In the Waiting Room with Tachycardia

[Mentu]

Hi, everyone, these past few weeks I've begun to feel bad every once in awhile. I've been feeling my heart beat strangely and if I have not been able to stop and rest the strange burning sensation in my chest has given way to sweating and my legs have turned to jelly. Yesterday, I found I had an infection and went to my Doctor. The infection is minor and should clear up in a few days so it should not delay my surgery. While there, I mentioned the odd burning sensation. My Doctor diagnosed tachycardia and then confirmed it with an EKG. She then insisted that I needed to spend most of the next two weeks laying down, resting and avoiding stress. Is this common to develop arrhythmia before surgery? In your experience, how likely is it to continue after surgery? My Doctor thinks it shoud disappear after a successfyl surgery. I would be interested in hearing your experiences. Thanks for your help, everyone.

 

[skeptic49]

Sorry to read about the arrythmia development...hope it improves soon.

Best wishes,

Jim

 

[deano89]

my cardio did say to me with heart valve problems they like to operate before you start getting problems like a-fib in particular, mine were innocent pvc`s so dont think it is uncommon to have jumping hearts and various rythm issues ,some nights i had to get out of bed it was like an earth quake thumping through the matress i still dont know what they were but havent had much happen since changing to decaff coke and tea and coffee... touch wood!

 

[ottagal]

Hi Mentu,

Sorry to hear that you are having arrythmia problems. I think the idea of relaxation and perhaps no caffeine are good recommendations. I have had episodes of what I call 'heart palpitations' and have to lie down when they occur.

Thinking of you!

 

[ALCapshaw2]

There are Many Medications that can help to control arrhythmias.

Why did your Doctor (PCP I assume) NOT prescribe something to help control those episodes or refer you to a/your Cardiologist to provide some relief?

BED REST for Tachycardia?

Come on!

 

[ottagal]

Very good point that AlCapshaw2 makes re: medications. Is this something to discuss with the cardio rather than PCP?

 

[Mentu]

A quick update, I'm waiting to hear from the cardiologist now. My PCP had me stop using any caffeine about a month ago which helped until now. She said she would prefer that my cardio decide what to do about the arythmeia. I actually went to her Tuesday because I had just discovered swollen and painful lymph nodes and was concerned about infection. That turned out to be the new kitten who gave me a bacterial infection (Bartonella henselae) otherwise known as Cat Scratch Disease. I mentioned the bucking bronco heart beat/burning chest issue in passing at which point she ordered an EKG that revealed the tachycardia which was forwarded on to my cardiologist. I'm waiting to hear from them this morning. Thank you all for your notes.