I'm hoping that some of you can help me out with this...
I was placed on a beta blocker due to a finding of tachycardiac atrial arrhythmias. The beta blocker has offered some level of relief, however, due to new issues involving my thyroid (first mildly low T3, than mildly high T4, and now a test for TPO Abs showing mild autoantibody production against the thyroid) that have been chalked up to thyroiditis (and not yet full-blown autoimmune thyroid disorder), the beta blocker is only capable of doing so much. The pace and force of my heartbeat has been unbearable; this is coming from someone who has been hospitalized before due to severe tachycardia. On top of this, I am experiencing intense throat/neck pain (where the thyroid is) and bursts of adrenaline that are absolutely crazy. An ultrasound of my thyroid back in the fall revealed nothing of concern (i.e. nodules, etc.).
No recommendation for thyroid medicine (i.e. to block the production of thyroid hormones) from my LLMD, cardio, etc. has been made, however, I have not yet visited an endocrinologist for this issue.
I am wondering if someone in New England might be able to recommend a Lyme-knowledgeable endocrinologist in MA/Boston who has a good handle on thyroid issues that trigger or aggravate existing tbd-driven heart symptoms.
Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Really sounds like you need a great endo!!
Have your doctors considered something like Verapamil? It's a calcium channel blocker.
hope you get relief soon! Posted by Lymebulldog (Member # 35068) on :
You got that right, Lymetoo!
No- a calcium channel blocker has never been mentioned to me. Without looking up the info. first, can you let me know what role a calcium channel blocker has (I take it that it is given to people who have too much Ca+ circulating in their bloodstream? Fortunately, I think that my Ca+ is in check!)? I know of one individual who was prescribed one and it aided with severe tbd-driven water retention issues (sort of like a diuretic).
Thank you for your thoughts!
I am ready to walk in to any endo's practice tomorrow and insist that I be seen. I was able to avoid the ER so far this weekend...but, only barely. This is a nightmare of a situation, for sure!
Posted by fourwinds (Member # 14114) on :
The endo's I have been exposed to put me through hell... not to be negative but good luck (unless you find one who is lyme literate).
I no longer have a thyroid (thank you endo's and Lyme, and my lack of knowledge 10 years ago!)
I was told I have Graves', but I also have high TPO antibodies.
There is a possibility that supplementing with Iodoral (tablet form of Lugal's iodine) may help get you through this.
As you probably know Lyme and infections really disrupt the HPA axis.... I would do as much
research and nutritional supplementation that I could. And, doctors (even endo's) never check
the adrenals FIRST... standard practice per the Merck Manual!! If you don't check/treat the adrenals, and give thyroid meds, it place more of a burden on the adrenals.
Lyme messed up my thyroid and I let them ablate it.. don't listen to any of THAT talk until you have your lyme in control.
It's tough because these episodes are scarey.... but, it may get better as your Lyme treatment progresses.
I have to take beta blockers occasionally as well.
Another point... how is your magnesium? THAT can cause severe heart palps as well.
Not to the same degree as you, but I too am experiencing this issue. I've been on a beta blocker for months but it doesn't seem to do all that much to help me through the episodes of intense/fast pulse. I keep telling my LLMD that I'm having heart symptoms, but since everything checked out fine with the cardiologist, he doesn't seem concerned.
However, these heart symptoms are by far the most stressful to deal with.
I feel for you and hope you find relief.
Posted by poppy (Member # 5355) on :
Lyme is a neurological disease. The heart beat is affected by the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. So, treatment for lyme can improve the problem.
Sometimes at night my heart used to go crazy, beating really fast. I found out that this could be temporarily stopped by coughing or holding my breath for a short time. Not sure why this works but it does.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
I would have to look that up myself, bulldog! I have no clue. I have no problems with calcium... it just blocks stuff and helps the heart stay in rhythm. Lowers BP too.
Posted by steve1906 (Member # 16206) on :
I am wondering if someone in New England might be able to recommend a Lyme-knowledgeable endocrinologist in MA/Boston
I'm recommending you put this post in: (Seeking a Doctor)....
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
I think her post should stay here for information and feedback.
Bulldog.. Post in Seeking to get more help with names. I hope someone knows of a doctor.
Posted by amk33 (Member # 13206) on :
Poppy, coughing is a vagal maneuver to help restore normal heart rhythm. There is also the Valsalva maneuver, where you would hold your breath while trying to exhale forcibly, as if straining during a bowel movement, or holding your nose and trying to blow out against it.
These maneuvers actually cause my SVT's. What works for me, is lying on my left side, and relaxing. This will usually help my heart go back to normal beating. Unfortunately, I can only do this if I am at home.
![[Smile]](smile.gif)