,
Val

Dear Mickey,
The party went pretty well all things considered. Thanks for
asking:) I only had one "meltdown," and that was when we sang Happy
Birthday and began cutting the cake. Sometimes I just don't know how
we are even going on with "normal" things like that when Dad's not
here. I feel guilty about doing things without him. It seems as if
the world ought to just stop for a little while. You know what I
mean? I understand that is not what Dad or God would want, and I
imagine that feeling is just a natural part of the grieving process.
God will get me through. I love that phrase, "The will of God will
never take you, where the grace of God can't keep you." I'm holding
on to that thought for dear life:))
On the bright side, Danielle got a scanner for her birthday, so
once she gets it up and running, I'll send pictures to you guys. I
can't wait! School work awaits me. Yuck :( Take care.
Love,
Val

Lisa,
I am glad things went well for you. And you got some reassurance. The
Conair blow dryer was funny. It is amazing what we type when we got the
drugs. I have been there before and then do not remember I wrote it. HA HA
Christine

Yes, you heard right. I am 5'4 and should weigh around 115. I look like
skin and bone. Don't be jealous. I am nothing to talk about. I should
slap my husband every time he mentions how I need some meat on my body so he
can grab a hold of me or how it would be nice if my bust was bigger but I
just look at him and hold back on what I could say. :)
Christine

Well, Suzy I wish we could have met before you leave. I hope all goes well
and hurry and connect back to us. As far as your ex, he won't bother you
if it is God's will for you to go back. God will take care of him.
Christine

Thanks, Lisa. Those were some GOOD words of wisdom. Glad your
surgery went well:)) Take care.....
Love,
Val

Hi gang, Lisa in Minnesota here. I've been wanting to give you guys a report
on my foot surgery on Thursday, etc. It went great, though very sore. I've
been pretty loopy on pain pills, and this is the first I've felt I could
take the time to type to you. I want to let you know about my conversation
with the anesthesiologist... he was NOT worried about the pvc's AT ALL. He
gets them too! We talked about this list a bit, and he even said "They are
really nothing to worry about. Everyone in surgery has them to some degree.
We see them all the time. It's just not an issue." We talked about frequency
and he quickly did the math that I've been intending to do: If an average
heart beats 72 times per minute, that would be 103,680 beats in a day. Most
people are not getting them in the 1000's, but even those who are, look at
how many heartbeats you DON'T feel!!! (I won't say "that are normal" because
they are ALL normal, according to every professional I've talked to lately!)
Imagine, if you only get a few dozen, or a few hundred even, look how GREAT
your heart works!! Think about it, have any of you ever had a car or ANY
other mechanical thing that has a few quirks, but that really runs great?
And lasted forever? For cryin' out loud, I have a ConAir HAIR DRYER that
makes funny noises on occasion, but I have been drying my hair with it
almost every day since 1982. That's nearly 18 years, for a funky hair dryer!
Anyway, the anesthesiologist, who took care of my son 12 years ago and has
been working at his high-stress job WITH pvc's for 20 years now, said the
heart is "Just unbelievably strong." There was more, but I was getting
"drifty" on the pre-surg meds and I am getting tired now and mistyping, so
I'm going to sign off.
Just wanted to let you guys know what he said. Try to believe there is
nothing wrong with you, OK? I'm not saying to ignore things that are real to
you, but just don't go looking for trouble when it isn't there, you guys are
too special and terrific to spend your time worrying, OK?
Signed,
Crawling Back to the Couch in MN, with Occasional PVC's

OOPS - I MEANT "WEIGH." AND THE "TO" SHOULD HAVE BEEN "TOO." CAN'T
HAVE YOU GUYS THINKING THAT THE TEACHER CAN'T SPELL NOW CAN I?
LOVE,
VAL

Majesty
Dear Majesty,
Thanks, Majesty. I'm beginning to think the birthday will be ok.
When Dad was first admitted to ICU he told me, "I guess I'm going to
mess up another birthday." Back when Danielle was turning one, Dad
had been in the hospital for anyuresm (sp?) surgery and he almost
died, so that's what he was referring to. I feel strongly like Dad
wants me to make this a wonderful party for her, and would in fact be
upset if I didn't! In fact, I assured him in the hospital that he
would NOT be messing up her party because by then he would be healed
and at home by then. And I was right - he is now enjoying perfect
health in Heaven. I still ache for his physical presence, but I know
in my heart, that he is now in a far better place.
I hope you enjoy the book. I finished it last night, and I'm passing
it on to my sister. It was wonderful. When I get it back I want to
re-read it. I certainly understand your worries about your children,
and this book does address that issue, as Zig's daughter left behind
a husband and two children. Take care.....
Love,
Val

Hi Suzy,
I know exactly what you mean. My hubby, Dan, and God have been
my pillars of strength during Dad's illness and subsequent passing on
to be with the Lord. One of the things that Zig says in his book is
that the death of a loved one tends to strengthen a marriage that is
already strong, but weaken one that is already weak. I feel blessed
when I say that Dan and I must fall into the "Strong" category
because I have never treasured him more than I do at this very
moment. Take care....
Love,
Val

Val,

Regarding that stress scale, for the past few years my score has been in the area of 4 times the amount it takes to make you sick. And I'm actually doing pretty good. And I DO credit my faith and my husband for that. God and Dennis are both soft places to fall, ya know?

I'm glad you found that Zig Ziglar book....it sounds like just what you need.

Love,

Suzy

Hi Everyone,
I just noticed that my daughter hopped on board to introduce
herself. She didn't tell me that she was going to do that, so it was
neat to be looking at the posts and just find hers there:) She's my
baby - but don't tell her I called her that, or I'll be in BIG
trouble:)) Her official birthday is Sunday. It will be a
bittersweet time for us -one of those "firsts" without my dad and
her "Poppy."
I'm reading a really good book that is helping me through this
tough time. It's called "Confessions of a Grieving Christian," by
Zig Ziglar. I know God put that book in my hands because it has so
many parallels to our own situation. His daughter died of pulmonary
fibrosis, which is what Dad had. His wife is a 5 foot, one inch
redhead (just like me!). His daughter used to joke that she was
his "favorite," something that my sister and I used to joke about
with Dad. And there are a zillion more examples of other such
similarities. After reading it I have such a better understanding
and acceptance of the scripture pertaining to our days being numbered
by God, and that He, in his infinite wisdom, knows when it is time
for us to shed our earthly bodies and head for our ultimate and
glorious destination. I KNOW that my fear of death has always made
my PVCs worse, so I'm hoping that one of the blessings that will come
out of Dad's passing is that it will lessen my fear of death. I
truly feel that it already has. Enough preaching. Sorry if I
offended someone who believes differently. I just got excited:))
Christine - I'm sorry to hear you're still having such a tough
time. Sometimes it seems as if the doctors themselves can't figure
out if your symptoms are physically or psychologically based. That
must drive you crazy!! I know I would want an answer one way or the
other. To tell you the truth, I think for most of us it is probably
a mix of both. Try to hang in there, and vent all you want. You know
we will listen.
Don - I'm sorry to hear that your knee is still bothering you.
Have you had it checked out by a doc yet?
Suzy - Good luck on the move back to Chicago. When you wrote
about that I couldn't help but think about that little stress scale
that assigns a numerical rating to major life events, and then has
you add them all up to see if you are in a "dangerous" zone (i.e.,
more prone to getting physically or mentally ill) If I recall
correctly, "moving" is assigned lots of points. Just what you want
to hear, huh? LOL :)) Don't feel too bad - I'm off the scale right
about now!!!! Anyhow - God and your hubby will get you through....
See you all later.
Love,
Val

Get this "dickhoff" person off our list!

--- In PeoplewithPVCs@egroups.com, "Suzy Finigan" <suzy1220@e...
wrote:
don't do it suzy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey are you on? That was a good one!! I just got off the grossest web site
some friends were telling me to visit tonight, it made me sick! It is
http://www.rotten.com Check out the motorcycle accident and the mouse
traps!!!! :)

Hi, Looking at your post regarding the forehead stick, I think thats what my
last one was called (none left though so I threw it out) no doubt I'll find
out when I go for my new one. LOL.
Leanne.

hi magesty, i had my wisdom teeth removed when i was having bad pvcs. i had 2
removed at a time. i told him i only wanted a local and not to be put under.
one of my wisdom teeth was half impacted. i could feel him pull them but
there was very little pain. and i was just fine after. good luck, don

Hi Christine, Guess what? I've been to the hospital today with my daughter
(9yrs)
and they gave me her weight in lbs ! I ask you, here I am saying stones and
pounds and the docs are now using lbs. LOL
Leanne.

leanne, my cadio told me to be careful about coq 10 . he said people with
healthy hearts(like all of us) does not need to take it, and can cause your
heart maybee, to get out of rythum. he said it was supposed to be taken for
people who had the signs of heart desease starting to happen. and says it is
too new to know all the side effects. of couse i am not sure cardios know
what they are taking about most of the time. ha ha. don

No man is worth your tears and the only one who is will never make you cry.
If you love someone, put their name in a circle, instead of a heart, because
hearts can break, but circles go on forever.
Everyone hears what you say. Friends listen to what you say. Best friends
listen to what you don't say.
If all my friends were to jump off a bridge, I wouldn't jump with them, I'd
be at the bottom to catch them.
It takes a minute to have a crush on someone, an hour to like someone and a
day to love someone-but it takes a lifetime to forget someone.
Send this to everyone you will never forget, just to show them that you will
never forget them either.

Hi Guys, I just wanted to ask does any of you take L-Carnitine? I was reading
a health book last night and saw an article on this.
It says that It is an amino acid produced by our bodies and along with taking
CoQ10 is good for a healthy hear. It also states that Carnitine levels
decline with age and lack of this could cause loss of energy, and in some
cases heart problems. It also states that it is being used to help repair
the damage caused by heart attacks and it also helps to improve brain
function. It says that recommended doses are as follows:-500mg of Carnitine
and 30mg of CoQ10 at breakfast with a glass of water and then the same again
at lunch time. But then further down it says anyone having problems with
blood pressure or heart problems must seek medical advice before taking
either of theses supplements as BOTH are stimulants.
Oh well, back to the drawing board! LOL
Leanne.

Hi Christie, Firstly I am so sorry for your loss I too miscarried some years
ago now and know how that loss feels. Although you feel so frightened we all
have at one or more points but as a group we are here to "help each other and
no matter what we all know what you are feeling with theses dreaded PVCs. Try
to relax until you see your cardio on mon (easier said than done) I know.
In the meantime, My thoughts are with you and your husband.
Love, Leanne.

Christine, and your weight measures are different in the states si would not
know what you were talking about. LOL
Leanne.

hi magesty, i have my own business. 10 years now. i designed a masking system
for palting computer chips and electronic parts. i have been very blessed
with this business. everybody else i hired does the work and i collect the
money and travel. i work about 4 hours a day and the rest of the time i write
and play music ,work out, fish and travel. then why do i have pvcs? i dont
know. i dont think none of us know yet. i pray someday we will all know and
find a safe healthy way to stop them. this november i am trying to plan a
trip to australia, but i am dreading the plane trip.i hope to get in touch
with some of my pvc friends. talk to you soon, don

I love it, Sonny!! How about, "I Got Palps, Babe"?

"And the
missed beat goes on...the missed beat goes
on...arrhythmias pounding loudly in my brain...lawdy
dawdy dee...lawdy dawdy dah"

Hi All,
Sad to say Hawthorn doesn't seem to be working for me
anymore. I first took 1350 mg a day for almost a
month, and then had two glorious weeks of clock like
heart rhythms. Then PVCs started again, but I
realized from a list member I was probably taking too
much Hawthorn. I lowered the dose to 900 mg/day, and
within a couple days entered another week or two of
PVC free joy. However, lately the Hawthorn doesn't
seem to be doing anything, and I'd guess I'm back to
nearly 10K/day.
I have an appointment with an arrhythmia cardio next
month. Right now I don't have high expectations, but
I might as well end on a musical note. "And the
missed beat goes on...the missed beat goes
on...arrhythmias pounding loudly in my brain...lawdy
dawdy dee...lawdy dawdy dah" Good luck.
Rob