posted
Hi, I am wondering what to do about this? I have had heart palpitations/skipped beats and arrhythmias once in a while in the last 10 yrs.
But now I have had this ongoing for about 1 month or more. I don't know if it is Heart Block or what. Prior ECGs, echocardiogram and Holter monitor, didn't show much to the ducks.
It is getting worse almost daily now with the abx(started Doxy and Rafampicin 10 days ago). It feels different sometimes, I miss every 5th to 10th heart beat and the next regular beat is super strong.
I can feel the missed beat in my wrist, (checking pulse like) and I do get chest pains with it sometimes.
The last three days I have been getting paler, colder and weaker. And I think going to the clinic is not usefull, just frustrating.
I went to emerge with this and the Dr. sent me home saying he didn't believe it was life threatening, but he also coudn't tell me what it was.
Has anyone here expirienced this and can anyone tell me if it is just arrythmias or potentially dangerous Heart Block?
I am tired of worrying if, when I go to sleep, I will wake up again.
Thank you in advance for any ideas. SR
Posts: 26 | From Langley, BC, Canada | Registered: Dec 2004
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Beverly
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 1271
posted
Hi Sweetrhapsody,
I don't know if it's just arrythmias or potentially dangerous Heart Block, but I sure hope it clears up for you soon.
I would call your LLMD and let him/her know what is happening. Take heart symtoms very seriously, Lyme/co-infections can cause lots of probelms with the heart.
God bless, Beverly
[This message has been edited by Beverly (edited 02 January 2005).]
posted
I get pulse skips, maybe 1 or 2 a day. If you're having a serious heart block from what I've read your heart will slow down drastically to under 40bpm.
I've had an echo recently that came out normal at a time when I was having skipped beats so I know my skipped beats aren't heart block related.
Also, digestive problems like a hiatal hernia which I have can cause skipped beats. I notice I get a lot of them if I sit in a slouched position after big meals.
Posts: 173 | From Lakeland, FL 33813 | Registered: Aug 2003
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posted
Hi SR, I too have had episodes almost exactly as you describe since many years before being diagnosed officially with LD. I see a cardiologist once a year to do follow-up ECG's/ ECHO's to check for changes (also have family Hx numerous cardiac problems and death's). I know what your feeing and can only say the more you worry and get yourself in that cycle of anxiety the worse it gets (for me anyway). If you truly don't want to continue with the overall frustration of going to the ducks-do all you can to stop-relax (breathing Lamaze style works for me) and focus on something else when these episodes occur.
Sorry I forgot to break this up!
------------------ "Courage is the mastery of fear-not the absence of it."-Mark Twain
Still trying hard to be brave...Deb
Posts: 82 | From Upstate NY | Registered: Oct 2003
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posted
Thank you all for replying!! It makes me feel so much better! I have never seen a cardiologist so I think I might ask Dr.M about that. I see him on Jan 12th. Thank you again. Take it easy!
Posts: 26 | From Langley, BC, Canada | Registered: Dec 2004
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tabbytamer
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3159
posted
Sweetrhapsody,
I can't get over how much these symptoms sound like what I experienced my first few years of Lyme (took 14 years to get diagnosed).
I had all kinds of cardiac tests with the specialists and they could find nothing wrong, other than a rapid heartbeat for which they blamed the prozac & elavil.
The prozac and elavil was given me because I was complaining of pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, insomnia, headaches, . .. (sound familiar?) and was told I needed the prozac and elavil for Depression.
But I digress. I guess what I'm thinking is maybe your current symptoms are the result of a herx? I noticed that some of my heart symptoms returned in my early stages of treatment when herxing.
Also, Magnesium helped a lot with those heart-type symptoms--which also told me it was Lyme and not the heart. Plus I continue to get my heart checked out annually and all comes back fine.
Please check with your LLMD. Never ignore these kinds of symptoms. Probably all is well. But just in case check, okay?
And let us know what you find out. Mostly because we care. But we can also be quite a nosey bunch
------------------ Tabby
Posts: 2098 | From San Diego, CA, USA | Registered: Sep 2002
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posted
Hi, Hope you are feeling better. Please check with your LLMD or primary especially if you are having chest pain. An EKG will usually show heart block.
Just some things that can cause palpitations besides Lyme and herxing-caffeine, coffee, tea, chocolate and drugs that contain caffeine like dit pills. Also some prescription meds. Also some over the counter meds like decongestants. And of course stress and anxiety. And low potassium. And low magnesium like Tabbytamer mentioned. One other thing is over eating-can bring on palpitations in people prone to them.
Try eliminating some of the above and see if it helps-but don't stop any prescription drugs unless it is ok by your doctor.
Also someone mentioned lamaze breathing or other types or relaxation breathing. Or music, yoga , biofeedback, don't know if you take any anti-anxiety meds.
But please check with your doctor first to rule out anything serious. And I also try not to count my pulse so much. Sometimes it just causes more anxiety and more palpatitions! I know it is not easy to do when the skipped beats are so scary.But I find when I am busier I don't pay attention to it as much. Grace
GiGi
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 259
posted
Maybe you should have your wisdom teeth sites checked by a competent dentist, whether they hurt, whether they are still there or whether they were pulled years ago. Most "regular" dentists do not see it on an x-ray.
Be sure that heavy metals are not a problem.
Both are strong factors in Lyme.
Symptoms of Chronic Mercury Toxicity
Central Nervous System
Irritability Anxiety/nervousness, often with difficulty breathing Restlessness Exaggerated response to stimulation Fearfulness Emotional instability Lack of self control Fits of anger, with violet irrational behaviour Loss of self confidentce Indecision Shyness or timidity, being easily embarrassed Loss of memory Inability to concentrate Lethargy/drowsiness Insomnia Mental depression, despondency Withdrawal Suicidal tendencies Manic depression Numbness and tingling of hands, feet, fingers, toes or lips Muscle weakness progressing to paralysis Ataxia Tremors/trembling of hands, feet lips, eyelids or tongue Incoordination Myoneural transmission failure resembling Myasthenia Gravis Motor neuron disease (ALS) Multiple sclerosis
Head, Neck, Oral Cavity Disorders
Bleeding gums Alveolar bone loss Loosening of teeth Excessive salivation Foul breath Metallic taste Burning sensation with tingling of lips, face Tissue pigmentation (amalgam tattoo of gums) Leukoplakia Stomatitis Ulceration of Gingiva, palate, tongue, Dizziness/acute, chronic vertigo Ringing in the ears Hearing difficulties Speech and visual impairment Glaucoma Restricted, dim vision
Gastrointestinal Effects
Food sensitivities, especially to milk and eggs Abdominal cramps, colitis, diverticulitis or other GI complaints Chronic diarrhea/constipation
Cardiovascular effects
Abnormal heart rhythm Characteristic findings on EKG Abnormal changes in the S-T segment and/or lower Broadened P wave Unexplained elevated cholesterol Abnormal blood pressure, either high or low
Immunologic
Repeated infections Viral and fungal Mycobacterial Candida and other yeast infections Cancer Autoimmune disorders Arthritis Lupus eryth Multiple sclerosis Scleroderma Amyolateral sclerosis (ALS) Hypothyroidism
Systemic Effects
Chronic headaches Allergies Severe dermatitis Unexplained reacxtivity Thyroid disturbance Subnormal body temperature Cold, clammy skin, especiall hands and feet Excessive perspiration w/frequent night sweats Unexplained sensory symptoms, including pain Unexplained numbness or burning sensations Unexplained anemia G-6-PD deficiency Chronic kidney disease Nephrotic syndrome Receiving renal dialysis Kidney infection Adrenal disease General fatigue Loss of appetite with or without weight loss Loss of weight hypoglycemia
Take care.
Posts: 9834 | From Washington State | Registered: Oct 2000
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posted
Hi all! Thank you all for replying! It makes me feel like there still are some good ppl left in this world!
Anyways, some things I haven't mentioned...
I don't have any wisdom teeth, dentist says that there were never any tooth buds for them to grow.
All of my amalgam fillings have been changed to a white composite a couple of years ago. ( I am not sure what it consists of)I am sure that the mercury is probably still in my body however. So thank you for the list of symptoms Gi Gi!
I have also been diagnosed with a heart murmur first it was a level 1-2 or whatever scale they use, then it got worse apparently (level 3 or 4) I can't really remember.
I think the Herx is making it worse too. But I have had it constantly for about 5 weeks and only on abx for 12 days now.
I noticed that if I lay on my left side it gets worse. And now it kind of gurgles. I can feel it in my sternum and ribs.
I am going to start the Mg. I have some here but I don't know if it is the right kind. It's potassium & magnesium citrates ...150mg Pot. and 50mg MG.
I absolutely appreaciate all of your replies...thank you soo much!
Take it easy! Robyn
Posts: 26 | From Langley, BC, Canada | Registered: Dec 2004
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posted
As others have mentioned, you absolutely, positively need to mention your misbehaving heart to your doctor ASAP.
Lyme has been known to cause heart block but it can also trigger mitral valve prolapse. I have no idea what heart block symptoms consist of, but I have mitral valve prolapse and do recognize a lot of your symptoms.
Yes, magnesium will help you. But taking the wrong kind and wrong dose will not benefit you.
Basically there are two categories of magnesium: the kind that make you go to the bathroom and the kind that stay in your body a bit longer. Most of what you see on drug store shelves is the kind that makes you go to the bathroom. In your case, you want the magnesium to stick around in your body for a bit and help your heart.
There is a lot of material in Lymenet on magnesium. Just do a search in this forum using that as a search term.
Don't let the bit about magnesium and depression throw you off -- it's the information about magnesium that's important on this site. The author also gives to tips on the different types of magnesium to take.
Linda
Posts: 749 | From New Hope, PA | Registered: May 2002
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