[Strat_Attack]

40 yo male. Was diagnosed with SVT about 15 years ago or so. Used to be really bad, tried the ablation and that failed. Then I started on meds about 10 years ago, Flecainide and Toprol which made me virtually sypmtom free until a few months ago. I used to get runs of skipped beats that could last all day long, I've got tach, fib and flutter so I know how you guys feel when you talk about dizziness and all that jazz. Drug stores keep switching the manufacturerers of meds on me, they do it to keep costs down but I wonder if that's why I'm getting symptoms again. Nothing like it used to be but dozens of thumps everyday sometimes for 20 minutes at a time.

This forum has really made my day. It's nice to know I'm not alone and I try to stay level headed about the symptoms. Last night I got me some of that a-rrythmia right before I had to go on stage and play. It wasn't nerves, I've played in front of people for years, it was just really bad timing. Hard to concentrate when you have that nagging thought in the back of your mind, "Am I going to drop dead in front of 200 people?" Now THAT would be a rock show. Funny thing is, after the first song, it was just GONE! They always have a mind of their own.

Well, just wanted to say Hi. I see some people on here are pretty freaked about having a few irregular beats. For what it's worth, I've been living with this off and on for 15 years now and I'm still alive. I'll take another 15. One thing we've got going for us is a love for life that few other people know. It might be a little desparate at times but hey, you take it where you can get it! MHO

[Susie]

Hi Strat~Welcome to the forum and for sharing your story. I know what you mean about the flutters having a mind of their own. I was talking to an advisor at a college I am thinking of attending, and they were so bad, I almost left the office. You are right, it is almost impossible to concentrate when they are going on, I kept thinking "I hope I don't drop dead in her office"

I hate the dang things and they do scare me, I try to tell myself all is well, that it is anxiety, but, I guess I don't believe me. I have had them off an on since my mid 20's and I am now 52. I have had the echo, holter monitor and they both say my heart is fine.

Anyway, welcome aboard and feel free to post anytime.

[jsuter69]

Hello! I'm 40 also, I've had these stupid irregular beats since I was 13! My problem is they seem to have gotten worse over time, I have had some of them caught on a monitor but I can tell you that I've had worse that haven't been caught...those are the ones I question, some feel erratic, some feel like a quiver, some have a VERY long pause, where I feel like I have to punch myself in the chest to get it going again...my cardiologist says I'm fine...even though he has never seen the worse of 'em...that's what I'm scared of...
I can even take a deep breath and get the pausing...this is one major reason why I'm so scared to exercise....I'm out of shape but want to get in shape for my heart but at the same time I get the pausing whenever I start exerting myself...go figure huh
BTW...Welcome...lol

[Kate]

Jsuter- I've had the quiver (right under the lower part of my sternum) I though it was like a seizure type thing then had flushing and tach after, terrified me too, and the cardiologist said it was nothing and wasn't worried, and the pausing too... sometimes I get a hollow feeling like my heart is just gone... and I can't pick up my pulse in my wrist till I cough or move. I don't know what's going on but it sure is terrifying. I used to be in shape and want to get back exercising too- talk about tough. No words of insight- just wanted to say I know how your feeling!

[Strat_Attack]

Thanks for the welcome, ladies. I know what you mean about the doctors saying it's benign when they haven't seen you at your worst but that's all these docs think about all day every day is heart rhythms. If they don't know what they're talking about, who does? That being said, keep getting multiple opinions, that's what I do. I swear, they're like mechanics, they only know it doesn't work not EXACTLY what's wrong. So they just keep fixing stuff until it runs again. Of course you get charged double on Sundays! : )

As far as excercise goes, I do it. Faithfully. If it kills me at least I went out trying. For sure, I DO NOT want heart disease AND this dang skippy thing. sounds like a REAL bad combo IMO. Start of lightly, of course, and gradually increase your workout by 10% each week. Probably should check with yer Doc before you start but everytime I tell those guys I jog several miles a week or do 30 minutes of cardio 5-6 times a week, they're always very positive about that.

[Kate]

Thanks of the words of encouragement for exercizing! Dr has given me the go (more then once haha!) Just too scared to start. But, I suppose it really is a great preventative measure! Hopefully!

[Strat_Attack]

Also wanted to say, all those creepy symptoms you guys shared, i know exactly what you're talking about. i've hit my chest before but it never works, crammed pressure on my juglar vein, grunted, held my breath, ate nothing but bananas for weeks on end, quit smoking, gave up caffiene and all my other bad habits. When I get the fib and flutter it feels like my heart is just spazzing out, jerking around in my chest. that's the one i hate the most. then things go dim and bam, the biggest heartbeat you ever had in your life. docs tell me it isn't damaging any heart muscle. i keep waking up! peace, ladies!

[Strat_Attack]

hey Kate, why don't you just start taking long walks? that sounds pretty safe!

[Kate]

Sounds like a good plan! Thanks!

[jsuter69]

Kate-I also get that flushing but mine feels like it sits around my throat, so to speak then "travels" up, its strange because it feels like I can't get any oxygen...afterwards I ask whoever is around me, not strangers..lol. if my face looks different and they've all said, my face is bright red. So I know this isn't all in my head...while this is going on, my heart is beating extremely erratic...and "I'm okay"...haha!
Strat- I think that's about all I'm capable of right now...the walking...and I'm talking..slooowly...crazy but when I'm out of breath, I get heart palps and worse of worse is the PAUSING!! UGH! The pausing will sometimes lead to more of an irregular beat...