And now maybe PVC's and I don't mean the pipe -- heart rhythm issues

[SjoGirl]

For those who have been following my other threads, I saw my PCP today. I had another EMG which was fine, but the nurse felt the flutter in my heart rhythm when she took my pulse (which she had to do by hand).

My doc thinks I'm having PVC, Premature Ventricular Contractions, which feel like your heart is popping or jumping. It's an electrical system issue that may or may not need to be treated. I will be getting a Holter monitor and if that doesn't register then a walk around monitor that I will wear for two weeks.

I read that caffeine can be a cause though at most I might have some caffeinated tea or a bit of coffee each day, I am far from a multi-cup addict. I will though be quite sad if I have to cut out one more food.

[irish]

I think I mentioned earlier that it is not uncommon for people with autoimmune disease (Sjogrens) to have heart neuropathy that results in electrical discharge problems. This includes the atrial fib and premature ventricular contractions. Plus all the other electrical problems that I have no clue about. One of the gals on here a few years back had a pacemaker and a defibrillator. She would have a heart rate of 300 at times and it was miserable. Have you talked with your doc about this. PVC's aren't anything to mess with. Actua;y none of the electrical problems  should be left untreated. Many things can occur as a result of these weird beats. Good luck. irish

[Kathy57]

Sjogirl,

I think you are doing the right thing.  A Holter Monitor  is the way to go.  It should pick this up.
Anxiety and stress can also cause PVC.  When my youngest daughter played basketball during championship games, I would get so excited that my heart felt like it was doing flip flops!  I knew I was having PVCs.

It is a scary feeling, but mine were temporary and went away as soon as the stress went away.  Have they checked your potassium levels?  A low potassium can also cause PVCs.  Bananas, orange juice, grape juice, and potatoes are all good food sources of potassium.  Are you taking any kind of diuretic blood pressure med?  That can lower your potassium.

Best to rule out the easily correctable stuff first.  I think you are going in the right direction and this can be treated🤗

Wishing you no worries,

Kathy

[Honeybee]

Hello
I originally started having them about 4 years ago, they would make me breathless. Eventually I went to the GP who ordered a holter moniter and they diagnosed benign PVCs. They have cropped up again and at times are quite distracting but because I was told there is nothing wrong with the heart, I have just carried on. I do sometimes wonder as although the heart is okay, is it entirely normal to have them for hours on end. I may decide to look into this
Something odd is going on for me anyhow at the moment as my skin is continually itchy and I am exhausted.
I think you can be reassured in the short term as a lot of folks do have them but if they persist and interrupt your daily life perhaps a rheumatologist is a good port of call.
Honeybee xx

[Skylar]

(((Hugs))). Good thing you?re getting monitored. Hopefully they are benign and not serious.

[SjoGirl]

Thanks all. After discussing with my PCP the potential of the heart issue being medication-related I have cut back on meds. I am not in any real pain so I stopped taking Celebrex.

I also cut way back on my Salagen, which I suspect was one of the culprits based on the known side effects. That and Restasis can both mess with heart rates (as can Evoxac which I was taking for several years).

Since taking these steps the palpitations have pretty much stopped leading me to think that I have been over medicated. Oh yes, and drinking coffee has not caused the issue to return.

What is interesting is that even with cutting back on Salagen I have much more saliva production than I can remember having in years! I am wondering if taking Azothiaprine has helped to reduce inflammation in my salivary glands and as a result, I'm producing saliva again.

My PCP, who I have and would literally trust with my life, said if it's PVC's she would not be overly concerned. I get the monitor on Monday, will update everyone after the test.

Thanks for you support. I really thought I might be dying for the past few months because the issue has been so bad.

[irish]

You did the right thing. Sometimes it is the drugs we are on that are causing the new symptoms. Everything is so related and hard to figure out some times isn't it. Irish

[Skylar]

Thanks all. After discussing with my PCP the potential of the heart issue being medication-related I have cut back on meds. I am not in any real pain so I stopped taking Celebrex.

I also cut way back on my Salagen, which I suspect was one of the culprits based on the known side effects. That and Restasis can both mess with heart rates (as can Evoxac which I was taking for several years).

Since taking these steps the palpitations have pretty much stopped leading me to think that I have been over medicated. Oh yes, and drinking coffee has not caused the issue to return.

What is interesting is that even with cutting back on Salagen I have much more saliva production than I can remember having in years! I am wondering if taking Azothiaprine has helped to reduce inflammation in my salivary glands and as a result, I'm producing saliva again.

My PCP, who I have and would literally trust with my life, said if it's PVC's she would not be overly concerned. I get the monitor on Monday, will update everyone after the test.

Thanks for you support. I really thought I might be dying for the past few months because the issue has been so bad.


[/quote If reducing your medications has resolved the problems then that?s wonderful news.

When we have so many health issues and chronic illness it?s so easy to end up overmedicated: throwing a new drug for each new issue. It can be difficult determining the best choice  I hope this change continues to work for you.

[SjoGirl]

Hello all -- after about a week of not taking certain meds I am having next to no palpitations. I am only taking Salagen once in a while and only 1/2 of a pill. 

I had a Holter monitor on the other day and it could not have been quieter. On the one hand that was wonderful, on another a waste of money and time.

I do need to try some Celebrex again as I am in pain, mostly from my neck and upper back (which is from DDD).

Thanks again for your support it made a big difference during a scary time.