[tom]

After corresponding with Jeff, I was touched to see so many private messages asking me to share more information. First, this layman wants to clarify any previous post(s) that may have used the term "vagal stimulation", as referred to in another thread, One mans opinion". This layman thinks the terms used were vagally mediated, and in laymans terms "vagal misfire". He doesn't remember "vagal stimulation" and as a lazy layman he's not gonna go back and look for it. What this layman should have said, in laymans terms is, " my darn 10th cranial nerve (oops vagus thingamajig) was irritated/inflammed and it made my heart beat funny. This layman is very grateful to have been diagnosed with and treated for an irritated vagus nerve by a group of cardiologists (oops again, Heart Doctors) who apparently think an irritated/inflammed vagus nerve can cause PVC's as a result of the rritation/imflammation interfering with the vagus nerve in doing it's job properly. Their first clue was the PVCs were totally random. Secondly, the faster I ran, and the vagus thingamajig gradually relinquished dominance (in lay terms, let up on the brake) as it is supposed to, my heart rate went up, and the PVC's became less frequent, to the point, in laymans terms, where it was no longer doin nothin, and the PVC's went bye bye. latter, at rest and during recovery they gradually returned. I won't say specifically what stuff I was advised to eat and not eat because what applies to me is not a one size fits all. But, speaking as a layman, I stayed away from stuff that upset my tummy, drank lots of fluids, got my electrolytes (whatever they are, way over this laymans head ..LOL)in balance and took a course of an over the counter product for something called Gurd, or GERD, or Gert or something that this layman is too dumb to remember or understand. Evidently this vagus thingamajig passes through or gets involved in that thing the stomach pipe, tummy and/or the intestines do, oh yeah, digestion, that's the word. I also worked on my nerves, in non layman terms, anxiety. I take a very small dose of PROZAC (2.5 mg) daily and resumed that thing I enjoy so much called exercise (I move around a lot).

Now seriously, I think Jeff is spot on in the other thread about dilligently researching any home remedy and following up with a controlled challenge, i.e. gradual cessation of the remedy to see if symptoms return. Thereby establishing support for the efficacy of the remedy beyond anectdotal evidence.

Does this layman believe all PVC's are vagally mediated, absolutely not. Is it possible that irritation/imfammation of the vagus nerve can cause PVC's, this layman and his Drs. have reason to believe so. Can eliminating the cause of the irritation help, why the heck not. Can worry and anxiety upset your tummy, this layman thinks it sounds reasonable.

OK I've had some fun, and in doing so I hope I imparted some worthwhile good layman type information.

Now, if this post scared anyone, or turned anyone into a Troll, please wait 3 months and send me a private message.

anymans layman
tom

[dr461]

Ok, Tom, I did deserve that. That was a very good, informative post. I agree with a lot of what you said in terms of GERD--not Gert as that was the actor who played "Goldfinger." (James Bond enthusiast here). Digestive pressure definitely seems to have some impact upon PVCs and I'd say there is PROBABLY a connection to nerve stimulation. Do most people get an increase when they are in a hyper acidic situation? If so, it sounds logical.

You definitely raise some good points about digestive intervention in the development of PVCs, and made it funny as hell in the process. Great post!!

P.S. Any chance of an El Nino in 2012, for a relatively calm Hurricane Season?

[Katie]

Thanks, Tom! I really appreciate the post and you and I may have identical situations. Inflammation I tell ya, inflammation. . Anyways I'll be starting a more aggressive workout routine and trying to lower excess stress since I'm not going to be taking any meds. I'll also continue to keep up my anti- inflammatory diet, and keep my digestion issues under control. Thanks again for your perspective <3 kate

[tom]

to DR: El nino, what's that, I'm retired remember ..

To Katie:, I think Excess Stress is a misnomer, some stress is normal, even beneficial to some, for some coping with minor stress is a big issue, get rid of what you can and learn to manage what's left, and now that i think about it, that's probably exactly what you meant by Excess stress, so forget all this suff I just wrote.. Exercise works for me.... but fair warning it can become highly addictive, my wife has turned into an exercise Junkie after starting to come to the gym with me about 4 years ago. Her other stress reliever is shopping. I prefer she go to the gym, it's a lot less expensive. (haha)

I saw where someone mentioned Whey protein. At one time I supplemented with whey. I switched to Soy, but I can't remember exactly why. I do a fair amout of cross training (weight training) It is the only supplement I take, and some coq10 which is standard for all runners. This is in no way an endorsement of anything for anyone. Just the ramblings of a middle of the road layman.

tom

[Katie]

Tom do you still eat meat? I know most cardios in my city are pushing veganism. I've read the book Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease and I'm sure it's that exact medical research that's pushing the veganism. Just wondering- and trying to get that diet out of you!

[RVV]

Interesting stuff Tom!

I am really happy that it worked for you. I have to admit, that you are lucky in finding an open minded cardiologist, who was willing to listen and to look for solutions. Some of them simply tell you that PVCs never have anything to do with the vagus nerve or any nerve for that matter and simply happen randomly to random people at random times. That always irritated me, because if you are a world renown electrophysiologist, you should always keep an open mind, as our understanding of arrhythmias is still in its infancy. I hope to live to see the day when we will develop a comprehensive and standardized imaging devices for assessing cardiac autonomic activity and innervation patterns. Before that happens, we really have to work in the dark, as doctors have no diagnostic means to identify the true cause of frequent ectopics.

I wish you good luck and thank you for sharing your experience with us!