Hi Erik,

Glad you're here to tell us about it. Sorry to hear about your pacs. It seems a few of us are having the same problems lately. I've had pvcs/pacs for 35 years, and I know that they can be very frustrating, and the anxiety doesn't help. There were times when I thought they would never stop. The more we focus on them, the worse they are. There are triggers that cause them too. Drinking a cold glass of water, overeating, caffeine, stress, chocolate, even bending over. I would get them every night after I ate dinner. Can you think of anything that could have triggered them? Some of us do know how this feels for sure. I am on metoprolol for afib and pvcs/pacs. Doctor told me to take an extra dose if I get an episode of afib. Hope I have been able to help a little. Hang in there, and hope they are gone soon.

Mary Ann

Hello Erik,
I can relate to your feelings ... I was diagnosed with Atrial Fib about a month ago, and am on Metoprolol, Lasix, Potassium, Lisinipril* and that awful Coumadin. My emotions and my anxiety tries to take over ...so much that I end up with depression and do not want to do anything, go anywhere, except bed. You will do well Erik! I take an occasional Xanax before I go to bed, otherwise I was up worrying, and not getting any sleep. I find that the best thing to do is "get OUT of the house" even for a short drive. I haven't gone back to the gym since my diagnosis, I had Pneumonia which I thought might have triggered the Afib. Wishing that each day you are getting better and better !

Hi Erik.
It's OK to whine and vent ----we all do that at times!

I was afraid to take an antiarythmic med long term, and chose to have an ablation. Some people at this site seem to have luck using the "pill in the pocket" approach, and others choose to take a rate control med instead of an antiarythmic. A Fib is very individual.
Are you seeing an EP? I felt better after the first appt. with an EP Cardiologist because he listed all the options to treating my A Fib, and left the decision to me.

I exercise at least 30 min. nearly every morning as it really helps with anxiety. Right after exercising, can actually feel my mood improve.

After my ablation, I started becoming aware of PAV's.
Aren't they weird?!
Knowing they're are harmless, and concentrating on something else helps me.
Hope you feel better soon.
D.

Hi Everyone!
Thank you so much for your replies! It really helps. I went to my cardiologist today to get an EKG. I was thinking I was in Afib, but he said that it was only PAC's. I asked if he could change my meds and he said that it would not be a good idea as going on a antiarythmic may not stop the PAC's. He said not to worry of course. He's a great cardiologist and I feel like I bug him too much when I get the PAC's, because they drive me to the point where I swear I don't even want to be alive. My triggers for PAC's seem to be drinking wine (which I love!), stress and having a natural bent towards anxiety. Everything makes me anxious (when I can't find my keys, if I have to wait too long for something, not expressing my anger towards people, etc). I have been diagnosed with sleep apnea so perhaps that is triggering my PAC's also. I am trying to get a CPAP machine. You're right. I also get PAC's after eating. I would like to get an ablation done to see if it could stop the PAC's but I've heard the ablation doesn't guarantee to stop PAC's. Has anyone experienced a reduction with PAC's by going through an ablation? Thanks for your advice and for letting me whine!

Erik,

I just went through a 2 month period where my pacs were just going crazy and I couldn't tell if it was afib or not at times. I tried everything and not much seemed to help. It slowly got better over the last two weeks (though being on vacation in southern California probably helped!).
Onr thing that does help is potassium. I don't like using the supplements so I either drink coconut water or carrot juice, both of which are very high in potassium.

Ativan helps too, especially with the anxiety piece but I don't like using it too often.

Monty

hi erik, you sound just like me a few days ago...i was obsessing about every single PAC or PVC i had...i took my self on a motorbike ride for 6 hours and didnt feel one of them, which convinced me that the more i obsess and think about them the more i have...

i also am a extremely anxious person..even before AF...i hope they settle down for you...just remember they are harmless...thats what i keep telling myself...best wishes shanny

Erik - ask your doctor for a small dose of metroprolol as it worked for me.

Hi again Erik,

I'm glad you went to your cardiologist and got a good report, although I know you still wish you didn't get the pacs. I'm an over thinker and worrier too, but I've learned that over thinking and worrying doesn't do me any good. In fact, it makes things worse. I used to have terrible anxiety & panic attacks, but managed to get them under control by reconditioning my brain. It wasn't easy, but can be done. I think living in the Northeast where the cold season lasts so long (especially this year), doesn't help either. When I'm able to get out and plant and do things I think I will feel better. Try keeping your mind occupied, which I know is almost an impossibility with people like us, but it does help. Be grateful that you had a good doctor's visit, and try to focus on the good.

Don't ever feel like you're whining to us. We are all whiners now and then. Hang in there Erik, and don't ever feel like you are complaining or whining too much. We all understand. :)

Mary Ann

And one more thing,

I don't know what your religious beliefs are, but I will pray for you.

Mary Ann

Hi everyone! Thank you so much for your advice. I will try everything that you have suggested. I will continue to post and I am so thankfull for all of your posts. It is really nice to have people out there who care and who are going through the same thing. Blessings to all of you!

Erik

Hi Erik, my husband Chris had an ablation Nov 9th for afib. He's 49 very active 3 daughters 19. 17. 11. He never had pacs prior to ablation , but has them occasionally now. Only seems to notice them when sitting. His ep and cardio reassured him that they are benign. Give yourself a break from worry! You are going to be fine. We are thinking of you. The Chandless Family

I was diagnosed with afib in May 17 and lately have been suffering from pacs. They also cause me anxiety. Reading everyone's answers make me feel better. Thanks everybody.
Pete