Hello Larry, @crashnam

I'm glad that you have joined Mayo Connect and have posted about your heart difficulties. I have had heart valve problems since age 11, and now have aortic insufficiency, as well as diastolic dysfunction and left bundle branch block. I know how it can all seem overwhelming at times.

As I've read your post, I feel led to suggest that you seek a second opinion from another cardiologist.

However, self-care is very, very, very, very important with any sort of heart problem and so I would encourage you to work a little harder at some lifestyle changes. Sometimes meeting with a counselor can help with behavior modification techniques. As the functioning of your heart is an important health issue it might be to your advantage to seek out some professional help in order to understand yourself better and seek out more healthy habits.

Have you sought a second opinion for your heart issues, yet? If so, what was the result? If you live near a Mayo facility (MN, AZ and FL) that would be a good place to start.

Will you keep in touch with us and let us know how you are doing?

Teresa

Hi @crashnam. Hope I can add a small point or two to help you think through your next steps. You and I have some things in common, but perhaps the most important of your symptoms -- PVC -- is not something I have dealt with. A-fib? You bet, for the last three years, but pretty mild overall. Were it not for a regular electrocardiogram (EKG) during my annual physical, I'd be oblivious to my A-fib. My medication, like yours, involves a beta blocker (Carvedilol in my case). I also have to treat my high blood pressure -- with a diuretic and Lisinopril (an ACE inhibitor). I once took Diltiazem (a calcium channel blocker) but had to quit because my feet and legs swelled.

My A-fib therapy also includes a "blood thinner" -- in my case, Coumadin -- to prevent blood clots from forming in blood that pools up in my heart between beats. A good friend had to go much further: His A-fib proved uncontrollable with drugs and even cardioversion, but eventually, he underwent an ablation procedure that pinned down wayward electrical impulses in his heart, so his A-fib is a thing of the past. He and I have some lifestyle changes in common: We no longer smoke, we drink black coffee in moderation in the morning, and we share a beer a few times every month. Perhaps most important, we sing pop songs as soloists at a half-dozen piano bars.

As a final word today, take my word for it, Teresa (@hopeful33250) has given you an uplifting set of comments. She's right about the value of a second opinion and of a few lifestyle changes. With her help, you'll be able to join me and my friend at our next musical outing!
Martin

Thank you Kanaaz. I'll take advantage of it. You're very kind.

Hi Teresa. Have you ever cried wolf for all the right reasons, and nobody will listen to you? Well, that's kind of the mode I have been in for awhile. I am a very self-conscious person. I tend to hide problems from people, whether it be fellow workers, relatives, casual conversations with people, etc. I spent a year in Vietnam which probably toughened me up. I have had diverticulosis for forty years, and I went to work hundreds of times in pain over the years. Same with the PVC's, I wouldn't let anyone know even when they were bothering me. Family physicians over the years just told me I would have to live with the PVC's like a lot of people, so nothing has really been done until the last 4 years or so. First AFIB 12 hours, let up, felt fine. The pattern (4-10 hours) became more frequent and was getting to the point of every 10-14 days. PVC's got worse and more alarming along with it to the point that I would rather have AFIB than the PVC's. Only take the beta blocker (metropolol succinate, 50 mg), and a baby aspirin. Also take magnesium, potassium, Vitamin D, Vitamin C and an occasional multi-vitamin. Don't trust other medications they have prescribed for me (diltiazem, eliquis). I have hemorrhoids with slight bleeding on occasion so I thought the eliquis might enhance it. I have read literally thousands of testimonials of people with PVC's, AFIB, all kinds of heart conditions to try and narrow things down, but have failed. I am the type that tries to work things out on my own. I have only been to emergency once, three years ago. With some of the palps and AFIB episodes I have had, I would imagine many people would have been a couple hundred times by now. I have considered ablation with one of my cardiologists, but just don't know. I have gotten to the point of giving up and let happen what's going to happen. In defense of my heart, I have first stage emphysema (no problems breathing), I still smoke, drink strong black coffee (for forty years). Thank you for your concern.

Hello
This was so Interresting. I read the
whole thing with great interrest.
As I to have the Afib issues.
Always wondering if your on the right meds for one thing or another.
Sometimes I'd like to question it
but, I don't have all the knowledge
Of change.

Good story

Success101

Hi Larry, @crashnam

I certainly hear where you are coming from. I had many days (before I retired) that I went into work with diverticulitis and just roughed it out until 4:30. It's a tough way to live, I know. Sometimes, however, changes in our physical health cause us to reconsider our lifestyle. I am hoping that you can find a supportive person in your life to assist you with the changes you need to make. It will certainly be a big benefit to you in the long run.

It sounds like you have not sought out a second opinion, yet. Why not at least give it a try? Just taking small steps can eventually turn the tide and you may find some help along the way. For example, take small steps with everything - like maybe one less cigarette per day for a week, one less cup of coffee each day, etc. Talk to one person each week, about what you are trying to accomplish.

Maybe it will help?

Teresa

Thanks Martin. I think we've talked before. Things are just really complicated for me.

Thanks for your reply. Gets complicated doesn't it?

Well, Teresa, that's where the "give up" attitude takes over. Sometimes I figure what's the use, it's too late. I will however, consider your advice. Please keep in touch.

Hi Larry, @crashnam

Thanks for keeping in touch with everyone who has posted. We all appreciate your responses to the posts. I would like to invite another person into this conversation, @johnjames, who is also a Veteran. He was a Chaplain and saw a lot of action and speaks of current health problems related to Agent Orange. While you have never mentioned AO exposure, @johnjames may be able to offer some suggestions on how Veterans feel about life and how they deal with health problems.

Please know that we continue to encourage you to seek out for answers that would be helpful for you!

Teresa