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Panic Attacks and Anxiety Resources
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LindaRK
Full Member
Joined: 27 Nov 2008
Posts: 223
Tue Dec 08, 2009 2:36 am
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I think one of the biggest problems is that we focus too much on all of our symptoms. Pertaining to PVC's (been there, done that), when I had them, it was all I could do NOT to focus on them. I was having lots and lots every day - I had all the tests - nothing to worry about, but it was always, "what if the doc made a mistake on my tests or diagnosis?" and then the hypochondria and worrying would start up again. What seems to work with me with ANY anxiety symptom is to engage myself with something - work, exercise, getting together with friends, whatever. Anything where you are kept busy, engaged, focused - something to keep your thoughts away from the symptoms. I also told myself "self, I have these PVC's - there is nothing wrong with me - I've had the tests done" ..... and I move on. I haven't had one in months and it's the holidays! And I'm feeling stressed, but no PVC's (knock on wood).
Anyway, just my two cents worth. It's so easy to get caught up in the symptoms and feel like we have to find a "cure" for this stuff. Many times I have found myself searching for that "cure" when in reality, there isn't one (unless you have a medical problem that induces anxiety). I truly believe it's managing your thoughts. |
yoopertom
Full Member
Joined: 21 Aug 2007
Posts: 255
Location: Arkansas
Tue Dec 08, 2009 1:08 pm
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| LindaRK |
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I liked your post very much. The people I know from this forum that I have a history with seem to exhibit the same outlook you have. Eaglefluff, 6kidsmom, and others all have gone through the endless search for answers and cures. While once and a while something that someone tries seems to work, there just does not seem to be a definitive answer. The folks that I see come to this forum and all appear to have one universal trait, they accept the condition.
That worked for me. Like you I also talk to myself. When I feel the telltale onset I immediately start examining what is going on in my life at that time. Usually I find something has me a little anxious. It might be a repair at home I've not attempted before. It might be my onw mind piling on things I have to deal with and I get the overwhelmed feeling like how can I get all of this done? It might be somethiing at work.
We always carry a stress load. I think for some when the peak rises above the norm we encounter "the beasts." I do not think that the issue that overloads our stress burden have to be very significant.
Like you I talk to myself. I tell myself I've been through the tests. I had several heart cath's. I regularly see a cardiologist for a different issue. My heart is in excellent shape. I have no blockages. I will be OK. Then I tell myself, the heck with this, I'm going on with what I'm doing and if I drop over so be it. I'm not going to worry about it. It works. In a short period of time they dissapate and I go on with whatever I'm doing. |
LindaRK
Full Member
Joined: 27 Nov 2008
Posts: 223
Tue Dec 08, 2009 5:27 pm
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I've been reading alot on brain science lately, which is all the rage now with scientific research. And it should be! The brain is an amazing thing - amazing is probably an understatement.
I can't believe the number of times that I've brought on stress-induced "stuff" - or anxiety induced "stuff" .... things I could have easily run to the doctor to deal with, but I knew deep down it was brought on by ME and what was going on in my life at the time. After years of going through those experiences, I finally realized just how powerful my brain and my thought process is. So, I've learned to use it to my advantage now. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. But, I try to stay focused on when it DOES work, not to say that's easy, but in the long run, it's the best. |
Tracy B
Full Member
Joined: 16 Apr 2008
Posts: 110
Wed Dec 09, 2009 3:39 am
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Tom:
Just out of curiosity . . . did you have the heart caths done b/c of issues relating to PVC's or other things we talk about on this thread, or for other unrelated reasons. If there are other reasons, and you don't feel comfortable sharing, that's fine. Only reason I am asking is that I had wondered if I would be a candidate for a cath, but the cardiologist thought not. I just wonder how bad the PVC's/tachycardia/etc. have to get before they feel you would benefit from a heart cath.
Thanks===Tracy |
yoopertom
Full Member
Joined: 21 Aug 2007
Posts: 255
Location: Arkansas
Wed Dec 09, 2009 9:17 pm
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| TracyB & DigiSoft |
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I don't mind sharing with you. In 2001 I was at a GP's office for a regular check up. I have had high blood pressure for years, controlled by medication. During the course of a routine EKG a pvc was spotted. First time I had triggered one in a Dr.'s office. The minute it happened I put the EKG result with the physical sensation I had and realized I'd been have infrequent pvcs for many years.
The Dr. as a routine precaution ordered a Nuclear Stress Test. The test was halted by the cardiologist as an episode of pvcs popped up and because I was in the initial workup he didn't want to proceed. However, when they took pictures of my heart with the dye circulating they noted some dark areas on the backside of my heart that could be the result of a blockage.
So I had a heart cath scheduled. The Cardiologist doing the heart cath said there were no blockages. One artery was 30% blocked but they do not do a stent for that, they use drugs to keep further blockage from occurring. All was well.
In 2005 I wanted to start an exercise program to lose weight and due to age the Dr. wanted to make sure I was fit. I weighed 300 pounds then. So another heart cath was scheduled. This time the cardiologist found no blockages. I lost weight, down to 276. That seemed to be the best I could do.
However in 2007 a polyp was found during a routine colonoscopy that required a bowel resection. As part of the work up because I was diagnosed as a Type II diabetic and had high blood pressure they did a echocardiogram. Once again the cardiologist found no evidence of blockage. The surgery proceeded and I am fit.
As a foot note, I did lose an additional 50 pounds and the Dr. considered the diabetes to be resolved. So life is good.
The two heart cath's I had were due to concern over a blockage, not pvcs.
Thanks for asking. I hope this provides you with some direction. If you have any other questions don't hesitate to ask.
Tom |
DigiSoft
Full Member
Joined: 12 Jul 2009
Posts: 265
Thu Dec 10, 2009 1:12 am
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people I think you are very wrong.
Tracy B I think that cath and ablation are very different thinks.
cath is for opening blocked artery and ablation is for taking care of fast tachycardia and arrhythmia.
Ablation is burning cells in the heart electric nerves so the nerve paths work correctly. |
jennifer03
New Member
Joined: 08 Jul 2009
Posts: 15
Thu Dec 10, 2009 1:51 am
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Tracy B
Was your tachycardia regular sinus rhythm or an irregular rhythm? Four years ago I suddenly experienced a irregular fast rhythm called SVT (super ventricular tachycardia). After three trips to the ER I was able to have a cath ablation of that irregular rhythm. My understanding of the condition is that sinus tachycardia is a physiological response to adrenaline, anxiety, certain drugs, caffeine etc and is not considered "abnormal" in itself. An irregular rhythm such as SVT is something very different. I actually had an extra electrical circuit that my heart's electrical conduction was getting "stuck" in. Oddly enough, after I had the ablation, my anxiety level from the whole experience was so high that I experienced months of "normal" sinus tachycardia. I felt like my heart was always beating fast and convinced myself that they had not fixed the SVT. My primary doctor finally put me on an anxiety med, and presto, problem solved - no more tachycardia.
In the last year in a half I too have been suffering frequent bouts of PVC's..
I have been in touch with my electrophysiologist (electrical cardiologist) about this. They have told me that they do not even consider cath ablation for PVC's unless they reach some insane level, like 60-80% of all your beats. This highlights the fact that cath ablation is an invasive procedure and not without risks.
I too have had all the tests and have been told to accept and relax. I really liked Linda RK's post about focusing too much on the symptom. I am very aware that my thoughts have immediate impact on my heart rhythm. If I even think about my PVC's, I will bring them on in an instant. The trick is to train myself to accept and float through them. Such an easy concept, yet so very difficult at times to execute faithfully!
I pray for everyone's peace and calm in heart, mind and body!!
Jennifer |
jennifer03
New Member
Joined: 08 Jul 2009
Posts: 15
Thu Dec 10, 2009 2:00 am
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quote:
Originally posted by DigiSoft
people I think you are very wrong.
Tracy B I think that cath and ablation are very different thinks.
cath is for opening blocked artery and ablation is for taking care of fast tachycardia and arrhythmia.
Ablation is burning cells in the heart electric nerves so the nerve paths work correctly.
The procedure used to cauterize an electrical circuit in the heart (causing abnormal tachycardia) is called Catheder Ablation. The catheder is the same tool used in inserting stents, inserted into the groin and up the main artery into the heart, but the ablation is the procedure for cauterizing off the unwanted electrical circuit. |
yoopertom
Full Member
Joined: 21 Aug 2007
Posts: 255
Location: Arkansas
Thu Dec 10, 2009 7:36 pm
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| Tracy B |
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From the last couple of posts it sounds as though some further definition of the tachycardia is needed. However, I dated a lady years ago who suffered from panic/anxiety attacks. From time to time she would get the sensation of a very rapid heart beat that was tachycardia. We simply drove to the ER and they would start an IV with a Tenormin drip. Tenormin was some kind of a blocker. I had taken it back in the early 70's for blood pressure. Anyway, they would start a Tenormin drip, the second it hit the system her heart would straighten out. Then some time would go by and she would be OK. I dated her for about 10 months and I'll bet in that time she was in the ER 4 times. She never thought much about it.
I also know a lady who takes a drug to slow her heart rate down. Her normal rate is over 100. So I guess there are all kinds of conditions. If the doctor recommends walking, I would walk. I realize it is frightening, but simply staying put reinforces the fear. When I first really became aware of my pvcs I was in a walking program. I still am walking at least 30 - 40 minutes a day. When I would first set out walking the pvcs would really kick in. Then within about 5 to 15 minutes they would go away and not come back for several hours.
Remember, a pvc is not a cramp or a charley horse of the heart. The muscle actually relaxes back into the open position while it resets and fills with blood. I truly believe the physical sensation we feel, like the fluttering or pulsing is a hydraulic pulse in the arteries. That is basically what our heart and artery system is, a hydraulic pump with a flexible delivery system. It works very well and its design withstands a lot of abuse.
Good luck and thanks for the excellent posts.
Tom |
Ms. Hopeful
New Member
Joined: 07 Dec 2009
Posts: 4
Thu Dec 10, 2009 10:11 pm
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| Pvcs and hiatal hernia |
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Hello everyone! I just wondered if anyone else on here has pvcs associated with hiatal hernia? I eat and get bloating and that presses on the bottom of heart and BAM here come the pvcs! I am getting ready to try Prilosec tomorrow and see if it will make a difference. Thanks, Tammy |
enrique
New Member
Joined: 12 Dec 2009
Posts: 3
Sat Dec 12, 2009 10:32 am
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Hi all
i am from uk i have had panic attacks since i was 7 i am 38 now and they still scare the living day lights out of me...i get fast hart rate with palpitations sweaty hands dizzy shaky feeling that i gona die i even get pains in my chest and my left arm goes numb sometimes...i have had blood tests ecg 24 hour tape and echogram done my doc says all is fine they found 1 ectopic beat and palpitions which i dont understand i seeing hart specialist next week he will explain all my results...i don no that i am a person who can not handle stress and when i get stress i get panicky with all those feelings so my advice is when some of you guys get panics or palps go for a walk or do something to take your mind of the feelings i no its not easy but it does work.last week i had opposite of fast hart rate i had slow rate with palpitions nearly every beat which i was really scared i really thought this is it i had it for 5 days constant,on the saturday i woke up with same symtoms BUT i was moving home ,as soon as i started the moving i forgot bout my feelings which shows it was all in my head...i have been hypnotised 3 times seems to have eased a bit he showed me how to breath which when i start to panic i sit there breath in for 8 secs through nose hold for 4 secs brathe out through nose for 8 secs do this 4 times and your palps should ease a bit and slow your hart rate down..as you can see i have tried everything apart from drugs as i to frightenend to take beta blockers and antidepressants i do take saint johns warts 2 hours before i go to bed which help me relax and sleep a bit better.i am no doctor but ive had these most of my life and i am still here BUT my advice would be to get checked out first then you can start putting in your head thats its all in your mind and these panic attacks and palpitations will not kill me ...good luck to all and i so glad there are more of us in this situation as years ago docs would just laugh bout it as it was nothing to worry bout...by the way i am a male and some times i cry when i panic which makes me feel lot better as before i was afraid to cry as i thought i wasnt a man if i did...... |
DigiSoft
Full Member
Joined: 12 Jul 2009
Posts: 265
Sat Dec 12, 2009 3:54 pm
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Thank you enrique for your great post. You gave hope because you know how bad is this feeling and you suffer from panics so long. I suffer 10 years from panic attacks.
I don't know if I am right but I am almost 80% sure that this PVCs and fast heart rate is from suffering the panic attacks. Maybe these attacks over longer period can make heart problems because in panic attack the heart rate can go very fast.
I told about this to my therapist but she said that panic attacks can't damage the heart but I am still not sure in that. |
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