Heart Palps Support Group

[[...]]

thanks for the reply.  Yes.  Really un-nerving.  I've had PVC's my whole life, but this extreme level is something totally different.  Recently, I can barely walk around the block.  Not from being out of breath, but simply so difficult/uncomfortable to deal with constant "flip-flop" that you sort of mentally break down (ie anxiety). 

 

De-finely tracking them, and there are slightly better days.  Crazy. I've gotten through a lot of w/d symptoms but this one is really debilitating.

 

Very nervous about cutting again this week, but I have to keep going.

[[Jo...]]

I absolutely understand your fear, helplessness & the constant reminder of mortality with each blip, flip and skip. At times it's been hour after hour after hour, every 2nd or 3rd beat. The waiting for the next thud....it distracts you from life. Makes every day tasks scary..."should I move around?" "Should I sit still?" And the near constant somatic hypervigilance. You have had these, maybe just not so many. Ok, maybe you are getting a ton more. But they are still what they are, pvcs. Not vtach, not afib. Keep your daily routine. Walk, get fresh air, distract yourself. Check out Hope and Help for your Nerves by Dr Weekes. And relax. Read about vagus nerve irritability.  You are healing. Trust your body. Trust the process.

[[...]]

Thanks for the reassurance 😀

[[Ul...]]

BTW, just got my heart monitor results back a couple days ago. I had it on for 2 weeks. Rhythm was super! Cardiologist said all looks great. Damn benzo!!!

 

Thank goodness for you! I am almost 4 months post jump, and was doing pretty well, then boom, back to acute sx. Esp. Palps, and especially at night, so I get the combo pack of night terror and beats that are all over the place. Damn benzos indeed.

 

I'm with you regarding the double whammy (night terrors and beats). The good news is that they're not as bad since stopping my thyroid med. As it turns out, my doc had me on a bad thyroid med (manufacturing of the pill changed last year) and he even increased it a few months back. All snot broke loose, I then called my functional med doc (who I normally don't see because I can't afford him), he looked at my past thyroid panel #'s and told me to stop the thyroid med completely. I did, and things really improved. I haven't taken it for about 5 weeks, and so much better. You're 4 months post-jump, and I know lots of people who have rhythm issues etc after jumping. I'm wondering if you had a smooth and long enough taper period. It just seems that sx seem to linger when the taper was rough or too quick, etc. We all deal with what we have to, right? Everything is connected, so there are so many things that can lead to heart rhythm issues and things like that. Hang tough! You'll get there

[[Jo...]]

BTW, just got my heart monitor results back a couple days ago. I had it on for 2 weeks. Rhythm was super! Cardiologist said all looks great. Damn benzo!!!

 

Thank goodness for you! I am almost 4 months post jump, and was doing pretty well, then boom, back to acute sx. Esp. Palps, and especially at night, so I get the combo pack of night terror and beats that are all over the place. Damn benzos indeed.

 

I'm with you regarding the double whammy (night terrors and beats). The good news is that they're not as bad since stopping my thyroid med. As it turns out, my doc had me on a bad thyroid med (manufacturing of the pill changed last year) and he even increased it a few months back. All snot broke loose, I then called my functional med doc (who I normally don't see because I can't afford him), he looked at my past thyroid panel #'s and told me to stop the thyroid med completely. I did, and things really improved. I haven't taken it for about 5 weeks, and so much better. You're 4 months post-jump, and I know lots of people who have rhythm issues etc after jumping. I'm wondering if you had a smooth and long enough taper period. It just seems that sx seem to linger when the taper was rough or too quick, etc. We all deal with what we have to, right? Everything is connected, so there are so many things that can lead to heart rhythm issues and things like that. Hang tough! You'll get there

 

Than you so much for that thoughtful and most welcomed reply. I eased off very slow....2 plus years....imagine this, my gp said that it should have taken 4 weeks. He said to cut 25% every week. What a joke that would have been....fortunately i found a doctor familiar w benzo tapering. That is so interesting about your thyroid.  I really should find a holistic doctor.  I'm drinking lots of water, distracting whenever I can....and holding on to the handlebars until this roller coaster ride is over! 

[[Ul...]]

thanks for the reply.  Yes.  Really un-nerving.  I've had PVC's my whole life, but this extreme level is something totally different.  Recently, I can barely walk around the block.  Not from being out of breath, but simply so difficult/uncomfortable to deal with constant "flip-flop" that you sort of mentally break down (ie anxiety). 

 

De-finely tracking them, and there are slightly better days.  Crazy. I've gotten through a lot of w/d symptoms but this one is really debilitating.

 

Very nervous about cutting again this week, but I have to keep going.

 

Just a thought, but maybe don't do the cut this week. The dread or fear of it can sure make things worse. My taper and situation has been pretty extreme, but I simply changed to a symptoms-based taper a ways back. I only did a cut based on how I felt and what was happening at the time in my life. Really helped. The heart stuff is just plain freaky. I've had the thuds and flutters since very early on in my benzo life 26 years ago. The frequency ramped up as I started my taper from it all, and then it really went through the roof as this other thyroid med kicked in. I'm just hoping that all thuds etc go away after I jump, but I know that it usually takes quite a while for that to happen, especially for us super long taperers. I haven't looked back in the thread to see if you've seen a cardiologist, but it sure was affirming for me to know that there are no underlying issues after seeing my cardiologist, doing the monitor, etc.

 

Have a positive and sane day!!

[[Ul...]]

BTW, just got my heart monitor results back a couple days ago. I had it on for 2 weeks. Rhythm was super! Cardiologist said all looks great. Damn benzo!!!

 

Thank goodness for you! I am almost 4 months post jump, and was doing pretty well, then boom, back to acute sx. Esp. Palps, and especially at night, so I get the combo pack of night terror and beats that are all over the place. Damn benzos indeed.

 

You're doing the right things. Just trust your process, follow your heart, and rock 'n roll to the end. The trail can be a bitch, but the finish line will be sweet for you!

 

I'm with you regarding the double whammy (night terrors and beats). The good news is that they're not as bad since stopping my thyroid med. As it turns out, my doc had me on a bad thyroid med (manufacturing of the pill changed last year) and he even increased it a few months back. All snot broke loose, I then called my functional med doc (who I normally don't see because I can't afford him), he looked at my past thyroid panel #'s and told me to stop the thyroid med completely. I did, and things really improved. I haven't taken it for about 5 weeks, and so much better. You're 4 months post-jump, and I know lots of people who have rhythm issues etc after jumping. I'm wondering if you had a smooth and long enough taper period. It just seems that sx seem to linger when the taper was rough or too quick, etc. We all deal with what we have to, right? Everything is connected, so there are so many things that can lead to heart rhythm issues and things like that. Hang tough! You'll get there

 

Than you so much for that thoughtful and most welcomed reply. I eased off very slow....2 plus years....imagine this, my gp said that it should have taken 4 weeks. He said to cut 25% every week. What a joke that would have been....fortunately i found a doctor familiar w benzo tapering. That is so interesting about your thyroid.  I really should find a holistic doctor.  I'm drinking lots of water, distracting whenever I can....and holding on to the handlebars until this roller coaster ride is over! 

[[...]]

Thanks for the thoughts.  Yes. I may wait a little longer to cut.  I have been totally examined by cardiologist and has all come back normal.

Recently even got a CTA of heart and arteries (due to heart disease in my family ) waiting for the results on that.

[Guest [Be...]]

Has anyone had palps since a stress setback or anything? I was gambling with friends for a few days at a casino and honestly felt like I went back to acute. Since then Ive had heart palps that Ive never had. They only come a few times during the day mainly when eating. But they make a weird flutter feeling. Ive had them for 3 months now.

 

Anyone at all?

 

 

This actually happened to me a few months back. I went and hung out with some friends for the first time and I felt almost over stimulated and had heart palpitations for a little while after that.

[[Mi...]]

Already healed buddies please who's had heart symptoms?

 

I have had heart palpitations on & off the last 7 months of the 22 months I've been med free. There was a span of about 3 months that they went away. I thought they were gone. The last dealings with them was in October 2020 with about 6 hours of tachycardia at a rate of 140-160. I went to the ER for that one. Had a 24 Holter monitor. Saw a cardiologist. Holter monitor was normal. He did not seem too concerned. He gave me 25mg Metoprolol Titrate to take as needed if my heart rate became fast again. I have not needed to take them. My heart rate has been normal. I didn't have the palpitations either. That was then. Then I had 3 months heart symptoms free.

 

Last month the heart palpitations returned minus the tachycardia. Now I get them about 2-3 x a day. They usually last a second and then they're gone. This prompted me to make another appointment with cardiology. I was to follow up with them anyway after getting labs done. This appointment was with my actual cardiologist. (I saw his partner in October). He again reviewed my ER visit from October. He asked if I had any bouts of the tachycardia since then. I have not. He said that day in the ER I DID have a period of ATRIAL FLUTTER, but my 24 holter monitor was normal. He did not seem too concerned since my heart rate has been normal the last 4 months. I did tell him that I'm having heart palpitations though and that I'm concerned. He suggested I just keep a journal of that and see him again in 6 months. Again, he was not too concerned. Well, I asked if I could have a 30 day Holter monitor for peace of mind and he agreed to that.

 

For some odd reason I'm scared. I keep trying to tell myself if it was serious I'd be getting a series of tests, be put on meds or be scheduled for an ablation. But, of course my withdrawal brain thinks I'm going to have a heart attack and die.

 

I am overweight. 180 on a 5'7" frame. I read that weight loss and exercise can help get rid of Atrial Flutter. So today I walked 5 miles. I'd rather try than lay here thinking I'm going to die.

 

Anyone make it through these heart symptoms in withdrawal? I had zero heart issues pre benzos.

So frustrated.

[[Ul...]]

Already healed buddies please who's had heart symptoms?

 

I have had heart palpitations on & off the last 7 months of the 22 months I've been med free. There was a span of about 3 months that they went away. I thought they were gone. The last dealings with them was in October 2020 with about 6 hours of tachycardia at a rate of 140-160. I went to the ER for that one. Had a 24 Holter monitor. Saw a cardiologist. Holter monitor was normal. He did not seem too concerned. He gave me 25mg Metoprolol Titrate to take as needed if my heart rate became fast again. I have not needed to take them. My heart rate has been normal. I didn't have the palpitations either. That was then. Then I had 3 months heart symptoms free.

 

Last month the heart palpitations returned minus the tachycardia. Now I get them about 2-3 x a day. They usually last a second and then they're gone. This prompted me to make another appointment with cardiology. I was to follow up with them anyway after getting labs done. This appointment was with my actual cardiologist. (I saw his partner in October). He again reviewed my ER visit from October. He asked if I had any bouts of the tachycardia since then. I have not. He said that day in the ER I DID have a period of ATRIAL FLUTTER, but my 24 holter monitor was normal. He did not seem too concerned since my heart rate has been normal the last 4 months. I did tell him that I'm having heart palpitations though and that I'm concerned. He suggested I just keep a journal of that and see him again in 6 months. Again, he was not too concerned. Well, I asked if I could have a 30 day Holter monitor for peace of mind and he agreed to that.

 

For some odd reason I'm scared. I keep trying to tell myself if it was serious I'd be getting a series of tests, be put on meds or be scheduled for an ablation. But, of course my withdrawal brain thinks I'm going to have a heart attack and die.

 

I am overweight. 180 on a 5'7" frame. I read that weight loss and exercise can help get rid of Atrial Flutter. So today I walked 5 miles. I'd rather try than lay here thinking I'm going to die.

 

Anyone make it through these heart symptoms in withdrawal? I had zero heart issues pre benzos.

So frustrated.

 

Your story has been repeated quite a bit and in varying forms. You can see many of the threads in this forum and get a good idea of what others have been through. My heart issues have come and gone throughout most of my taper, and are mostly gone now that I'm really close to jumping from my last dose after a 6 yr taper. Also, I took a thyroid med for years with no issues, and then the manufacturer had a change last year which really affected so many people other than myself. I thought my heart was going to jump out of my chest on top of really fast rhythms, missed beats, etc. It was beyond ridiculous. Multiple cardiology visits, discontinuation of the thyroid med, 2 week heart monitor, yada, yada, yada...all was "fine". I didn't feel fine, but things definitely leveled out over time. Increased life stressed at times also created heart havoc. There are just so many things that can influence our hearts, and a killer med taper can really freak us out and make heart issues worse. Weight issues, lack of moderate exercise, and diet can all work together with a taper to make our hearts go a little nuts. It sounds like you're getting great care and doing many of the right things. Maybe just try to relax or find something that can help you do that since the docs don't seem too overly concerned at this point. Tapers can make our minds wander towards the worst scenarios, but that just adds to the problems. Find what you can that will help your mind wander towards the BEST scenarios. It works both ways. Faith, baby!

[[Sh...]]

My heart stuff has been pretty scary lately. I am mostly bradycardia but have had 2 episodes of atrial fibrillation in the last week. Getting crazy skips and Palps today that take my breath away.

[[th...]]

Has anyone here tried HeartMath with success? 

[[Ul...]]

My heart stuff has been pretty scary lately. I am mostly bradycardia but have had 2 episodes of atrial fibrillation in the last week. Getting crazy skips and Palps today that take my breath away.

 

Sounds familiar. Did you get things checked out? I hated to go through it, but the cardiology visits helped me to at least learn that it was the taper causing the issues. Hang in there!

[[Sh...]]

Hey ultra I haven’t seen u around much lately how are u doing? Yes I got everything checked, the cardiologist was not remotely concerned so yes it’s obviously wd but still frightening. Has urs settled down now?

[[Sh...]]

Has anyone here tried HeartMath with success?

 

Sorry butterfly what’s heart math?

[[Ul...]]

Hey ultra I haven’t seen u around much lately how are u doing? Yes I got everything checked, the cardiologist was not remotely concerned so yes it’s obviously wd but still frightening. Has urs settled down now?

 

Hey Shayna, doing SO much better at this end. The heart seems to be pretty "normal" now. Every once in a while I'll feel a little flutter, but 27 years on this crazy stuff will take some time to heal up. I took my last dose of k last month, so finally benzo-free after 6 year taper. I'm really glad your cardiologist has no concerns about your situation. I know it's still freaky, but things will settle down in time. Just don't rush things and you'll be good. Hang tight, and we'll stay in touch!

[[Sh...]]

Wow ultra that is so wonderful x congratulations x amazing work! Thanks so much for ur reassurance. I had a day yesterday completely free of heart stuff, no palpitations at all until I got into bed then I just had a couple. Was nice to have a break. So good to hear how well ur doing xx

[[Ul...]]

Wow ultra that is so wonderful x congratulations x amazing work! Thanks so much for ur reassurance. I had a day yesterday completely free of heart stuff, no palpitations at all until I got into bed then I just had a couple. Was nice to have a break. So good to hear how well ur doing xx

 

[[Sh...]]

27 years and u are free! I have tears in my eyes for u x u brave soul x absolutely wonderful and well done x

[Guest [fl...]]

I just found this group! I have had horrid palps, starting with my interdose withdrawal last summer and continuing. Sometimes they are terrifying - it seems every other beat is a PVC. I have a beta blocker, but I also have fluctuating heart rates - sometimes as low as 45 at night. When I take it, it seems ok, but I'd rather not.

 

Mine will come around for a while, then totally disappear, then reappear. I have associated it with periods of low cortisol (and confirmed with testing), low thyroid (also confirmed with testing), and what I suspect are electrolyte imbalances (hard to catch subtle ones on lab tests). I've tried electrolyte drinks (helped some), low-dose cortisol when needed (tiny doses help), low dose T3 thyroid when needed (helps but only if cortisol is ok).

 

Sometimes, it correlates with hormonal cycles, but not always. I suspect it's got something to do with brain over-excitation.

 

Anyway, just wanted to say hi as someone who has had periods of 1000s of PVCs a day.

[[Sh...]]

Oh u too fluff? Far out mine are really bad today x

[Guest [fl...]]

Two days ago I swear they were every other heart beat - I thought - how is any blood getting to my brain and organs? But today they have calmed down - no rhyme or reason to it.

[[Sh...]]

I was just thinking the same thing! I am feel head pressure and light headed today. But my heart rate is sitting around 60 and I haven’t checked my blood pressure but it’s always perfect. So I’m trying to tell myself the blood will be getting to my brain.

 

Ur like me fluff beta blockers dangerous coz we swing low too x

[[Jo...]]

I have noticed that I might have been experiencing chronic hyperventilation syndrome which is often related to high anxiety states. I have been trying to breathe only through my nose and trying to breathe from my abdomen as well in a controlled manner. I have noticed that my pvcs/pacs have dropped off a cliff recently after I have tried this. It also has seemed to help with some of my muscle tension issues ( not all). It could be a coincidence but hyperventilation is related to some crazy stuff like chest spasms, arrhythmia, and vasospams. I will continue to try this out and let you know how it goes.

 

Do you have vasospasm?