Really struggling at the minute.

[Kellylou17]

So for a while I have been suffering from what doctors assure me are skipped heart beats as a result of anxiety - I have had these every day since having my daughter near 2 years ago now. I get the odd one here and there and for the last 6 months have been able to somewhat ignore these as I have been on sertraline. I continue on sertraline and yet these past few days I am literally getting about 5-6 skipped beats every other minute - I am getting them as I type! The feeling and sensation is awful and I wish I could stop them - feeling helpless and lost and like I'm on the edge of death can't help but think whyyyy me? I'm a happy woman and I have a really good life and excellent family - the sudden increase in skipped beats have me freaking out once again that something is wrong with my heart despite having had numerous ecg's in the past.

[b1b1b1]

I had a milder version of this problem some time ago. My doctor prescribed a Holter Monitor. This is a small device that you wear for 24 hours, or sometimes longer. It is in no way bothersome and you can do anything you want, except take a shower. It makes a complete recording of your heartbeat. My doctor told me it was normal, and the skipped or extra beats immediately went away.

[Lauriem4]

Hi I feel the same as you .Used to get them not that often now they are more frequent .Did you find the setraline has made them worse? I'm on propranolol which seems to help with them a bit . I sympathise with you because they feel so awful ☹

[Kellylou17 in reply to Lauriem4]

Sertraline has really helped me handle them emotionally - up until now!

Thank you for commenting it’s nice to know I’m not alone xx

[Kellylou17 in reply to Lauriem4]

If you don’t mind me asking how frequent are your palpitations? x

[Minnie87]

Hi.

Well i could have literally written your post!i have skipped beats/flutters everyday too and its become my life.mine started after the birth of my daughter 6 years ago after a traumatic labour.i have suffered with different anxiety symptoms my whole life though.

It is hell.and no one understands(unless they have it)which makes it so so hard.do you not do certain things in fear of them becoming worse?

Sometimes im scared to leave the house.i also get surges of adrenaline from my tummy to my chest and lightheadeness or constant butterflies or floatiness in my head.

If you ever want to message me feel free.its always nice to know its not just you.take care x

[Kellylou17 in reply to Minnie87]

OMG yes! I am scared to do anything now which increases my heart rate, can’t go to the gym, exercise, watch a scary movie or go on a theme park ride! It’s just awful isn’t it. I thought it was a postpartum thing and would go away but it hasn’t. I too have had anxiety for most of my life. I completely understand the adrenaline and surge feeling I get that too, I often feel lightheaded to the point where I am scared to get my eyelashes done because when I sit up on the table I feel like I am going to pass out.

Thank you for commenting and reaching out, it’s nice to know it’s not just me x

[Peep44]

Skipped heart beats was the first symptom for me. Scary.

[Minnie87]

Omg you literally sound just like me!im scared to go to the hairdressers incase i fall out the chair!god it sounds crazy saying it out loud but its horrendous isnt it.

I wont drink,go out in the evening,theme parks like you,the list is endless!

Apparently my doctor said that having a baby can really make symptoms worse.for me it has never been better since.

Have you got a supportive partner and family?i know they dont understand and it can be really frustrating for them x

[Kellylou17 in reply to Minnie87]

I used to get the odd one a month if that and then from about 6months pregnant they would keep me up at night and they have just not subsided since, I’ve had ecg’s and the doctors are so adamant there’s nothing wrong but it’s hard isn’t t? My family and partner are supportive to some extent but I’m find I’m very irritable when I have an episode and it does put a strain on my relationship as my partner just concludes ‘it’s all in my head’ or certainly isn’t! How often do you get them if you don’t mind me asking? x

[Minnie87]

Its so hard.

I have skipped beats pretty much every day.as well as surges of adreneline,lightheadedness and nervous feeing on and off.some days are really bad and some are just okay.

Its hell to live with.Ive had them on and off for years and years.and then when i had my daughter i had a really traumatic labour and then had them all the time from when i got home.that was almost 6 years ago.its miserable.i totally understand.i ended up in hospital a couple of years ago as my heart was skipping and racing all the time and even after seeing the heart doctor, having tests a monitor and bloodwork i still couldnt get myself out of it.its more than a state of mind,it becomes a way of life. Do you live a relatively normal life? X