Scared...Dr. Fett / Susan -->Anyone!

[SarahsMom]

Hi Everyone,

Getting scared AGAIN....does this ever go away????

Background: Diagnosed 2/13/04 -->EF= 25%, was put on Coreg / Lisiniprol / Potassium / Dieuretic. 3 months later, EF = 45% 6 months later, EF = 55%
After a year of diagnosis my Cardiologist took me off all medications.

Problem: I've been off all the medication for 5 months and over the past couple weeks I've started to feel PVC'S, it almost feels like a flutter in my chest, takes my breath away when it's happening. I was in the middle of eating lunch today and felt one and then another in the car going back to the office....very strange scary feeling. My Cardiologist thinks it's just an extra beat from the upper or lower chamber of my heart and doesn't think it's anything to worry about (easy for him to say).

I've been working out about 3X a week-->Could that be causing them? I've also started on vitamins-->Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Omega 3 - Could that be causing them? I've been taking hydrocodone for severe headaches, could that be the culprit? OR the scariest option of all, could I have regressed due to the medication being stopped?

I go in for a Stress Test and an Echocardiogram next Tuesday to see what's going on! In the meantime I'm scared to death and would love any advice, input etc., from ANY OF YOU LADIES / MEN ETC.,

Thanks,
Kari

(PS - Should I stop working out until I find out what's happening or is the workout a good thing that should be continued regardless)??????

[melissamph]

I would stop working out or doing anything that requires physical activity asides from your Mommy duties. I would note each and everytime this happens and what time it was and what you were doing when it hit. I think you will have your answers next week with your test results. I am praying for you and your fears.

[doloresmc]

if I had to guess I'd say the hydrocodone is the culprit..but that's just an uneducated guess, so I hope you get the answers you need after your tests. In the meantime I'll keep you in my prayers.
Good luck,
Dolores

[JAMESFETT]

generally, in a non-acute situation, the extra beats or PVC's are not worrisome, just a variation of normal. If you feel prolonged changes in rhythm, a closer monitor may be indicated to see if you have an abnormal rhythm. I'd rely on the advice of your cardiologist.

James

[Junny]

In my personal opinion I wouldn't stop exercising but I would just take walks that don't have too much of an incline and keep a steady pace that isn't making you over exhert yourself. -Sorry for my spelling- I get the flutters here and there with the medicine and yes it's a scary thing to go through. I don't know what type of Cardiomyopathy you have but I have a EF of 56% and I'm still on Lanoxin and might be put back on Lisinprol after my pregnancy and echo. I was told that I may stay on my meds. for the rest of my life because of my EF going up and down. I was off of my meds from age 8 to age 15, then I was getting sickly again and ever since I have been on Lanoxin and then later on I was put on Lisinprol and back in Early 2004 I was retaining water in my ankles and feet so I was put on Lasix and I only use the Lasix when I have swelling since there isn't fluid around my heart. I really hope they help your discomfort and I will keep you in prayers.