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cpeak Member Posts: 3 |
posted April 18, 2003 02:05 PM
  
Yes, this is the most scared I have ever been in my life. I'm male, 32, athletic, finishing my second master's degree, and couldn't even finish my final exam today because I was freaked out by heart palps. It's been going on for about a month now and today was awful. The anxiety was so severe that I almost threw up in class. I couldn't even read the questions without thinking that my chest might explode. What could I possibly be worried about? I just got a nice six figure job offer and am about to finish off my education... Could it have been the 60 oz+ of diet coke every day? I haven't been able to get in to the doctor (that's Tuesday), but after visiting this site, I'm convinced of what is going on. I've been crying for 2 hours now and I can't figure out if it's joy or sadness. It's just comforting to know that this MVP thing is somewhat prevalent and I'm not crazy  I've resorted to drinking to calm the anxiety - I left my final exam in the middle and had to go buy a 40 oz just to calm down. It's pathetic, I know, but hey you are a support group I've seen a bunch of different drug options on here - anti-anxiety puts me to sleep - any other suggestions? I threw out the diet coke, by the way - a good start I'm sure - I'll throw out the beer soon too (I hope). Best wishes to all - I'm here for you... Corey in Ann Arbor |
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willow1464 Member Posts: 157 |
posted April 18, 2003 03:43 PM
Hey, Corey. The palps could easily be brought on or exaggerated by adrenaline. I gave a talk a month and a half ago and had palps and tachycardias several times within the 20 minutes (probably 4 sets of tachs lasting a couple minutes each!). But because I knew what they were and have gotten sorta used to it, nobody but me knew there was a problem. I even got compliments afterwards! So I guess I'm saying as you get educated about what is going on in your body, you may be able to emotionally handle the symptoms. Seems that many people here react differently to alcohol. I do mostly fine, but occasionally notice some slight increase in symptoms. Some folks are completely set off by even one glass of beer or wine. Glad you're feeling some relief just knowing other people deal with some of the same stuff you're dealing with now. Lots of info on this site! Take care, |
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Pebbles Member Posts: 7 |
posted April 18, 2003 03:51 PM
Wow, you seem like a very busy guy! I think the caffeine DEFINITELY has a lot to do with it. Stress is terrible on the body as it is, but if you have MVP It's 100 times worse. Are you always on the go? If so, your body tries to keep up with the caffeine intake and all the things you are doing on a daily basis. At that constant level of "up" the only time you notice is when you are actually resting, like sitting in class or trying to sleep. I was in a situation where I was watching a friends child every day from early morning until dinner time, then I went off to work, cooking in a fast paced restaurant at night. I would have these anxiety attacks so bad in bed, I felt like I was going to throw up too. When I would wind down, that's when my body would go into overdrive. I felt so helpless. Being a control freak, I hated the fact that something was going on inside of me, popping up whenever it felt like it, and I was powerless to stop it or control it. Try to calm down. It's a vicious cycle, you get cranked up, your body reacts, YOU react to what your body is doing, etc. Places like this, and books helped me to realize it wasn't really all in my head, and I could control things myself. I would keep checking the message boards for pointers, it helped me A LOT! It's funny, I read you are from Ann Arbor, my family lives around there. We used to go to Lake Michigan and stay at the chalets. I haven't seen them in over 10 yrs. Sad. |
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Anry Member Posts: 111 |
posted April 18, 2003 04:11 PM
Hi Cpeak, when I've got my first terrible attack,I left exam and missed the other 3 and 2 month of studying after that.I wasn't able to leave my home for two month,until I've found this great support site and understood that I'm not alone in this.I don't know what you are learning,but if I'm missing one week of my electronics classes,then I need "to get in shape" for 2 weeks of self studying after that,so I can understand you very well. If you actually have a MVP you must avoid any stimulants like coffee,sugar,coke,strong drinks.Drinking much water is very important.From my personal experience : menthol sweets are very useful as an anti-trigger to any symptoms,but not sure if it helps to anybody else. Take care, Anry [This message has been edited by Anry (edited April 18, 2003).] |
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cpeak Member Posts: 3 |
posted April 18, 2003 04:35 PM
Wow, what a bittersweet day. I did freak out in my exam, but did get it rescheduled. Thanks to Michelle, Pebbles, and Anry - you are all right on the money. Education is key, caffeine is a no-no, and I'm so damn glad that other people can relate (it sucks being crazy on your own The past 4 hours have been a tremendous learning curve for me - much like you 3 have already been through. I talked to a friend of mine 20 min ago, and she said she has MVP too! Diagnosed at 11 yrs old. Seriously, not knowing what is going on in your body and (Pebbles) not being able to control it is very traumatic. I honestly just thought it would go away. Thanks again to all of you - I didn't really cry for 2 hours (OK, I did) - hard to keep the manly image when you are almost hyperventalating in class... Pebbles - you need to get back to AA or MI while the weather is good |
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Pebbles Member Posts: 7 |
posted April 18, 2003 05:10 PM
I will go back to Michigan soon, it's been way too long. I'm glad this helps you! I felt so bad when I read your message! |
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opus88 Member Posts: 1731 |
posted April 19, 2003 11:55 AM
Cpeak, Sorry you had such a horrible experience! I have 2 things to share: 1) Water, water, water. When fluid levels are low, adrenaline is called into service to rev the heart rate. The less blood (liquid) circulating, the faster the body needs to have O2, nutrients and waste shuttled to and from the cells. The result: those of us with low blood volume (those of us with MVPS) suffer a chronic excess of adrenaline. Then when you add stress to the already over-excited workings of your body, wham! Caffeine and many other ingredients can cause even more dehydration, plus fill your body with toxins. Water will help flush out the toxins as well as rehydrate your system. 2) Magnesium. It is essential for anyone under stress, and has been mentioned as probably THE most important supplement someone with MVPS can take. The more stressed you are (studying, exams, schedule, personal situations, whatever), the more magnesium your body uses. I hope you will try adding those things (and continue to avoid caffeine) - you might be amazed at how much better you feel in only a couple of weeks. Wishing you well . . . |
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DaveM Member Posts: 240 |
posted April 20, 2003 02:56 PM
Corey: Like most people here, we've learned "to live with" our condition. In my case, I thought I had it licked. 25 mg of Atenalol once a day, and I was good to go. "Back to normal." I must tell you about a lesson I just learned, as it applies. I started getting a sore throat (haven't had one in, maybe 15 years? got it from my son, who shook his off in 1 day). Prior to this, I had my usual cup of strong coffee in the morning. Mind you, I had quit the stuff--but rationalized starting again. Then, later in the evening, my wife and I drank way too much wine with dinner. Mind you: I had stopped drinking, but rationalized starting again (red wine's good for you, right?...) Anyway, I woke up with the pain of the sore throat and a pounding heart. Worse, it was more of an irregular tempo. This was worse than before I had had my MVP diagnosed and started the Atenalol. Well, I got zero sleep. So, I was a wreck the next day Yesterday). But life must go on. I did manage to see a doctor, but I was told I didn't have strep--and was sent on my way. I had to drive my sone and his friends to play golf. The drive was hell, and then, when the kids were about to tee off, I started to lose control. I didn't know if I was going to start crying, throw up, begin screaming, or what. I had never had an anxiety attack before (though I know other MVP sufferers who take Xanax for that symptom). Well, I fought it down and managed to make it through the day. Last night I took twice the recommended dosage of sleeping pills--knowing I'd need to. Thgough they didn't keep me asleep (the throat pain woke me up more than once), I got enough. Today, I feel better. The throat hasn't improved, but I've learned another lesson (and the hard way, as usual)--and it's offered here for you or anyone else. The first step, of course, if identifying the problem (as with our MVP/S and dysautonomia). Then, finding the immediate fix for your particular symptoms (could be the meds or, better still, the lifestyle changes). But equally important, when you find something that works, don't backslide. My pattern shows that I'm somewhat self-destructive. I will nearly die before the reality of the situation hits me hard enough to force a permanent change. Welcome to our site--and congratulations on the strides you've made in life. You obviously work very hard. And that in itself can take its toll. I've been accused of being a "human doing" rather than a "human being." I laughed it off. But there's some truth in it. Our minds are our best friends--and worst enemies--especially when we have this blasted valve defect. |
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mileosmile Member Posts: 1 |
posted April 20, 2003 08:04 PM
Hi Corey! I just read your message and I wanted to encourage you. In 1990 at the age of 28, I was diagnosed with MVP. My heart just began to hurt terribly while out running errands with my husband. To make a very long story short, I would be in the hospital 6 times in 7 months, twice taken from my home by ambulance. I was diagnosed with severe anemia, which brought about the prolapse. The second time in the hospital, I was put in the Coronary Care Unit for a week, exactly 13 years ago this week, during Easter. I was absolutely terrified. I had two beautiful boys, who are now awesome teenagers, and i never felt so hopeless and helpless. I truly didn't know if the next breath would be my last. There was talk of a pacemaker being put in ( fortunately that didn't happen) and my heart was skipping beats !!! I stopped counting how many times I had to wear a heart monitor at home so the doctors could take care of me. I was so weak that I was in a wheelchair for several months and my mother lived with us over three months to take care of me and my boys while my husband worked. Did I mention I was virtually bedridden for weeks. I was a truly terrible time.I was finally given medication for my heart and had surgery to correct the anemia. I take Sectral every day. It is a Beta-Blocker, slows the heart rate and decreases anxiety. I KNOW what it is to have panic attacks and tremedous pain that at times have left me in the bed. Over the years I have come to accept the level of pain and discomfort because it is simply part of having MVP, and it is not life threatening. But more than this, through this experience, I found a deep and personal faith and belief in Jesus Christ. While lying in the CCU, looking at all the heart monitors and other life sustaining equipment, either He was real and could help me not only physically but emotionally through this or it was hopeless. I began to read the Bible and pray/talk to Him. I can say that He truly met me where I was and began to encourage me in so many, many amazing ways. I still have pain everyday, and some days I have what I call "weak" spells, but I know that my very life is in His hands, that He has things for me to do and gives me the strength and PEACE to do them. I am not alone and He knows where i am. I can only share my own personal journey and in some ways I understand now the scripture that Paul wrote, that "in my weakness, His strength is made perfect. He was able to overcome every sorrow and grief and He lives in me through the Holy Spirit and enables me to daily overcome. Thirteen years ago on Easter, which as a Christian signifies Jesus rising again, victorious over death, He came into my life and brought me hope, peace and joy. It didn't happen overnight, but has come about through much seeking and reading His Word. I can lay down at night and know that whatever happens He will be there. I do not know what your beliefs are, but I hope that you can put your trust in Him too. He loves you so much and cares about the pain and fear you have and He is the only One who can bring to you the answers that you need. I am praying for you, Corey, that doctors will possibly help you with medication too and for you to have peace at night when you sleep. A verse om Pslam 3 says, " I lay down and slept, I awoke, for the Lord sustained me." I like to say it outloud sometimes when I'm having difficulty sleeping, it helps. Also Pslam 103 and 107:29,30 are great. You have so much going for you and are such a bright and intelligent person. God has truly gifted you in some awesome ways and He wants you to succeed! Jeremiah 29:11 is another greatly encouraging verse. It is going to be alright and you are not alone. God bless you and keep you. ------------------ |
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efron Member Posts: 214 |
posted April 21, 2003 08:48 PM
Hi Corey, I wanted to join in the congratulations for your awesome achievements: I mean, six figures, two masters. AND canning the diet coke was probably the hardest ... heehee. Your honesty is refreshing, and thanks for that too. Crying is something i communicate about rarely as it is contrary to the male image I inherited and quite willingly cultivate[d]. That image accompanied my athletic life. Now the best way for me to articulate this is to say that it must not have been the "real" me, and the effort it took to maintain that image burned my nervous system out and now I'm left with mvp and a totally different life!! It does not make rational sense, but that is how my brain has structured acceptance of mvp. And I can certainly relate from personal experience that I have done a lot more crying since mvp came out of its deep hole three years ago at the age of 53. Another congratulation is in order, and that is for finding yourself on this website. I am alone in expressing a kinda hi-five feeling when the almost overwhelming relief and surprise comes from folks who arrive to find themselves here in the company of sympathetic others. You found us here, and we found you: Another source of information, wisdom, and help. On a more practical note Sleep: beer helps me too, but i am concerned about getting into an alcoholic pattern. It sure helps me sleep. I have taken to advocating the use of Melatonin at 3mg a nite. Some here have experienced strange effect on dream patterns, so start at 1mg. See string on this site on melatonin. For me, sleep has been as important a factor in toning down mvp symptoms as increased water intake. Good luck, efron |
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sully Member Posts: 8 |
posted April 24, 2003 06:34 PM
Congratulations on everything you have accomplished thus far. I wish ou all the happiness. Glad you found the site. There is definitely a wealth of knowledge out there with some really compassionate people. A couple of thoughts from my point of view... First of all, as you have already found out, knowledge is crucial. READ, READ, READ, and....ask questions. If you are thinking it....someone else is, too. I am 29 yr old male. I have had mvps for about 5 years. First full blown panic attack scared me to the ER thinking my life was over. I don't have attacks anymore, but the symptoms get pretty bad at times. Just got back on meds to help sort things out. I agree with what everyone else has said so I am not going to repeat anything. The only thing that I would like to to say is based on a career decision......"It's not all about the money"...money is nice to have....but if you don't enjoy what you do or the field that you are going into...I would reconsider. I have been making 6+ for the past couple of years in sales, but I am currently on a journey to find my passion in life. I have realized that having a straight commissioned sales job with a lack of security is probably not the best fit for me, although I am hoping that the experience gained will help me get into management where I would like to be. We will see. If your offer is what you want to do...great. But if you have second thoughts.....I can probably bet you that some of these symptoms will show up again. Anyway, take care. I wish you all the best. |
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