posted
I'm so incredibly torn over this issue! I've been sick for 2 years now with symptoms on and off. Just recently started looking into Lyme (I posted my symptoms/info on this site). I have no idea if I have Lyme. Docs around here say it's impossible. I've got a few calls out in regards to a LLMD but right now, time, money and travel are holding me back.
So, my issue is that I have awful cardiac symptoms--palpitations, pain, cramping, dizziness, shortness of breath, tingling, etc. I've had a full cardiac work-up many times over (including in the ER) and they have found what they say is an electrical issue. Same spot, every time. Do you think this is something lyme could have caused or could be causing? Would antibiotics for lyme help? Or is this a complete different issue that I should be dealing with?
It's been recommended I have a cardiac ablation, which is 90% effective. Nervous. Confused. If this worked, I would feel SO much better. I'm just worried that it's not the root of my problems, you know? What if it comes back? Moves to a different spot? UGH!
Thanks
Posts: 52 | From USA | Registered: Apr 2010
| IP: Logged |
posted
Hi Melanie: I had atrial fibrillation for several years that was probably exacerbated by Lyme. I had an ablation & it was successful, but the Lyme is still causing arrhythmias, palpitations, etc. If you go the ablation route, DO YOUR HOMEWORK and find the very best facility and doctor you can!! It can make all the difference between cure and a life of misery! You could also try supplementing with megadoses of potassium, Taurine, and magnesium. This helps many heart people: especially Lym patients whose illness wastes these.
Posts: 360 | From New York | Registered: Oct 2009
| IP: Logged |
posted
Hard to recommend what to do... since it's not ME!! Personally, I would not want an ablation unless they were pretty sure it would completely fix the problem.
I have atrial fibrillation and my cardiologist has not suggested an ablation to me.
You could very well have babesia. Babesia is really bad for causing heart symptoms. Many Lyme patients have babesia as well.
EVERY STATE HAS LYME DISEASE. Ignore your ignorant dr!
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96220 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
Lymetoo if you are interested in ablation info please pm me. If your afib is not too frequent it can be ok, but, as they say, "the more afib, the more afib." If you have had it for a long time you might want to think about ablation: it can really make your life better.
Posts: 360 | From New York | Registered: Oct 2009
| IP: Logged |
Posts: 238 | From Jackson, TN | Registered: Mar 2010
| IP: Logged |
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Get to a LLMD - first and foremost. If you just can't ask your closest LLMD for suggestions for a Lyme Literate cardiologist.
If you have lyme, you must see doctors who understand all about that - and all other tick-borne infections.
Steer clear of your ignorant doctor. TIck-borne disease is in every state.
While it can work sometimes, ablation does not work for everyone, always - and if you have lyme and that is not addressed ablation will be just a band aid. It's an extreme measure to take without first thinking of getting to the underlying reason - and the support measures that help.
You might look at your magnesium level. Often, magnesium supplementation can correct irregular heart rhythm. You could be very low in magnesium. Has your doctor done an intracellular blood test?
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- You are not consuming even a mere trace of aspartame, correct? If so, it's vital to avoid that completely. Check everything that goes into your mouth, even toothpaste. And the fluoride in toothpaste can affect heart rhythm.
Check mints, gums, even medicines. Look up all the trade names for aspartame (Nutrasweet, Equal, Amino-Sweet, etc.). Spenda - and all artificial sweeteners - can be equally as bad. Avoid all diet products and anything with artificial ingredients.
And MSG can make a heart and brain go bonkers. Both MSG and Aspartame are neurotoxic and also affect the heart.
Google for all the names MSG hides under. Avoid it at all costs.
It may also be important to stop using a cell phone - and if you have one keep it as far away from you as possible. For sure, keep it out of your bedroom as it can affect heart rhythm in anyone.
Also unplug anything electrical in your bedroom - other than may one small alarm clock as far way from the head of your bed as possible. When you sleep, have everything else unplugged (radio, TV, etc. and all charging gadgets far away from the bedroom).
Use your land-lined, corded phone as much as you can rather than a cell phone. Cell phones, even when off, have been shown to alter a person's electrical rhythm. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
| IP: Logged |
posted
My own post and I never came back to write. Ugh...I'm so sorry! I've been around...just forgot I started this one until I searched "cardiac ablation", lol.
Since this original post, I've been diagnosed with Lyme Disease. I still have heart issues and no on can say whether they are Lyme related. They might be--or they might not be.
I've seen a new PCP and she thinks, whether Lyme related or not, the ablation is something I should strongly reconsider. I am doing just that.
I have a lot of issues but the heart stuff is by far the worst and most scary. Docs are very probable that they can fix this part of me.
My husband thinks this is a no-brainer. He's thought all along that I should have it done. Easier said than done--it isn't his heart!
Anyway, that's where I'm at right now--trying to decide whether to go through with the ablation.
Oh--no aspartame, no MSG--I do use a cell phone.
Posts: 52 | From USA | Registered: Apr 2010
| IP: Logged |
posted
psr1, What do you mean by successful? Are your symptoms lessened? Are some symptoms gone? I assumed "successful" would mean no more symptoms--at least that's what I would hope, lol!
Would you mind telling me a bit about your procedure? Any complications?
I've talked to the docs but I would love some personal opinion!
Thanks so much!
Posts: 52 | From USA | Registered: Apr 2010
| IP: Logged |
posted
Hi Melanie: I had a particular type of arrhytmia: atrial fibrillation. After the ablation I am entirely afib free (it's been two years) but I still supplement with magnesium, potassium and taurine. I also learned that there is a huge range in the skill level of docs doing ablations, and you need to go to one who is really really expert. Not going to a true expert dramatically increases the risk of failure and nasty complications. What kind of arrythmia do you you have?
Posts: 360 | From New York | Registered: Oct 2009
| IP: Logged |
posted
Hi- I've had atrial fibrillation for many years- even before I was diagnosed with Lyme. Everyone said the heart issue was anxiety and stress until one Dr. found that it was a real problem. I have been on meds since Dec. and I haven't had tachycardia for the past 3 months. I want to avoid the ablation at all cost-eventhough it's called a "procedure", anything in the heart sounds like major surgery to me. Check out meds first and as a last resort, go under the knife or zapper or whatever it's called!
Posts: 247 | From san antonio,tx | Registered: Oct 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
I guess I'm not sure of the absolute technical term. Basically I have bigeminal PVC's for extended periods of time which cause chest pain and tightness, blurred vision, shortness of breath, dizziness and a host of other things.
I've been on beta blockers for close to 2 years and they don't help.
I've had a full cardiac workup including multiple ekg, stress test, echo, stress echo, holter monitor and an ecardio.
Just found out I have multiple hormone issues, including progesterone, so I'm hoping and praying that getting those taken care of might help ease the heart issues. Wishful thinking, perhaps.
Melanie79
Posts: 52 | From USA | Registered: Apr 2010
| IP: Logged |
I have had palpatations while this has all been going on, for the past 7 months or so. I've been given beta blockers, but haven't taken them yet, as I've found the abx are really helping. I was diagnosed with trivial mitral valve regurgitation
Sometimes they've been really bad in the past. I've have had a couple of epsidoes of PSVT, too, where my heart has gotten close to 200bpm. It can hurt a bit too! Other times I'll just have a very fast sinus rythm.
Abx have been REALLY helping. My heart rate feels more steady and healthy. Also vit D helps a lot!
I'm sure you've heard it a million times but cut out caffeine, I'm fairly convinced my adrenals are fatigued and that's playing a huge role in the palps! (I'm guilty of having the odd decaf coffee...but I have it rarely and it has less than 1% caffeine in it)
But yes abx have helped so much! I feel like my heart is recovering or relaxing a bit again.
I know it sound strange but also try and keep your bowel movements as regular as you can, at least once a day! sorry for the details, but there is a link for some people between their BM and palpatations, as silly as it may sound.
The main thing to know is your heart is very strong, and can beat over 200bpm consecutively for over 24hrs without damaging itself. That's pretty amazing! I found that the panic of it all happening made the palpatations worse, but knowing how strong the heart is...well it helps you relax a bit...even though the palpatations may still come.
If you do decide to get the ablation, remember it's extremely safe these days and is a very common procedure!
Take care.
Posts: 51 | From Australia | Registered: May 2010
| IP: Logged |
quote:Originally posted by psr1: [QB] Lymetoo if you are interested in ablation info please pm me. If your afib is not too frequent it can be ok, but, as they say, "the more afib, the more afib." If you have had it for a long time you might want to think about ablation: it can really make your life better.
Thanks... I'm doing well right now. No episodes since last October and it was minor.
Melanie.. check it out carefully and find a good doctor if you decide to get it done.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96220 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
| IP: Logged |
The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations. If you would like to support the Network and the LymeNet system of Web services, please send your donations to:
The
Lyme Disease Network of New Jersey 907 Pebble Creek Court,
Pennington,
NJ08534USA http://www.lymenet.org/