SVT and flutters= scared

[REBECCAJS1990]

Hi all,

New to this and been living with SVT since 19. Misdiagnosed with anxiety until the age of 32. Been awaiting ablation for over 1 year and finally received my date for it, June 2024.

My episodes have become more and more frequent since a bad episode at Easter and I keep finding my heart fluttering alot, jaw aching and a sense something bad is pending.

I'm very scared of death even though we're told SVT isn't life threatening I am constantly living in absolute fear it's making me miserable 😔

It's when I'm sat resting and I can feel flutters. Thus isn't normal surely

[I-a-n-]

Hi there. So sorry to hear you've living in fear like this. I know exactly how that feels as will many people who live with heart rhythm disorders. You certainly aren't alone and reaching out to this forum is a really positive move. Great news about your ablation. It's really not bad at all - i had mine a couple of years ago and the result was a return to normal sinus rhythm. Some runs of ectopic beats for about a year after but bisoprolol calmed those down. So anyway, you're not going to die through this. It's completely natural to feel anxious when your heart is doing a merry dance like that. Try to accept that's just the way it is right now and not to fixate on it as this will actually make it worse. You will get better and should see a massive improvement after the ablation. Just remember to give it time after the ablation... Like lots of time even several months to settle down and fully heal. Be kind to yourself. Best wishes and hugs.

[REBECCAJS1990 in reply to I-a-n-]

Thank you so so much for your kind words I cant tell you how much they mean to me right now

I'm a self employed dog groomer and I've booked a week off after the ablation, is this enough time to heal?

Thank you

[I-a-n- in reply to REBECCAJS1990]

Hi and you're absolutely welcome. Physically a week of r and r should be enough yes. After this gradually build up your physical activity gradually back to what you were prescribed procedure. The cardiac nurses will advise and support you after ... Don't hesitate to call the department directly to speak to them after if you have any concerns - that's what they're there for. Mine at James Cook hospital were brilliant. The actual healing of the heart will take longer and can take months to fully heal. So don't expect it to be plain sailing for at least 6 months...you might get fluttering or ectopics... I was told this is completely normal after ablation. They may prescribe bisoprolol as a "pill in the pocket" to calm these down. Honestly though, try not to worry in the meantime, (yep not easy i know lol). Give mindfulness meditation a try and go walking in green spaces, focussing on your surroundings, sounds, colours, smells etc in the moment.. even if it takes your attention off your heart for a few mins! I've waffled on long enough now. Take care!

[REBECCAJS1990 in reply to I-a-n-]

Thank you so much 💖

[Emily_j_coops]

hi there,

I’m 27 and have experienced SVT for 10 years (usually daily) and had 2 heart ablations (unfortunately for me not successful). I get SVT, wencheback block and atrial bigeminy.

I know how frightening the symptoms are however it is completely benign (although I know symptoms don’t feel that way). Try to get some sort of peace knowing you will be okay and will not die from it.

I saw a naturopath and did hypnotherapy which has made everything SO much better. Try to stay calm during episodes and know you are safe.

All the best

[Fazerboy]

Hi, I had svt a few years ago. It got progressively worse so I eventually had an ablation. This was about 5 years ago now. No svt since. Not on any meds or anything. All good.

[REBECCAJS1990 in reply to Fazerboy]

This gives me hope. Thanks

[Ppiman]

I have the same and when you sit resting is a classic time to feel them. They are very hard to cope with but, truly, what you've been told is the case as they arise in a part of the heart that won't harm you. Of course, it feels like they will as we are hard-wired to protect our heart and go into fight and flight mode whenever we sense anything wrong. The mind cannot discern the difference between types of arrhythmia, so panicky feelings ensue until the mind accepts the truth.

I would buy a rather old-fashioned but unsurpassed book from Waterstones or Amazon called "Self Help for Your Nerves" by the late Dr Claire Weekes. Nothing published since has equalled her work likely because she was also a sufferer. This book will guide you to find ways to accept your symptoms. In my case, what really helped back then was her advice along with occasional extra reassurance from a cardiologist. Privately that can cost £200 but is money well spent if the NHS cannot help.

Steve

[REBECCAJS1990 in reply to Ppiman]

Thank you so much

[Behappy63]

hi Rebecca. It’s absolutely normal to be terrified. I was diagnosed with Svt and liane paroxysmal af when I was about 32. And like you it scared the hell out of me. I stopped doing things I was terrified to go swimming in case I collapsed I was scared to go for a walk with my baby in the push chair in case I collapsed. And this Catastrophe thinking is normal. Doesn’t make it any easier though. I spent years tracking my symptoms to my menstrual cycle/ any time I ate Chinese Dodd/ had a drink. And the only strong correlation I found was that I would have an event between 1-4 weeks after extreme stress ( giving birth/ deaths/ near death/ moving home). I joined a couple of forums and learned that a lot of people have these Tom and Jerry heart beats and it’s ok. I’m 62 now and awaiting a 3 day monitoring for stray erratic beats that seriously scared me. But it maybe that my diet is not good enough and I need more folate and magnesium. And to drink more water and less red wine

Don’t despair. You are not alone. The hardest battle is with your head. Your heart will continue to beat.- in whatever fashion it sees fit. Try some relaxation tapes and concentrate on relaxing all the muscles in your body. I found that really effective at managing the feeling I was about to pop my clogs. And make sure you eat a balanced diet. Xx

[REBECCAJS1990 in reply to Behappy63]

Thank you so much xx

[RoyMacDonald]

Had my SVT for about 8 years now. I find that mine can be controlled by diet and not going too mad with the exercise. Guess I'm one of the lucky ones. No consultant has ever suggested I have an operation to get rid of it altogether. I'm over 80 now and only take Apixaban to protect from another stroke. You are very young though so it sounds like a completely different experience for you.

Good luck with the op.

All the best.

Roy

[REBECCAJS1990 in reply to RoyMacDonald]

Thank you Roy. It's good to know that you can still live a long life with having it. Kindest regards

[MeganMN]

I have had SVT now for about four years and a couple of ablations. It is super tough. Go easy on yourself. I think we can get a type of PTSD from it all, really. I got the SVT fixed again two days ago but still have tons of PACs/ectopic beats. It really is mind over matter. Hopefully the ablation goes well and you can have some relief. Glad you checked in. Many of us have been there and you are not alone!!