This forum rocks (again!)

Once again, I have to thank the knowledgeable folks here for making sure I am ahead of what my doctor tells me. I just had my 6 mo check-in with my cardiologist. I had seen my pacemaker reports when they posted in my test results, so I knew that there had been no events recorded, but there was something I thought I'd better mention. I have been noticing, especially during rest, that I sometimes get that fluttery feeling that I associate with afib. My cardio, for the first time in my experience, brought up PVCs--how common they are & that they are nothing to worry about & so brief that the pacemaker doesn't bother to record them. I was reassured, not necessarily by what the dr was telling me, but because I had already seen so much about them here. Thanks for that!

Oh, and the brief chest pains with exertion are probably just as I thought, a combination of anxiety and straining to catch my breath. So, really, I guess I'm healthier than I even thought! It was a good day.

3 Comments

feeling and doing well

by new to pace.... - 2023-01-12 14:59:02

Glad to hear you are finally doing really well.  Does help one's self estem to know we are on the right track.  
Also that this forum has helped you to understand.

new to pace

You sound like a new person

by Gemita - 2023-01-13 03:26:20

TLee, with my brain fog these days, I often find I have to go over and over what I read to be able to take it in properly.  Having the same questions come up here time and time again and reading the many varied responses, can really help me to retain the information better and to discuss it with my doctor when I see him.  

From experience, when we don’t know what those heart sensations are, sensations like thumps, pauses, skips, quivers, flutters, that “sinking” feeling, then the sudden racing or slowing of  rhythm, we can be forgiven for imagining the worst, so it is reassuring to know that everyone gets these feelings occasionally and that in the majority of cases, these palpitations are benign.  

Of course for those of us who are acutely sensitive to any heart palpitations (and I certainly am), it doesn’t feel good when our hearts are out of rhythm like this and causing symptoms.  However benign, most of us want answers for our palpitations, not just a pat on the back from our doctors and a reassuring comment.  That won’t treat our symptoms or our concerns.  We want our doctors to spend the time explaining what these palpitations are, what we can do to stop them and what causes them?  And no, it is not always down to anxiety, since electrolyte imbalances and other health conditions are often a cause.  I find keeping well hydrated works best for me as well as trying to get more rest and not exercising too hard when my heart is so out of rhythm.  The latter for me would lead to worsening symptoms very quickly.

Good to see you are feeling so positive TLee and that we have all helped in some way

Good post!

by Lavender - 2023-01-13 08:51:11

Thanks for the upbeat post!

 I have less and less PVCs. Had a lot with the first months and year of my implant. Drinking more water helps a lot. It's also mind relaxing just knowing what they are and that they're not harmful. Like the old saying " everything in moderation ". 
 

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