I had PVC ablation in the UK Feb 2024. I wish we were put under anaesthetic here, but we are awake with light sedation. This made it simultaneously the best and worst thing to happen to me. It was not a pain-free free experience at all, but the immediate relief from the symptoms is brilliant. Keith, I've never heard someone talk about PVC symptoms like you, the degree of which was similar to mine. I wish I saw this a year ago because I feel really validated. All the best in your future.
I have had occasional PVCs since I was 21. I am now 47 male and about 2 weeks ago I started getting them constantly out of nowhere. I am extremely fit and exercise 7 days/week lifting weights and cardio, have never been overweight and am extremely active and eat a very healthy diet. I get none during my workouts. When I am sitting down or lying down they happen nonstop. Like 1-2 every minute. I cannot live like this anymore and feel like I am going to die. Had a 3 day monitor last week and still waiting for the results. The earliest apt I could get with a cardiologist is 11/30. I can't believe they make people wait months for these appointments. It's crazy. They gave me propranolol (a beta blocker) to take in the meantime. I hate it. All it does is make me extremely tired and dizzy and does not help the PVCs. I still get them constantly. I have become depressed and don't want to go anywhere or do anything. I have pretty much been camped out at my parent's house because I am afraid to be alone because my constantly flip-flopping heart makes me feel like I am going to die. Anyone who has endured these is so incredibly brave. We should have a weekly support group meeting.
I know that feeling. Mine was to the stage where I was having 20 per minute or more (the day of surgery, it was over 30 per minute). You are strong. You will make it! In my case, eating foods rich in Potassium (salmon, avacado, potatoes), in moderation, helped with the symptoms some and helped keep my spirits up. My Electrophysiologist cautioned me against excessive supplementation with Potassium. There is significant risk in overdoing it. I'd say it would be a good idea to learn and know the dietary guidelines if you are going to add more to your diet. Keep your chin up!
@@winninginthewind Thanks. Did you every try any of the antiarrythmic drugs and if so did they work for you? If I need an ablation I'm hoping to take a drug if it actually works in the meantime to aleviate the symptoms.
Try talking to your doctor about a cardio-selective beta-blocker, Propanolol was my first try and it's terrible, but the doctor was telling me he thought I had anxiety. 2 weeks later, having been in trigeminy for most of it, I was given Bisporolol, which is better therapeutically, but the side-effects are rough.
Your symptoms are very much like mine except I think I get a lot more PVCs than you. I was given various beta blockers and even a calcium channel blocker, and they did nothing. I'm currently on flecainide and an anti-coagulant for Afib, but the flecainide is no longer helping with the PVCs. There is always that fear in the back of one's mind that you'll collapse or die, even though that isn't reality. I think the stress makes them worse. It's totally normal for them to go away when you're exercising, and then come back when you're at rest. To me, the worst part is that they seem to get worse in the evening; I don't want to go to bed because lying down makes them feel much worse, with the skipping and thumping that I can feel all through my body. Can hardly get any sleep with that going on. I had an ablation 21 years ago for tachycardia, so I know what to expect (it's really no big deal), and now that I've developed Afib I'm going to have another one. The electrophysiologist said he'll try to find areas to ablate for the PVCs, too. Unfortunately the procedure is two months out, and I've got to put up with this until then. Take care and try not to worry so much. If PVCs are your only problem, you're not going to have a heart attack or die. It's just a really scary thing to put up with.
Thank you for this! I'm only 36 and I recently (2-ish years ago) noticed something was off. I finally went in and I talked to a "plumber" after realizing my heart was "skipping a beat", but he thankfully listened and gave me medication to try and then eventually referred me to an "electrician". I just saw the EP today, and he is recommending I'd look into getting the ablation, the sooner the better. My pvc is 20%. I will be doing awake ablation since the pvc will go away if they knock me out making it hard to zap it. I'm not too worried about the awake part since I was awake during my cataract surgery. As long as they can make me comfy and calm, well be golden. I'm excited to get it over with and start feeling normal again. I have come across gut issues during this so this will be one less thing to worry about and hopefully less anxiety. So I should be getting cured in about a month 😊 Glad it worked out so well for you!
This was the best video I’ve seen from the patients perception. Thank you. I was in for an ablation the end of Feb. 2023 to correct PAC’s (I was also showing PVC’s but the PAC’s were worse. So he was going to correct that only on this procedure) during the procedure my heart went in to some pretty significant afib so he had to stop. (I wasn’t under general and you need to be for afib correction) he also found ‘flutter’ he did correct the flutter in hopes that would calm the afib and it did not. So now I’m in a holding pattern for 3 months waiting for that inflammation to resolve then he’s going back in. I’m also show a lot of PVC’s now and Sinus Rhythm w/Supraventricular Ectopy (which I believe to be the PAC’s), tachycardia and bradycardia… I too feel exhausted ALL the time. And I experience hard heavy beats in my heart that are sometimes scary. I have to really motivate myself to just get out of my recliner to do anything. But I keep making myself. I can not wait to have all this resolved. Thanks again for your awesome documentation video. Congratulations on your success!!!
Having an ablation in 6 days, pretty nervous about it. Your video was very helpful and I am going to proceed with more confidence. Thankyou for sharing your story❤
@@bryansalerno6078 it went great so far. Been 1 month, doc said I can still have a fib off and on over the next couple months but so far have just seen normal rhythm.
Going down this path now. Just got through with 14 days of monitoring. I’m a 30% misfire guy. Going to the electrician in about 3 weeks. Wish me luck at 71.
With a 42% burden of pvcs, I'm scheduled for an ablation in 5 days. I've been wiped out for over a year, barely functioning, and having the same morning leg issues that you describe. It is SO encouraging to know there's light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you for this fantastic video!
Thank you so much for sharing. I am going in for my ablation in a little over a week and hearing a good story including the recovery really puts my mind at ease. I was pretty cool with it already, but I may have my wife watch this because she's a bit freaked out. I love that you feel better than you have in 10 years. I felt that looking back I wonder how long I had my PVC cardiomyopathy issues. I remember being a skiier then one year my legs just had no strength and nearly ruined my trip - that was 10 years ago and made me think I'd never enjoy skiing again. Maybe that's not necessarily true. Your story about your 2 doctors is a great one to take note of. You have to be your own advocate. Doctors may go to school for decades but they aren't running around in your body 24-7, you are. You are the best QA to know if something is off. Trust that. Get other opinions if your issue isnt being addressed. Thanks again!
@@CountryBoyTnn Pretty well. I could tell the difference right away - it was like my heart was 'quiet' for the first time in a while. They did have to wake me up during the procedure to get the PVCs to appear, that sucked a little. Post, my wounds healed up as predicted, almost 100% now. I did get a bacterial infection in my throat, I think from the intubation, so I am on antibiotics which cleared it up. Can't wait to be clear of that and blood thinners and start exercising.
Thank you for this helpful and comforting video. I'm 33, male. I've been dealing with PVCs since 2021. Recently, I had an episode of palpitations and went to the emergency room. The ECG showed a delta wave, which had never appeared before in any of my previous ECGs, Holter monitors, or stress tests. They told me I need to see an electrophysiologist, which terrified me. I couldn't sleep for five days, worrying there was a major issue. Watching your video has been a real relief. I'll wait for my appointment with the EP specialist without fear. Thanks for sharing.
I’m 67, an athlete,climbs, runs,lifts, etc. For 3 years I have been weakening despite regular workouts. Went to ER 3 years ago and told I am fine likely some atherosclerosis,prescribed a statin. Never regained my strength and fighting chest pain continuously.Recently went to ER with major chest pain, shallow breathing. Had an angiogram performed and arteries were clear. My diagnosis was PVC’s . 1 pvc every 12 seconds. I met with a local electrophysiologist who scheduled me for an ablation. YEAH, finally can look forward to feeling normal again. As you mentioned , I am so used to chest pain, I wont know how to act. Thanks for your video, it gives me comfort and hope to get back to normal soon.
I had my PVC ablation also 7 days ago, Im just 37 years old and I can tell the difference before and after ng procedure. I've been diagnosed with PVC's 5 yrs. Ago until recently I had also similar symptoms like yours Keith like chestpain, shortness of breath and fatigue. Iv'e been in and out of e.r. and ICU because of it and my potassium is always low even if I'm eating foods with high potassium (now it was explained to me by my EPS cardiologist that my heart is using too much potassium because of the PVC's because our heart is a muscle-that's why I always have hypokalemia). I've tried different meds like beta blockers, TMZ etc. But I cannot tolerate it's side effects which made me a good candidate for ablation.. Now I'm glad that I had it (but I was awake during the procedure and it was extremely painful everytime they will ablate the tissue in my heart). My cardiologist explained to me that I need to be awake during the almost 4hrs procedure because sometimes if you are sleeping during the procedure the PVC's might not show because you are at rest so I need to be awake the entire procedure. It's not easy though but the pain is worth it. My chest feels quiet now that I have to check my pulse every now and then just to make sure I'm breathing. There are still timea that my O2 sat would drop while I'm asleep maybe I also need to undergo sleep study for that. But overall I can say that I'm on my road to recovery now. Thank God.
Thanks for sharing, very helpful. Am going through this now, trying to get referral for ablation. My potassium wasn't low, but definitely felling the fatigue/symptoms from >20,000 PVCs/day.
Hi Keith! I am 29 years old with *very frequent*, drug refractory, PACS. Thought benign 20-25 years ago, my doctors are now realizing it is a totally mitigatable risk factor for new onset AFIB, and even cryptogenic stroke. So happy the EP community is seeing these as non benign before things like atrial remodeling are allowed to set in. It's quite a waiting game now, but I had an ablation for AVNRT 11 years ago, I know what to expect. Wishing you the very best!
I just turned 69 in March. Decent shape. Had ectopic beats for over 20 years. Recently ( December 19, 2023 ) had surgery for a leaky Mitral valve that had 50-60% regurgitation. Was a minimally invasive procedure to repair it. Was hoping that the ectopic beats / pvc’s would’ve been corrected as well. Not the case. Heart rate is 39-54 usually. Have about 10 pvc a minute. So around 20% While in Cardiac rehab on an exercise bike for 40 minutes and going all the way to level 15 my heart rate only got to 68 bpm even tho I was sweating and breathy heavily! Wore a Holter monitor for two weeks that came off last Friday. Have an appointment in two days ( April 5 ) with Cardiologist to review the results. Thank you for this video. I will feel a lot better if he recommends ablation because of it.
I’m on the verge of tears. 🥲 You have described my life with PVCs. I came searching specifically for a video that was PVC ablation and here you are! This is so incredibly helpful and encouraging. I feel like this condition is so dismissed by medical professionals. I told my cardiologist that I’m experiencing a level of fatigue I’ve never dealt with in my life and he said “that’s not associated with your condition”. Ugh! I’m getting ready to have my first visit with an Electrophysiologist. Your information will help my journey! Thank you.
Thanks for the video. I have the same issue and will be having an ablation sometime before the end of the year. It's encouraging to hear how much more energetic you felt after. I am 63 and fairly active, but I know this is dragging me down. Looking forward to being a "new man"!
Thank you for this video i am scheduled for an ablation on Dec 11 2023 and was nervous about it but after watching your experience with the surgery I am a little bit less apprehensive about my procedure
34yr old male, had my ablation for pvc and VT 6 days ago. It was in a hard location by an artery and valve deep in my tissue. I feel great today and no pvc have returned yet. Hope everyone going through this has great results! Thanks for the video, really helped me leading up to surgery!
Great to hear!! Hope your doing well! I’m scheduled for an ablation for afib. I Get a lot of pvc’s and occasional afib, Neither is fun to deal with and I’m ready to feel normal again!!
Omg!!! Thank you for sharing this!!!! I’m scheduled to have my ablation April 18 2023 and I’m so ready for it! I could’ve cried when you were explaining how you felt before because that’s how I’m feeling and been feeling for at least 7 years no energy just tired all the time and wanting to do things and just can’t because I’m tired all the time. I try to explain to my hubby and daughter how I feel and I know they don’t know or understand but if they only knew the everyday struggles I have been facing for years. I’m praying I can feel good again and get my life back fully. Thanks again for sharing! You really hit home
Thank you Keith. I've just been diagnosed with PVC's so I'm trying to educate myself with every aspect of this condition. Your video has provided so so much insight, I'm so grateful to have found you (your video)
My ablation is now 7 days away. Glad I found your video. I too have no gumption, no desire to do anything. My count is low, but I do have bradycardia. Today has been beat, beat, skip, repeat all day. I will remember to ask about caffeine. Now I take Xanax because the calming also eases my heart nerves and I’m concerned if I take Xanax getting anxious about the procedure, they won’t identify the bad area (s).
@@CountryBoyTnn It was fantastic. Have not felt a PVC since, use my Samsung watch to verify. Entire change in energy, mentally outlook has flipped so I'm looking forward to summer instead of dreading it. Multiple doctors did not think it was a problem, needed to get to major hospital and they recognized immediately I had a serious problem, were concerned it may have already caused cardiomyopathy, and since cardiac MRI showed it hadn't, scheduled ablation ASAP.
I can tell you this about the Xanax. Xanax helps with anxiety. So if you take it daily, even .5 MG 1 time a day, for awhile you gain a tolerance. And with this start creating rebound anxiety. Anxiety can cause palpitations and skip beats. I know because this happened to me. And then the week I got a Holter monitor I decided to stop the Xanax. My heart was doing a Disco beat to a Heavy Metal rhythm. When I finally got results for the monitor they mentioned I had PVCs. I asked when did they mostly occur. They said in the beginning...when I had stopped the Xanax. I have not taken Xanax since. And I was able to get the PVCs under control with diet change and 6-7 days of cardio.
@@Lesspaw41 But my reason for taking Valium, then Tranxene, and finally Xanax, was PVCs that were disabling. In 1973, after bouts of hours beat, skip, beat, skip, doctor tried Valium and sleep, PVCs gone. Through the years I’ve been prescribed these benzodiazepines only when PVCs were triggered. Now, 50 years later, they didn’t do the trick. Thorough exam including cardiac MRI to determine if 78 years of PVCs weakened my heart seriously (oh, also I had SVT all my life), and doctors determined time to do something major. Now, 6 weeks later, I’m weaning off benzodiazepines because of danger dropping them suddenly, have not felt this well mentally and physically in ages. So what works for you is not a cure all for all. 78 years of SVT and PVCs - something I wouldn’t wish on anyone.
I am so thankful I found your video. Your experience is exactly what I have experienced. I am 3 days post pvc ablation. I have spent hours researching trying to find others that I could relate to, most videos made me feel more scared. I wish I had found you prior to my ablation because I wouldn’t have been so scared. Thank you for making this video!
I developed PVCs about 3 years ago at age 31, and nothing has kept them away for longer than a few days at a time at the best of times. At the worst, they keep me awake at night, they bang in my chest all day, and the bigeminy runs are so bad at times that I’m winded to the point of nearly passing out. I recently saw a new cardiologist who suggested ablation, and I can’t thank you enough for a thorough run-through of what the experience could be like. I have a strong feeling that I’ll be a brand new man as well if we can find the node that’s causing all of my issues. Seriously, thank you - this video means more to me than you will know!
Thank you for sharing this story with us. I just left my doctor and he is sending me to a specialist who will probably do an ablation on me and your video was very informative and helped me understand what is about to happen and it eased my mind on having the procedure. Thanks again
I have the same problems as Keith, and 20.000 PVC/daily. I consider Ablation, but are still in doubt. After seeing this fine video, I will act now and get my ablation a.s.a.p. Thank you Keith.
I recently (4days ago) underwent an ablation and mapping. I had had heart issues for about 10 years. I went for yearly checkups with a electrophysiologist. EKG, EEG, Stress tests and an extended halter monitor. I'm an ex smoker which doesn't help matters. The strange thing is I never felt the PVC's. But from testing we knew they were there. About a year ago I started feeling the fatigue issues. Shortness of breath. It was time for my yearly cardio check up in late August of last year. My heart efficiency numbers had dropped by almost 50%. That meant the valves were starting to get out of sync. So I go through another battery of tests. My Dr. concluded there were no blockages or muscle tissue issues. Simply put I had a few short circuits in my heart. As time drew closer for my procedure I got covid. The procedure was postponed for a month. I go in back in late November for another try at it. The anesthesiologist after listening to my lungs wouldn't proceed. So I spend the next couple of months undergoing sleep studies and raspatory therapy. Turns out I had sever sleep apnea. Finally the pulmonologist cleared me to proceed. I arrive for the procedure, prepped and taken into the OR. Unfortunately I wasn't having any PVC's so they had to medically induce them. The procedure ended up being just over 5 hours long. I was held overnight for observation. During the night while under observation I thought I had a heart attack. SCARED the crap out of me. Chest pain, pain in my right shoulder and neck. I was told that it wasn't a heart attack but pain in the heart from inflammation as they ablated multiple spots. The neck and shoulder pain were from being in a very uncomfortable position on the OR table. (I'm rather large 66 year old man. 6'2" and almost 300lb and those tables are nothing but a flat slab of steel, very narrow with no padding) Like I said at the top I'm now 4 days out and this has been a game changer. My energy level is through the roof. I resumed my walking routine this morning. BUT HERE'S THE REAL WINNER. My psychological outlook, health, call it what you want is nothing short of remarkable. I'm not living in a "fog" anymore. We won't know for certain if the ablations will hold. I will undergo more testing in about 2 months. The Dr. was looking for a 70% reduction in "extra beats" that lead to the PVC's. I was fortunate of have an electrophysiologist from Johns Hopkins do this procedure.
Thank you for sharing your video, I’m a 55 year old female. I also have heavy PVC’s and SVT’s. I just found out today that I need an Ablation and found your video very helpful. I find that one of the best resources are people who have experienced the same issues.
Glad to hear that is done and behind you Keith, and even more that it worked so well. To hear that you are back to jogging, says a lot. I hope this marks a point where you have heard the last of it. Thanks for sharing the experience.
Keith, I have been learning a lot from your channel-especially enjoyed learning how to find "touch point." You are intelligent and well spoken, and this is your best output yet for many reasons. My wife is an RN with experience in cardiac ICU in Salem, and she also appreciated your story. Best!
Just found your video. 65y/o male, my symptoms sound very similar to what you experienced. Although I believe that I have far fewer PVCs than you were experiencing. I haven't been told a number, but I am guessing in the low 10s of thousands compared to you 100s of thousands. However, I still experience the chest pain, weird feeling in my chest, fatigue and other things you described. Also when I sit still or lay down the PVCs seems to get worse with me as well. I just want to thank you for taking the time to share your story, and articulating it so very well. Your story really helped my thinking as I approach some of the same questions that you wrestled with. Thank you Keith.
Hi Keith, My wife had similar problems and corrective surgery. I am also a newish reloader. I love your heart health message and reloading tips, good health to you. You are a real assest to reloading world and glad you had positive results.
I just had this procedure done 2 days ago and am feeling much better already. Only one small area needed ablation, but I had PVCs of ~20,000/day (20%). No pain whatsoever, and I was asleep for the entire procedure so felt absolutely nothing. If you've had a colonoscopy, it (most likely) will be a lot like the anesthesia that you're given for that procedure. My fatigue level was probably at an 8/9 pre-procedure, now down to 1/2, and looking forward to feeling even better as my heart heals. Very glad to have done this, and appreciate the insight for the author of this video on his experience in having this!
Great video, I had the PVC ablation and I’m feeling better after the first day. My feeling and thoughts are identical to the way you describe what your experience was like. I’m a 53 year old male so I’m definitely looking forward to a somewhat new beginning. I miss exercising and work.
Keith thank you with all my heart Kind Sir (no pun intended) I’ve been a subscriber since early on my friend and you just further confirm your selfless, considerate & educational approach right here with your personal health condition You Sir are a true diamond in a mountain of good, pearly specialist rifle channels on YT Your precision, yet down to earth humility, attention to absolute detail, yet relaxed smooth style coupled with articulate communication in ear warming tone - without the overbearing music so often accompanying even reasonable YT channels is a pleasure I look forward to learning from You have an innate ability to transfer knowledge in a non-condescending empowering context Keith - please carry on just as you are Sir May God richly bless you and keep you & yours in the best possible health brother Warm regards From a brother in the Deep South of Down Under Australia 🇦🇺 Tasmania
Just got results of three-day Holter and it showed 86,000+ PVCs with a "burden" of 20%. Did a 24-hour Holter in June 2023 and the burden was 11%. Tried a beta blocker but just could not tolerate it (Metoprolol). My guess? Ablation is in my future. I hate this pounding in my chest. And most days I take a NAP - argh. I do not have time for naps. Hope my situation improves and I have renewed energy like you did! Thanks for your candor and "historical" video!
This is great. Something my son has been going through. He is finally on the right track to fixing this issue. We are waiting on his ablation. Thanks again!
I had an RF ablation at Mayo Clinic in 1992 for SVT (39 years old) now I’m in Bigeminy 100% of the time and waiting on a call from my electrophysiologist to schedule an ablation for that at 71.
Wow, just found your channel through this video. I have been suffering frequent (every 3-5 beats) PVCs since my daughter was born in February 2022. I have an ongoing playlist of my own going with updates and just to comfort others that are experiencing PVCs. My burden is similar to what yours was, I too, have seen two cardiologists, one is an EP but he didn’t push for the Ablation. Basically said what you did (from your online research) that PVCs aren’t dangerous and I can either take meds, do ablation or deal with em, up to me he said and appt was over. I am trying everything under the sun to at least reduce them, jogging/running for 20 min seems to be the most effective. I’ll run in the AM and for a few hours after I only get maybe 5-10 PVCs a minute. Much appreciate your ablation story, very well done. I am very fearful of any kind of surgery so an ablation is IMO a last resort, at least for me. I will continue to try a few things and give it until at least next summer before I decide if an ablation is worth it. Thank you again for this video, it truly is very helpful.
Great video. There is very little out there for PVC ablations and I was so happy to have found your video. I am considering ablation. Verapamil and Propranolol just aren't cutting it. We've tweaked these meds and I still have multiple PVCs all day.. bigeminy, trigeminy and who knows what else. So tired of hearing cardiology and EP say they are benign, yet they completely take over your life...make you feel like crap; chest pain that you try to discern if its your PVCs or are you actually dying this time; the lifestyle changes because you are trying to learn what sets you off and you avoid it like the plague, yet still at times, there's no rhyme or reason, and it's just a terrible 'PVC day'. I keep time as to things "before my heart stuff started" and after. You know how it is. Anyway. Thanks for sharing your experience. Glad to hear things are better - gives the rest of us hope!
Hi Jada, you may be surprised but there has actually been a LOT of information on PVC ablation published over the decades but it tends to be highly technical. The people who publish the research are called Electrophysiologists. There are thousands of them around the world and they are based in Universities, Hospitals and Cardiac Research institutions. They have their own forums, professional bodies and conferences where they publish and talk about their research. They are the ones who actually perform the ablations. I suffer from PVCs too. Though my ectopic burden is low (about 1%) I feel them often throughout the day and they can be hard to ignore sometimes. I'm particularly interested in Pulsed Field Ablation. If you haven't heard about this you may want to look into it. PFA is still quite new and under development but it seems very promising and potentially safer than RF or Cryo ablation. Personally I'm quite excited about it and I'm watching keenly to see how the technology develops.
Thanks so much for sharing! I'm 72 now and have been tortured by PVCs on and off for 30 years. When I was 45 they progressed to RVOT tachycardia, for which I underwent a catheter ablation in 2002. No more V-tach, but I was left with tons of PVCs for years. They finally settled down on their own somewhat, but would re-emerge for no reason for a week or so and then disappear again. Lying down and trying to relax or sleep is always the worst! In June my heart beat became extremely irregular and I knew it wasn't just PVCs. Went to the emergency room, and it turned out to be Afib. I've decided to have an ablation for the Afib, and the electrophysiologist is also going to try to ablate for PVCs...they've returned and have gotten bad again.
I had an ablation for AFIB back in 2019. However I’m trying to see if another ablation would work on all the PVCs I’ve been having. My PVCs really scare me. But I hate it when I go to the VA doctor (cardiologist) and he says it’s normal… to just “change my diet and exercise” but with my PVCs and fluttering heart rate it makes me not want to do anything. I used to run a lot too, but now even walking scares me. PVCs mixed with anxiety sucks so bad! But I really enjoyed your video and I appreciate your content.
Great and helpful video. Wish I saw before my procedure which was three days ago. Doing well, some chest discomfort, but already having normal heart rhythm. Amazing! I felt same as you, wanted to fix it rather than use meds to control it. I am a 66 year old female. Very happy so far that I did this, however I did not have anesthesia, was told I needed to be awake as the anesthesia would or could suppress my PVC’s. It was tolerable but holding still for two hours was the hardest part. Thanks for this video even good to watch afterwards knowing other people have my exact problem.
Super glad to hear and see your procedure went well and you obviously improved! 👍👍👍 And, I am glad you figured out the doctors fairly quickly. Not all doctors are the same in every part of medical practice. I have been to the ER 3 times earlier this year and NONE of the doctors caught my issue with my blood pressure spikes going over 220/110. Turns out it was mostly my diet where when I drank a fruit smoothie, within a few hours my pressure went to stroke level. I had to figure this out on my own. I was put on two different BP meds and was actually told sometimes they just do not know what causes it. After some research, I learned most doctors do not have a clue about nutrition and had very very little instruction in it as part of their education. Since then, I changed my diet to a ketovore diet and increased my potassium intake. My BP has dropped and I took myself off one of the BP meds and I am loosing my excess weight. Things are looking up! Now, if I could find primers and my favorite powders!
Thank you for the informed video. Just had my Ablation 5 days ago. And they didn't find any PVC'S during the surgery. Very frustrating now!!! As I sit here and type this message the PVC's are kicking my butt. Seeing my Cardiologist tomorrow for follow up. Stress test is next to see what happens. Wish me PVC's. This has put a big SNAG in my life lately. Need to get this resolved and get back to my normal life. I'm very active myself and can't do much. Thank you again. There is hope!!
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. Let me just say that I was worried about my PVC’s to the point of depression and what I had done to cause this. Educating yourself is key and you have been a god send in understanding what I’m feeling and that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Waiting for my appointment to see what my options are but I too wore a monitor for21 days a Chad two stress tests. Be well!
Great video, thanks for taking the time. I'm a healthy 80 year old male, and recently was confirmed with PC's exceeding 20% of the time. My excellent "Plumber", forwarded me to the "Electrician".. [great analogy] and cofirmed what was going on with a 12 lead electrocardiogram. Which is not normal in a "Plumber's" area (great heat surgeon, but focused on blockage, not heart rhythm). My PVC'S seem to have been induced by a serious dehydration event, and suddenly showed up, plus other current meds that blocked testosterone. Thanks, you confirmed new feelings of some tiredness, even though I'm asymptomatic. And it correlates with when i only sleep 5-6 hours. I'm very active (or was) and currently having troubles walking more than 5K (3 mi), but used to walk 10K plus (8 mi) twice a week last year. Iplan to have ablation next March, since no immediate rush. Thanks for sharing and adding cinfidence to my decision.
THANK YOU SO MUCH. I was suffering with the same symptoms that you described for years and thought I was having panic attacks. You explained everything so clearly. I'm looking forward to feeling better soon. Thanks again and take care.
This is priceless info. & info. from your experience !!.....VERY kind & generous of you to share !!...Thank You Sir !! I, aswell, experienced PVC's aswell - 16 yrs. ago & then quit on their own, (whole other big-long story), & for the past 2 yrs, have been experiencing occasional 4000rpm periodically at nights, (whole other bid-long story), ....that said, why I appreciate info & experience from others on heart issues - Thanks Again & hope all continues to go well for you.
I appreciated you did this video. As you, I saw a cardiologist that sent me home without treatment and said I need sleep study. My second dr found that I need an ablation. I feel very tire most of time and I hope is PVC's. I have: 1 PVC 2 normal beats with medication. Previous I had bigeminy, 2 normal beats and 1 pvc. My ablation will be in less than a week and you give me hope. Thanks.
I am 2 days out from my pvc ablation and my energy is coming back slow but sure. I have zero regrets about this procedure and glad I did it. I only wish I had found your video before. Thank you for being candid and sharing your very personalexperience
Keith - Sorry to hear you had a heart problem at all, but I'm really happy with your outcome. Heart issues are what ultimately caused my retirement from flying as a CFI/II. In my case it was a sticky heart. It was fixed with a stent, followed by bypass, and then another stent. At that point I was 75 and was tired of dealing with FAA cardiac procedures, so I elected to retire. Today I fine, just old (approaching 80). I don't mean to make this about me. It's really just commiserating. Stay well Keith. Keep the greasy side down.
I've had 4 ablations for afib,svt,bradycardia,ect. Finally had an AV node ablation in 2018 and a CRT pacemaker placed to control my ventricular rate during an arrhythmia. Lately my pvc burden has been approaching 50 per hour and put me in the hospital. I'm going for a ROTV pvc ablation at the University of Pennsylvania. I'm highly symptomatic with ptsd and anxiety so I'm praying it works.
I am 40 years old and a couple of years back I had as many as 35000 pvcs per day. I have been receiving Flecainide (Flecardia) of 200 mg per day for two years now. I forgot it about just one day and the pvcs came back in no time. I believe this procedure is a no brainer. Many thanks for creating this video. I have only been in general anaesthesia once before in my life and i am afraid of these wires moving inside the vein to reach the heart. I wonder if my fears are justified at all.
Thank You, Thank You Thank you, Just what I wanted to hear. Your story was exactly my story. I'm scheduled for the procedure in a month but the symptoms and experience with the doctors were the same. I was finally assigned to a rhythm cardio doctor and he was why didn't they refer you sooner. I now feel better about my decision to do the procedure.
47yr old female. I’ve lived with PVC’s for 3 years now, juggling different medications that work for a while and then slowly stop working. Not to mention the side effects! When the PVC’s ‘hit’, they hit hard, causing a small cough and pain. It is exhausting. I’m on my 4th medication now and it also is not as effective as when I first started it. It is so frustrating!!! Your video has answered a lot of questions for me and given me the confidence to speak with my new cardiologist about ablation. Thank you!
Thank you! I have SVT and had 1 failed ablation the last of February - I went into AFib when my heart was stimulated with drugs to induce the SVT! Had another Ablation April 1st - all was good until July 22 when I had some SVTs that lasted awhile! So my Electrophysiologist wants to see a full recording of my Loop Recorder so I had to transfer the ability of the Dr who placed the Loop Recirder to the Dr who did my ablation! He is surprised I think that I am having these episodes this long after my ablation and wants to see if I might have Afib! I’ve tried to research but I am more confused now than before! I think my situation is different from yours but your video was awesome! I’m waiting to see what the next step is! Than you for this video.
Keith, thank you so much for sharing this. I was born with tetralogy of fallot and had open heart surgery at 2. My surgery was successful and for over 30 years, I was completely normal, not a single complication. At 34, I began having episodes of afib and my life has been taken over by it. It’s been 2 years now, I’m 36 and after two recent episodes of my heart rate skyrocketing and me passing out, my cardiologist recommended I do an ablation in fear that I may also have VT. Hearing your words and how you describe what you feel makes me feel understood finally. Like you, I can feel my heart beat and thump so much that my body actually bounces. My symptoms consume me and I cannot stop thinking about what could happen. My ablation is 3 weeks from today and though I am very scared, your video helps tremendously. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing. I spent a year being followed by a cardiologist for pvcs. She was excellent for trying to find out what caused mine and she narrowed it down to potassium but couldn’t tell why. She ran every test imaginable. Any way, the meds exhausted me to the point I was struggling at work and they finally took me off them. I had no problems for another 8 years!!! Now they started up way worse than I ever had them before. I had chest pain for the first time ever. Now I have an appointment with a different cardiologist since mine retired. Wish me luck.
Have them check for hyperaldosteronism. My wife’s potassium was very low and her blood pressure wouldn’t come down. I finally researched and got her doctor to test for high aldosterone and she had it. At some point along the way the PVCs began and she is having ablation tomorrow. Also get checked for obstructive sleep apnea. My wife has that as well. Anyone with sleep apnea and drug resistant high blood pressure should be screened for hyperaldosteronism, which can also cause low potassium.
Thank you for your sharing and I am glad you recovered well. I think this is the only video on YT that explains the procedure from a patient's POV which is great for those who wants to know more. I suffered from PVC as well (~19%) and that hindered my pursual of my pilot career even tho I didn't really feel the discomfort like you do. I had my ablation in May 2023 and it was successful. It went from almost 1 PVC in every 5 heart beats to literally none. So after a year of monitoring, I finally had my aviation medical cleared and is undergoing my cadet pilot training in Hong Kong. That was indeed a life changer.
I had some fairly minor heart issues a year or so back, nothing to the extent that you've been dealing with, and it's not pleasant. You always wonder if your heart is going to go completely haywire and leave you pushing daisies. But there's nothing like feeling healthy after being down. I've had RF ablations on my low back to relieve some excruciating pain and my outcome has also been quite good. The condition is still there but with the nerves unable to transmit, I don't feel the pain... well, at least not much anyway. I limped in and walked out of the procedure. It has to be repeated about once a year but it keeps me active and a productive member of society. I'm glad you got a great outcome, life has a much sweeter flavor now I'm sure.
While, the analogy of the electricians versus plumbers is quite common, I think you will find that most electrophysiologists or EPs are specialized similar to surgeons and don't see patients on a regular basis. They work with you prior to your ablation during your ablation and follow-up, but after that you are usually referred back to your regular cardiologist.
Thank you SO much for sharing your story so sincerely and informatively. I have dealt with PVCs and supraventricular tachycardia so I know EXACTLY what you were talking about with the physical symptoms. Often just sitting quietly, my heart would start racing up to 205 BPM or decide to slow down and skip beats. I could also feel it in my chest and my neck. When first diagnosed years ago the Holter monitor showed that I had had hundreds of "episodes" in any given day which could have put me into cardiac arrest if I hadn't resumed beating. Pretty frightening! Also I was so fatigued that I'd have to sit on the steps several times to rest trying to get up 14 stairs to my upper level. I chuckled when you spoke about electricians vs. plumbers. Quite literally the Dr told me the "plumbing" of your heart is great. But your "electrical system" is all kapoot! In my situation Metoprolol slowed down my heart rate and normalized my rhythms. It was truly a miracle!!! From several dozens of "episodes" per week that I was aware of, these were reduced to only a few per month. Let me say, these were the episodes that were SO bad that they almost floored me. When I was on the Holter, often the nurse would call me up to ask me what I had been doing at a certain time because my heart was racing. Many of these less severe episodes I actually was not even aware of because they weren't too bad, but the Holter caught every one of them. I have been doing great for 7 years, but in recent months been noticing my heart racing for no good reason, often getting winded and feeling VERY fatigued. At my yearly physical I mentioned these familiar symptoms and asked for a stress test and Holter. Apparently I have a blockage now so will have an angiogram next week. So now, in my mid sixties, I have both plumbing and electrical heart problems. Depending on what they find, I may just require changed meds or I may need stents and/ or heart ablation. Uffda!! Hearing your testimonial REALLY took aware many of my fears by answering so many questions and gave me hope in an improved future! Listening to you at times brought me to tears or made me chuckle. You were a "Godsend" tonight. Tusen takk! 1,000 thanks in Norwegian
Thanks for being open about your procedure and the results. I had an ablation in 2020 for AFib so I know some of what you went through. Hope all continues to go well. Thanks for the video. Be Safe
Hi Keith. I found your video presentation to be very helpful. The pre surgery symptoms are exactly what I'm feeling now. I'm 59 with PVCs about 13% of the time. You gave me a good sense of what the procedure entails and what your experience was like. I love the (-2) day Keith, (+2) day Keith, and (+92) day Keith videos knitted together into a cohesive story which I found to be very compelling. I've recently been told that by my cardiologist (plumber) that we will first see how we do with adjusting the meds. If that doesn't relieve my symptoms sufficiently, then I'll be referred to another cardiologist (electrician) for consideration of ablation therapy. Thank you again so much for the information and the context. Very well presented!
Thanks so much for your great explanation of PVCs and treatment. I've had this for a decade and at 66 years of age, finally had to quit my heavy equipment/truck driving job. We don't really seem to have a medical system in Canada. I've had so many stress tests and the PVCs never show up as evidence. My GP booked a Holter Monitor but the earliest available date was six months out. Our doctors say PVCs are not a problem. On bad days I would miss every second beat for an hour. Just had to lay down and wait, right. Two years ago I started getting serious Atrial Fibrillation. I've had four sessions when the pain went from chest right through to the back and thought that the end was near. AF is 50% higher across the world since the Covid vaccinations, so it's likely that was what is causing my AF. I'm taking Nattokinase to dissolve the spike proteins and hope to eliminate this problem. Thanks so much for your thorough explanation of PVCs and the possibility of treatment. 👍
I’m am so grateful for your video. I am 60 and otherwise healthy and PVC’s are ruining my life. I had an allergic reaction to the medication. After watching this and a few other videos I begged to be referred to someone to do this procedure. Just today they said yes! I am much more afraid of living in this misery than having the procedure. I felt like I just had to keep waiting for them to come to this decision because they are the doctors. I hope I get my life back soon! Thank you!!!
Thanks for the great video. I have had pvcs recently. And am seeing a Cardiologist in 2 weeks for the first time. I was in the ER yesterday for pvcs every 3 or 4 beats. Ekg was normal. Your video was enlightening as I don't know anyone who has had them. Yesterday I thought I was gonna die.
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. I am a 62 year old man, healthy, productive and optimistic. My PVC and SVT are affecting my life and I am having an ablation next month. Watching your video was comforting and now I look forward to an improved lifestyle. Thanks
I am so happy to see your video. I get palpitations with PVCs. I haven't been able to work out for a year. Just walking causes my PVCs to triple. In 20 min, i had 145 PVCs with a heart rate of 135 beats. I am exhausted all the time. I hope to see the cardiologist this month to be back to normal. I used to bike ride, lift weights, and run. Now I can't walk to the next room.
Great video. I've had excessive PVCs for about three weeks now (>20%). PCP put me on meds, but I can't see cardiologist for another two months. In the meantime, I'm learning about the condition and available treatments. Your first hand video was very helpful in understanding the ablation treatment.
Ty for your time in making this video. I was in bigeminy until I was put on meds the. I no longer felt the “bounding” pulse of my heart but ekg’s don’t lie…. My pvc’s were only suppressed via meds… Ekg continued to show muti pvc,s…. I’m scheduled for an ablation at the end of the month ( I wasn’t told of needing a halter monitor again prior to the ablation… I will ask my EP doc) I was asked by my cardio if I wanted to also have an ICD (defibrillator) placed at the time of my ablation…( I said not @ this time) … My current ejection fraction is 24-27ish .. Again ty for your story…
Your video really helped me. I am going to have my Cardio Ablation next month for my SVT. I pray that my SVT is acting up so they can find it and take care of the problem. I will do the same before and after video to share with other. Thank you very much and great job. God bless you
This video was a breath of fresh air. I have my PVC ablation next week Tuesday 06/18/24 and wanted to hear about it from someone who went through with it. My PVC percentage is a bit more than yours at 24% of the time. I’m hoping to have a “new” heart as well next week. Thank you for this!
@@MikeYusf-cz8pi I feel great, man. The EP study and ablation has been a success. The cardiologist went through the groin. I was asleep for like half of the procedure and I didn't feel any pain. My heart shows sinus rhythm/waveform like 90 percent of the time. I don't feel any fluttering or skipped beats like I used to. I am due to see the cardiologist for a follow up appointment in 4-6 weeks. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you and I hope everything goes well. Ask me anything and I'll be happy to help.
@@MRSUCCESS_3 thank you man for that info, so i go tomorrow into the surgery having no fear? specially that i’m concerned about future risks because i’m 20 years old ana i play pro basketball
@@MikeYusf-cz8pi Well, all cases are different because we all have different anatomy but if you don't smoke, didnt have a vasectomy and you don't have any clogged arteries then you don't have a lot to worry about. It's a minimally invasive procedure and there's a team of about 6-8 people in the room. Believe me, they don't want anything to go wrong as much as you do.
I am in my 50ies now and had two ER visits last year due to PVCs( bigeminy). I am experiencing more PVC episodes.Just had 1 year follow up cardiologist visit. Schediled for treamill test. 4weeks MCT monitor (last year 2weeks mct).no sleep study this year as it was no apnea last year. Your video is very helpful because I now know what to expect. This allows me to be better prepared for the future.Thanks
I have pcvs and the symptoms you describe, such as heavy legs,hit the nail on the head for me. I was thinking i had some neurological problems, but many tests came back normal. Thanks for the video, well done.
Keith, you're THE BOSS!!! Extremely thoughtful and helpful of you to put this whole first hand experience on the internet and with such dignity and integrity. Well done and THANK YOU. No, I don't have any sort of medical condition, I've never heard the word "Ablation" and I'dve put money on "PVC" being a byproduct of the petrochemical industry but I have family members who have had medical procedures who would have benefited tremendously from a video such as this. The most significant point about it all is that it is explained so eloquently by "one of us" (patients) as opposed to "one of them" (medics).
Mine is scheduled April 22nd. Thank you for this. I've tried the medications which did not help. One actually made them worse. This gave me hope that I didn't have before.
I wish I’d watched this video BEFORE having my ablation! I just had the procedure yesterday. The way you describe your life with PVCs felt very very familiar. My procedure was a bit different. I was awake and I was not having heavy PVCs at the time. In my case they gave me adrenaline and boy did that do the trick. Once they could trigger the PVCs they went in for the ablation. Since I was awake and with light pain meds I could feel things. The only painful part was the actual shocking/burning part of the procedure. Honestly, it did not feel good. That said it wasn’t too long. Prob about 5-10 “zaps”. Then they added some more adrenaline, and could verify “success”. I’m pretty stoked about this all and wish I’d done it earlier.
I had one for a fib back in march they froze part off the heart but when I woke up I coughed my vane’s blew open my nurse froze but another nurse jumped on me to stop the bleeding. 10 months later I have lost 45 pd.and feel like a new man . Blood pressure was 195 now 120 ya it works. I would do it again if I have to. Every thing he told us about is real.thank you for sharing
I had PVC ablation in the UK Feb 2024. I wish we were put under anaesthetic here, but we are awake with light sedation. This made it simultaneously the best and worst thing to happen to me. It was not a pain-free free experience at all, but the immediate relief from the symptoms is brilliant. Keith, I've never heard someone talk about PVC symptoms like you, the degree of which was similar to mine. I wish I saw this a year ago because I feel really validated. All the best in your future.
Hi did you had ventricular arrthmia? I am bit confused about ventricular arrthmia and PVCs
Thank you for the very detailed explanation on how this procedure felt. But the most I liked about this video was to see a happy, confident person.
I have had occasional PVCs since I was 21. I am now 47 male and about 2 weeks ago I started getting them constantly out of nowhere. I am extremely fit and exercise 7 days/week lifting weights and cardio, have never been overweight and am extremely active and eat a very healthy diet. I get none during my workouts. When I am sitting down or lying down they happen nonstop. Like 1-2 every minute. I cannot live like this anymore and feel like I am going to die. Had a 3 day monitor last week and still waiting for the results. The earliest apt I could get with a cardiologist is 11/30. I can't believe they make people wait months for these appointments. It's crazy. They gave me propranolol (a beta blocker) to take in the meantime. I hate it. All it does is make me extremely tired and dizzy and does not help the PVCs. I still get them constantly. I have become depressed and don't want to go anywhere or do anything. I have pretty much been camped out at my parent's house because I am afraid to be alone because my constantly flip-flopping heart makes me feel like I am going to die. Anyone who has endured these is so incredibly brave. We should have a weekly support group meeting.
I know that feeling. Mine was to the stage where I was having 20 per minute or more (the day of surgery, it was over 30 per minute). You are strong. You will make it!
In my case, eating foods rich in Potassium (salmon, avacado, potatoes), in moderation, helped with the symptoms some and helped keep my spirits up. My Electrophysiologist cautioned me against excessive supplementation with Potassium. There is significant risk in overdoing it. I'd say it would be a good idea to learn and know the dietary guidelines if you are going to add more to your diet.
Keep your chin up!
@@winninginthewind Thanks. Did you every try any of the antiarrythmic drugs and if so did they work for you? If I need an ablation I'm hoping to take a drug if it actually works in the meantime to aleviate the symptoms.
@@Pat7629 I did not.
Try talking to your doctor about a cardio-selective beta-blocker, Propanolol was my first try and it's terrible, but the doctor was telling me he thought I had anxiety. 2 weeks later, having been in trigeminy for most of it, I was given Bisporolol, which is better therapeutically, but the side-effects are rough.
Your symptoms are very much like mine except I think I get a lot more PVCs than you. I was given various beta blockers and even a calcium channel blocker, and they did nothing. I'm currently on flecainide and an anti-coagulant for Afib, but the flecainide is no longer helping with the PVCs. There is always that fear in the back of one's mind that you'll collapse or die, even though that isn't reality. I think the stress makes them worse. It's totally normal for them to go away when you're exercising, and then come back when you're at rest. To me, the worst part is that they seem to get worse in the evening; I don't want to go to bed because lying down makes them feel much worse, with the skipping and thumping that I can feel all through my body. Can hardly get any sleep with that going on. I had an ablation 21 years ago for tachycardia, so I know what to expect (it's really no big deal), and now that I've developed Afib I'm going to have another one. The electrophysiologist said he'll try to find areas to ablate for the PVCs, too. Unfortunately the procedure is two months out, and I've got to put up with this until then. Take care and try not to worry so much. If PVCs are your only problem, you're not going to have a heart attack or die. It's just a really scary thing to put up with.
Thank you for this! I'm only 36 and I recently (2-ish years ago) noticed something was off. I finally went in and I talked to a "plumber" after realizing my heart was "skipping a beat", but he thankfully listened and gave me medication to try and then eventually referred me to an "electrician". I just saw the EP today, and he is recommending I'd look into getting the ablation, the sooner the better. My pvc is 20%. I will be doing awake ablation since the pvc will go away if they knock me out making it hard to zap it. I'm not too worried about the awake part since I was awake during my cataract surgery. As long as they can make me comfy and calm, well be golden. I'm excited to get it over with and start feeling normal again. I have come across gut issues during this so this will be one less thing to worry about and hopefully less anxiety. So I should be getting cured in about a month 😊
Glad it worked out so well for you!
Hmm 🤔 I’d love to hear more about the guy issues in relation to this.
Hey! Keep me updated. I have an ablation scheduled April 23rd
@@live.life.on.purpose same! having gut issues big time and wondering if there's a correlation
This was the best video I’ve seen from the patients perception. Thank you. I was in for an ablation the end of Feb. 2023 to correct PAC’s (I was also showing PVC’s but the PAC’s were worse. So he was going to correct that only on this procedure) during the procedure my heart went in to some pretty significant afib so he had to stop. (I wasn’t under general and you need to be for afib correction) he also found ‘flutter’ he did correct the flutter in hopes that would calm the afib and it did not. So now I’m in a holding pattern for 3 months waiting for that inflammation to resolve then he’s going back in. I’m also show a lot of PVC’s now and Sinus Rhythm w/Supraventricular Ectopy (which I believe to be the PAC’s), tachycardia and bradycardia… I too feel exhausted ALL the time. And I experience hard heavy beats in my heart that are sometimes scary. I have to really motivate myself to just get out of my recliner to do anything. But I keep making myself. I can not wait to have all this resolved. Thanks again for your awesome documentation video. Congratulations on your success!!!
Having an ablation in 6 days, pretty nervous about it. Your video was very helpful and I am going to proceed with more confidence. Thankyou for sharing your story❤
How did it go for you?
@@bryansalerno6078 it went great so far. Been 1 month, doc said I can still have a fib off and on over the next couple months but so far have just seen normal rhythm.
Going down this path now. Just got through with 14 days of monitoring. I’m a 30% misfire guy. Going to the electrician in about 3 weeks. Wish me luck at 71.
With a 42% burden of pvcs, I'm scheduled for an ablation in 5 days. I've been wiped out for over a year, barely functioning, and having the same morning leg issues that you describe. It is SO encouraging to know there's light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you for this fantastic video!
How did you do?
Thank you for a very informative video. Our son is having an ablation for PVCs next week. Glad you are doing well.
Ive had PVCs for 20 years. Im finally getting an ablation this september. I can't tell you how much i appreciate this video. Thanks for making it.
Thank you so much for sharing. I am going in for my ablation in a little over a week and hearing a good story including the recovery really puts my mind at ease. I was pretty cool with it already, but I may have my wife watch this because she's a bit freaked out. I love that you feel better than you have in 10 years. I felt that looking back I wonder how long I had my PVC cardiomyopathy issues. I remember being a skiier then one year my legs just had no strength and nearly ruined my trip - that was 10 years ago and made me think I'd never enjoy skiing again. Maybe that's not necessarily true. Your story about your 2 doctors is a great one to take note of. You have to be your own advocate. Doctors may go to school for decades but they aren't running around in your body 24-7, you are. You are the best QA to know if something is off. Trust that. Get other opinions if your issue isnt being addressed. Thanks again!
How did your surgery go?
@@CountryBoyTnn Pretty well. I could tell the difference right away - it was like my heart was 'quiet' for the first time in a while. They did have to wake me up during the procedure to get the PVCs to appear, that sucked a little. Post, my wounds healed up as predicted, almost 100% now. I did get a bacterial infection in my throat, I think from the intubation, so I am on antibiotics which cleared it up. Can't wait to be clear of that and blood thinners and start exercising.
Thank you for this helpful and comforting video.
I'm 33, male. I've been dealing with PVCs since 2021. Recently, I had an episode of palpitations and went to the emergency room. The ECG showed a delta wave, which had never appeared before in any of my previous ECGs, Holter monitors, or stress tests.
They told me I need to see an electrophysiologist, which terrified me. I couldn't sleep for five days, worrying there was a major issue.
Watching your video has been a real relief. I'll wait for my appointment with the EP specialist without fear. Thanks for sharing.
What happened since?
I’m 67, an athlete,climbs, runs,lifts, etc. For 3 years I have been weakening despite regular workouts. Went to ER 3 years ago and told I am fine likely some atherosclerosis,prescribed a statin. Never regained my strength and fighting chest pain continuously.Recently went to ER with major chest pain, shallow breathing. Had an angiogram performed and arteries were clear. My diagnosis was PVC’s . 1 pvc every 12 seconds. I met with a local electrophysiologist who scheduled me for an ablation. YEAH, finally can look forward to feeling normal again. As you mentioned , I am so used to chest pain, I wont know how to act. Thanks for your video, it gives me comfort and hope to get back to normal soon.
Booked in for a pvc ablation on Monday, this video has put my mind at rest.
I had my PVC ablation also 7 days ago, Im just 37 years old and I can tell the difference before and after ng procedure. I've been diagnosed with PVC's 5 yrs. Ago until recently I had also similar symptoms like yours Keith like chestpain, shortness of breath and fatigue. Iv'e been in and out of e.r. and ICU because of it and my potassium is always low even if I'm eating foods with high potassium (now it was explained to me by my EPS cardiologist that my heart is using too much potassium because of the PVC's because our heart is a muscle-that's why I always have hypokalemia). I've tried different meds like beta blockers, TMZ etc. But I cannot tolerate it's side effects which made me a good candidate for ablation.. Now I'm glad that I had it (but I was awake during the procedure and it was extremely painful everytime they will ablate the tissue in my heart). My cardiologist explained to me that I need to be awake during the almost 4hrs procedure because sometimes if you are sleeping during the procedure the PVC's might not show because you are at rest so I need to be awake the entire procedure. It's not easy though but the pain is worth it. My chest feels quiet now that I have to check my pulse every now and then just to make sure I'm breathing. There are still timea that my O2 sat would drop while I'm asleep maybe I also need to undergo sleep study for that. But overall I can say that I'm on my road to recovery now. Thank God.
Thanks for sharing, very helpful. Am going through this now, trying to get referral for ablation. My potassium wasn't low, but definitely felling the fatigue/symptoms from >20,000 PVCs/day.
Hi Keith! I am 29 years old with *very frequent*, drug refractory, PACS.
Thought benign 20-25 years ago, my doctors are now realizing it is a totally mitigatable risk factor for new onset AFIB, and even cryptogenic stroke.
So happy the EP community is seeing these as non benign before things like atrial remodeling are allowed to set in.
It's quite a waiting game now, but I had an ablation for AVNRT 11 years ago, I know what to expect.
Wishing you the very best!
I just turned 69 in March. Decent shape. Had ectopic beats for over 20 years. Recently ( December 19, 2023 ) had surgery for a leaky Mitral valve that had 50-60% regurgitation. Was a minimally invasive procedure to repair it. Was hoping that the ectopic beats / pvc’s would’ve been corrected as well. Not the case. Heart rate is 39-54 usually. Have about 10 pvc a minute. So around 20% While in Cardiac rehab on an exercise bike for 40 minutes and going all the way to level 15 my heart rate only got to 68 bpm even tho I was sweating and breathy heavily! Wore a Holter monitor for two weeks that came off last Friday. Have an appointment in two days ( April 5 ) with Cardiologist to review the results. Thank you for this video. I will feel a lot better if he recommends ablation because of it.
My friend, surgery for leaky mitral valve is not going to cure PVCs. PVCs are caused by totally different reason. You need ablation for PVCs.
I’m on the verge of tears. 🥲 You have described my life with PVCs. I came searching specifically for a video that was PVC ablation and here you are! This is so incredibly helpful and encouraging. I feel like this condition is so dismissed by medical professionals. I told my cardiologist that I’m experiencing a level of fatigue I’ve never dealt with in my life and he said “that’s not associated with your condition”. Ugh! I’m getting ready to have my first visit with an Electrophysiologist. Your information will help my journey! Thank you.
I hope it goes well. I don't know if some Dr's will ever learn to hear their patients. Not everything is clearly defined in a textbook.
Thanks for the video. I have the same issue and will be having an ablation sometime before the end of the year. It's encouraging to hear how much more energetic you felt after. I am 63 and fairly active, but I know this is dragging me down. Looking forward to being a "new man"!
Thank you for this video i am scheduled for an ablation on Dec 11 2023 and was nervous about it but after watching your experience with the surgery I am a little bit less apprehensive about my procedure
Good luck!
How are doing now?
34yr old male, had my ablation for pvc and VT 6 days ago. It was in a hard location by an artery and valve deep in my tissue. I feel great today and no pvc have returned yet. Hope everyone going through this has great results! Thanks for the video, really helped me leading up to surgery!
Wishing you love xxx
Great to hear!! Hope your doing well! I’m scheduled for an ablation for afib. I Get a lot of pvc’s and occasional afib, Neither is fun to deal with and I’m ready to feel normal again!!
Was it under general anesthesia ?
How many pvc did u got per day pls reply me
Try coQ10 100mg twice a day
Omg!!! Thank you for sharing this!!!! I’m scheduled to have my ablation April 18 2023 and I’m so ready for it! I could’ve cried when you were explaining how you felt before because that’s how I’m feeling and been feeling for at least 7 years no energy just tired all the time and wanting to do things and just can’t because I’m tired all the time. I try to explain to my hubby and daughter how I feel and I know they don’t know or understand but if they only knew the everyday struggles I have been facing for years. I’m praying I can feel good again and get my life back fully. Thanks again for sharing! You really hit home
How are you doing? Did you have the ablation?
So how was the ablation ?
So how did it go? I hope you’re doing well
Thank you Keith. I've just been diagnosed with PVC's so I'm trying to educate myself with every aspect of this condition. Your video has provided so so much insight, I'm so grateful to have found you (your video)
Having RF Cardiac Ablation in two days. This video really helped me to actually look forward to the procedure rather than worry.
How did everything go?
My ablation is now 7 days away. Glad I found your video. I too have no gumption, no desire to do anything. My count is low, but I do have bradycardia. Today has been beat, beat, skip, repeat all day. I will remember to ask about caffeine. Now I take Xanax because the calming also eases my heart nerves and I’m concerned if I take Xanax getting anxious about the procedure, they won’t identify the bad area (s).
How did your surgery go?
@@CountryBoyTnn It was fantastic. Have not felt a PVC since, use my Samsung watch to verify. Entire change in energy, mentally outlook has flipped so I'm looking forward to summer instead of dreading it. Multiple doctors did not think it was a problem, needed to get to major hospital and they recognized immediately I had a serious problem, were concerned it may have already caused cardiomyopathy, and since cardiac MRI showed it hadn't, scheduled ablation ASAP.
I can tell you this about the Xanax. Xanax helps with anxiety. So if you take it daily, even .5 MG 1 time a day, for awhile you gain a tolerance. And with this start creating rebound anxiety. Anxiety can cause palpitations and skip beats. I know because this happened to me. And then the week I got a Holter monitor I decided to stop the Xanax. My heart was doing a Disco beat to a Heavy Metal rhythm. When I finally got results for the monitor they mentioned I had PVCs. I asked when did they mostly occur. They said in the beginning...when I had stopped the Xanax. I have not taken Xanax since. And I was able to get the PVCs under control with diet change and 6-7 days of cardio.
@@Lesspaw41 But my reason for taking Valium, then Tranxene, and finally Xanax, was PVCs that were disabling. In 1973, after bouts of hours beat, skip, beat, skip, doctor tried Valium and sleep, PVCs gone. Through the years I’ve been prescribed these benzodiazepines only when PVCs were triggered. Now, 50 years later, they didn’t do the trick. Thorough exam including cardiac MRI to determine if 78 years of PVCs weakened my heart seriously (oh, also I had SVT all my life), and doctors determined time to do something major. Now, 6 weeks later, I’m weaning off benzodiazepines because of danger dropping them suddenly, have not felt this well mentally and physically in ages. So what works for you is not a cure all for all. 78 years of SVT and PVCs - something I wouldn’t wish on anyone.
I am so thankful I found your video. Your experience is exactly what I have experienced. I am 3 days post pvc ablation. I have spent hours researching trying to find others that I could relate to, most videos made me feel more scared. I wish I had found you prior to my ablation because I wouldn’t have been so scared. Thank you for making this video!
I developed PVCs about 3 years ago at age 31, and nothing has kept them away for longer than a few days at a time at the best of times. At the worst, they keep me awake at night, they bang in my chest all day, and the bigeminy runs are so bad at times that I’m winded to the point of nearly passing out. I recently saw a new cardiologist who suggested ablation, and I can’t thank you enough for a thorough run-through of what the experience could be like. I have a strong feeling that I’ll be a brand new man as well if we can find the node that’s causing all of my issues. Seriously, thank you - this video means more to me than you will know!
I’ve had them for over 10 years. Just had the procedure yesterday. I’m now in my mid-40s. I wish I’d done it earlier.
Thank you for sharing this story with us. I just left my doctor and he is sending me to a specialist who will probably do an ablation on me and your video was very informative and helped me understand what is about to happen and it eased my mind on having the procedure. Thanks again
I have the same problems as Keith, and 20.000 PVC/daily. I consider Ablation, but are still in doubt. After seeing this fine video, I will act now and get my ablation a.s.a.p. Thank you Keith.
I recently (4days ago) underwent an ablation and mapping. I had had heart issues for about 10 years. I went for yearly checkups with a electrophysiologist. EKG, EEG, Stress tests and an extended halter monitor. I'm an ex smoker which doesn't help matters. The strange thing is I never felt the PVC's. But from testing we knew they were there. About a year ago I started feeling the fatigue issues. Shortness of breath. It was time for my yearly cardio check up in late August of last year. My heart efficiency numbers had dropped by almost 50%. That meant the valves were starting to get out of sync. So I go through another battery of tests. My Dr. concluded there were no blockages or muscle tissue issues. Simply put I had a few short circuits in my heart. As time drew closer for my procedure I got covid. The procedure was postponed for a month. I go in back in late November for another try at it. The anesthesiologist after listening to my lungs wouldn't proceed. So I spend the next couple of months undergoing sleep studies and raspatory therapy. Turns out I had sever sleep apnea. Finally the pulmonologist cleared me to proceed. I arrive for the procedure, prepped and taken into the OR. Unfortunately I wasn't having any PVC's so they had to medically induce them. The procedure ended up being just over 5 hours long. I was held overnight for observation. During the night while under observation I thought I had a heart attack. SCARED the crap out of me. Chest pain, pain in my right shoulder and neck. I was told that it wasn't a heart attack but pain in the heart from inflammation as they ablated multiple spots. The neck and shoulder pain were from being in a very uncomfortable position on the OR table. (I'm rather large 66 year old man. 6'2" and almost 300lb and those tables are nothing but a flat slab of steel, very narrow with no padding) Like I said at the top I'm now 4 days out and this has been a game changer. My energy level is through the roof. I resumed my walking routine this morning. BUT HERE'S THE REAL WINNER. My psychological outlook, health, call it what you want is nothing short of remarkable. I'm not living in a "fog" anymore. We won't know for certain if the ablations will hold. I will undergo more testing in about 2 months. The Dr. was looking for a 70% reduction in "extra beats" that lead to the PVC's. I was fortunate of have an electrophysiologist from Johns Hopkins do this procedure.
Thank you for sharing your video, I’m a 55 year old female. I also have heavy PVC’s and SVT’s. I just found out today that I need an Ablation and found your video very helpful. I find that one of the best resources are people who have experienced the same issues.
Glad to hear that is done and behind you Keith, and even more that it worked so well. To hear that you are back to jogging, says a lot. I hope this marks a point where you have heard the last of it. Thanks for sharing the experience.
Thanks 👍
Keith, I have been learning a lot from your channel-especially enjoyed learning how to find "touch point." You are intelligent and well spoken, and this is your best output yet for many reasons. My wife is an RN with experience in cardiac ICU in Salem, and she also appreciated your story. Best!
Thank you so much. You helped me out. I dont think you realize how greatful I am for your video. You have changed my life
You are so welcome
Just found your video. 65y/o male, my symptoms sound very similar to what you experienced. Although I believe that I have far fewer PVCs than you were experiencing. I haven't been told a number, but I am guessing in the low 10s of thousands compared to you 100s of thousands. However, I still experience the chest pain, weird feeling in my chest, fatigue and other things you described. Also when I sit still or lay down the PVCs seems to get worse with me as well. I just want to thank you for taking the time to share your story, and articulating it so very well. Your story really helped my thinking as I approach some of the same questions that you wrestled with. Thank you Keith.
Hi Keith,
My wife had similar problems and corrective surgery. I am also a newish reloader. I love your heart health message and reloading tips, good health to you. You are a real assest to reloading world and glad you had positive results.
I just had this procedure done 2 days ago and am feeling much better already. Only one small area needed ablation, but I had PVCs of ~20,000/day (20%). No pain whatsoever, and I was asleep for the entire procedure so felt absolutely nothing. If you've had a colonoscopy, it (most likely) will be a lot like the anesthesia that you're given for that procedure. My fatigue level was probably at an 8/9 pre-procedure, now down to 1/2, and looking forward to feeling even better as my heart heals. Very glad to have done this, and appreciate the insight for the author of this video on his experience in having this!
Great video, I had the PVC ablation and I’m feeling better after the first day. My feeling and thoughts are identical to the way you describe what your experience was like. I’m a 53 year old male so I’m definitely looking forward to a somewhat new beginning. I miss exercising and work.
Thank you for this video. I just started having PVCs
Keith thank you with all my heart Kind Sir (no pun intended)
I’ve been a subscriber since early on my friend and you just further confirm your selfless, considerate & educational approach right here with your personal health condition
You Sir are a true diamond in a mountain of good, pearly specialist rifle channels on YT
Your precision, yet down to earth humility, attention to absolute detail, yet relaxed smooth style coupled with articulate communication in ear warming tone - without the overbearing music so often accompanying even reasonable YT channels is a pleasure I look forward to learning from
You have an innate ability to transfer knowledge in a non-condescending empowering context Keith - please carry on just as you are Sir
May God richly bless you and keep you & yours in the best possible health brother
Warm regards
From a brother in the Deep South of Down Under Australia 🇦🇺 Tasmania
Just got results of three-day Holter and it showed 86,000+ PVCs with a "burden" of 20%. Did a 24-hour Holter in June 2023 and the burden was 11%. Tried a beta blocker but just could not tolerate it (Metoprolol). My guess? Ablation is in my future. I hate this pounding in my chest. And most days I take a NAP - argh. I do not have time for naps. Hope my situation improves and I have renewed energy like you did! Thanks for your candor and "historical" video!
This is great. Something my son has been going through. He is finally on the right track to fixing this issue. We are waiting on his ablation. Thanks again!
wife gets procedure in 2 days. this vid has removed most doubts. thanks
I had an RF ablation at Mayo Clinic in 1992 for SVT (39 years old) now I’m in Bigeminy 100% of the time and waiting on a call from my electrophysiologist to schedule an ablation for that at 71.
My electrophysiologist recommended magnesium taurate
Wow, just found your channel through this video. I have been suffering frequent (every 3-5 beats) PVCs since my daughter was born in February 2022. I have an ongoing playlist of my own going with updates and just to comfort others that are experiencing PVCs.
My burden is similar to what yours was, I too, have seen two cardiologists, one is an EP but he didn’t push for the Ablation. Basically said what you did (from your online research) that PVCs aren’t dangerous and I can either take meds, do ablation or deal with em, up to me he said and appt was over.
I am trying everything under the sun to at least reduce them, jogging/running for 20 min seems to be the most effective. I’ll run in the AM and for a few hours after I only get maybe 5-10 PVCs a minute.
Much appreciate your ablation story, very well done. I am very fearful of any kind of surgery so an ablation is IMO a last resort, at least for me. I will continue to try a few things and give it until at least next summer before I decide if an ablation is worth it.
Thank you again for this video, it truly is very helpful.
Great video. There is very little out there for PVC ablations and I was so happy to have found your video. I am considering ablation. Verapamil and Propranolol just aren't cutting it. We've tweaked these meds and I still have multiple PVCs all day.. bigeminy, trigeminy and who knows what else. So tired of hearing cardiology and EP say they are benign, yet they completely take over your life...make you feel like crap; chest pain that you try to discern if its your PVCs or are you actually dying this time; the lifestyle changes because you are trying to learn what sets you off and you avoid it like the plague, yet still at times, there's no rhyme or reason, and it's just a terrible 'PVC day'. I keep time as to things "before my heart stuff started" and after. You know how it is. Anyway. Thanks for sharing your experience. Glad to hear things are better - gives the rest of us hope!
Hi Jada, you may be surprised but there has actually been a LOT of information on PVC ablation published over the decades but it tends to be highly technical. The people who publish the research are called Electrophysiologists. There are thousands of them around the world and they are based in Universities, Hospitals and Cardiac Research institutions. They have their own forums, professional bodies and conferences where they publish and talk about their research. They are the ones who actually perform the ablations. I suffer from PVCs too. Though my ectopic burden is low (about 1%) I feel them often throughout the day and they can be hard to ignore sometimes. I'm particularly interested in Pulsed Field Ablation. If you haven't heard about this you may want to look into it. PFA is still quite new and under development but it seems very promising and potentially safer than RF or Cryo ablation. Personally I'm quite excited about it and I'm watching keenly to see how the technology develops.
Thanks so much for sharing! I'm 72 now and have been tortured by PVCs on and off for 30 years. When I was 45 they progressed to RVOT tachycardia, for which I underwent a catheter ablation in 2002. No more V-tach, but I was left with tons of PVCs for years. They finally settled down on their own somewhat, but would re-emerge for no reason for a week or so and then disappear again. Lying down and trying to relax or sleep is always the worst! In June my heart beat became extremely irregular and I knew it wasn't just PVCs. Went to the emergency room, and it turned out to be Afib. I've decided to have an ablation for the Afib, and the electrophysiologist is also going to try to ablate for PVCs...they've returned and have gotten bad again.
I had an ablation for AFIB back in 2019. However I’m trying to see if another ablation would work on all the PVCs I’ve been having. My PVCs really scare me. But I hate it when I go to the VA doctor (cardiologist) and he says it’s normal… to just “change my diet and exercise” but with my PVCs and fluttering heart rate it makes me not want to do anything. I used to run a lot too, but now even walking scares me. PVCs mixed with anxiety sucks so bad! But I really enjoyed your video and I appreciate your content.
Great and helpful video. Wish I saw before my procedure which was three days ago. Doing well, some chest discomfort, but already having normal heart rhythm. Amazing! I felt same as you, wanted to fix it rather than use meds to control it. I am a 66 year old female. Very happy so far that I did this, however I did not have anesthesia, was told I needed to be awake as the anesthesia would or could suppress my PVC’s. It was tolerable but holding still for two hours was the hardest part. Thanks for this video even good to watch afterwards knowing other people have my exact problem.
Super glad to hear and see your procedure went well and you obviously improved! 👍👍👍 And, I am glad you figured out the doctors fairly quickly. Not all doctors are the same in every part of medical practice. I have been to the ER 3 times earlier this year and NONE of the doctors caught my issue with my blood pressure spikes going over 220/110. Turns out it was mostly my diet where when I drank a fruit smoothie, within a few hours my pressure went to stroke level. I had to figure this out on my own. I was put on two different BP meds and was actually told sometimes they just do not know what causes it. After some research, I learned most doctors do not have a clue about nutrition and had very very little instruction in it as part of their education. Since then, I changed my diet to a ketovore diet and increased my potassium intake. My BP has dropped and I took myself off one of the BP meds and I am loosing my excess weight. Things are looking up! Now, if I could find primers and my favorite powders!
Thank you for the informed video. Just had my Ablation 5 days ago. And they didn't find any PVC'S during the surgery. Very frustrating now!!! As I sit here and type this message the PVC's are kicking my butt. Seeing my Cardiologist tomorrow for follow up. Stress test is next to see what happens. Wish me PVC's. This has put a big SNAG in my life lately. Need to get this resolved and get back to my normal life. I'm very active myself and can't do much. Thank you again. There is hope!!
Excellent break down of this condition and the procedure. I'm so glad you posted this video. Thank you!
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. Let me just say that I was worried about my PVC’s to the point of depression and what I had done to cause this. Educating yourself is key and you have been a god send in understanding what I’m feeling and that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Waiting for my appointment to see what my options are but I too wore a monitor for21 days a Chad two stress tests. Be well!
I’m very happy for you Keith. Keep on living and shooting!!!
Great video, thanks for taking the time. I'm a healthy 80 year old male, and recently was confirmed with PC's exceeding 20% of the time. My excellent "Plumber", forwarded me to the "Electrician".. [great analogy] and cofirmed what was going on with a 12 lead electrocardiogram. Which is not normal in a "Plumber's" area (great heat surgeon, but focused on blockage, not heart rhythm). My PVC'S seem to have been induced by a serious dehydration event, and suddenly showed up, plus other current meds that blocked testosterone. Thanks, you confirmed new feelings of some tiredness, even though I'm asymptomatic. And it correlates with when i only sleep 5-6 hours. I'm very active (or was) and currently having troubles walking more than 5K (3 mi), but used to walk 10K plus (8 mi) twice a week last year. Iplan to have ablation next March, since no immediate rush. Thanks for sharing and adding cinfidence to my decision.
I'm happy to hear that you got this behind you. I must say I found this video as interesting as all the others.
THANK YOU SO MUCH. I was suffering with the same symptoms that you described for years and thought I was having panic attacks. You explained everything so clearly. I'm looking forward to feeling better soon. Thanks again and take care.
This is priceless info. & info. from your experience !!.....VERY kind & generous of you to share !!...Thank You Sir !! I, aswell, experienced PVC's aswell - 16 yrs. ago & then quit on their own, (whole other big-long story), & for the past 2 yrs, have been experiencing occasional 4000rpm periodically at nights, (whole other bid-long story), ....that said, why I appreciate info & experience from others on heart issues - Thanks Again & hope all continues to go well for you.
I appreciated you did this video. As you, I saw a cardiologist that sent me home without treatment and said I need sleep study. My second dr found that I need an ablation. I feel very tire most of time and I hope is PVC's. I have: 1 PVC 2 normal beats with medication. Previous I had bigeminy, 2 normal beats and 1 pvc. My ablation will be in less than a week and you give me hope. Thanks.
I hope the doctors are able to do for you what they did for me! I still feel great!
@@winninginthewind Thanks, It was done on 26. I am feeling better. Big change. Thanks again.
Thanks Keith. Follow your gut feeling. Don't be afraid of a second opinion if you have any doubt about your doctor. Well done.
Wow! I had no idea that you had this condition. Glad to know you are doing and feeling better. I like intelligent people like you.
I am 2 days out from my pvc ablation and my energy is coming back slow but sure. I have zero regrets about this procedure and glad I did it. I only wish I had found your video before. Thank you for being candid and sharing your very personalexperience
How r u
Keith - Sorry to hear you had a heart problem at all, but I'm really happy with your outcome. Heart issues are what ultimately caused my retirement from flying as a CFI/II. In my case it was a sticky heart. It was fixed with a stent, followed by bypass, and then another stent. At that point I was 75 and was tired of dealing with FAA cardiac procedures, so I elected to retire. Today I fine, just old (approaching 80).
I don't mean to make this about me. It's really just commiserating.
Stay well Keith. Keep the greasy side down.
I've had 4 ablations for afib,svt,bradycardia,ect. Finally had an AV node ablation in 2018 and a CRT pacemaker placed to control my ventricular rate during an arrhythmia. Lately my pvc burden has been approaching 50 per hour and put me in the hospital. I'm going for a ROTV pvc ablation at the University of Pennsylvania. I'm highly symptomatic with ptsd and anxiety so I'm praying it works.
I am 40 years old and a couple of years back I had as many as 35000 pvcs per day. I have been receiving Flecainide (Flecardia) of 200 mg per day for two years now. I forgot it about just one day and the pvcs came back in no time. I believe this procedure is a no brainer. Many thanks for creating this video. I have only been in general anaesthesia once before in my life and i am afraid of these wires moving inside the vein to reach the heart. I wonder if my fears are justified at all.
Thank You, Thank You Thank you, Just what I wanted to hear. Your story was exactly my story. I'm scheduled for the procedure in a month but the symptoms and experience with the doctors were the same. I was finally assigned to a rhythm cardio doctor and he was why didn't they refer you sooner. I now feel better about my decision to do the procedure.
47yr old female. I’ve lived with PVC’s for 3 years now, juggling different medications that work for a while and then slowly stop working. Not to mention the side effects! When the PVC’s ‘hit’, they hit hard, causing a small cough and pain. It is exhausting. I’m on my 4th medication now and it also is not as effective as when I first started it. It is so frustrating!!!
Your video has answered a lot of questions for me and given me the confidence to speak with my new cardiologist about ablation. Thank you!
Thank you! I have SVT and had 1 failed ablation the last of February - I went into AFib when my heart was stimulated with drugs to induce the SVT! Had another Ablation April 1st - all was good until July 22 when I had some SVTs that lasted awhile! So my Electrophysiologist wants to see a full recording of my Loop Recorder so I had to transfer the ability of the Dr who placed the Loop Recirder to the Dr who did my ablation! He is surprised I think that I am having these episodes this long after my ablation and wants to see if I might have Afib! I’ve tried to research but I am more confused now than before! I think my situation is different from yours but your video was awesome! I’m waiting to see what the next step is! Than you for this video.
Keith, thank you so much for sharing this. I was born with tetralogy of fallot and had open heart surgery at 2. My surgery was successful and for over 30 years, I was completely normal, not a single complication. At 34, I began having episodes of afib and my life has been taken over by it. It’s been 2 years now, I’m 36 and after two recent episodes of my heart rate skyrocketing and me passing out, my cardiologist recommended I do an ablation in fear that I may also have VT. Hearing your words and how you describe what you feel makes me feel understood finally. Like you, I can feel my heart beat and thump so much that my body actually bounces. My symptoms consume me and I cannot stop thinking about what could happen. My ablation is 3 weeks from today and though I am very scared, your video helps tremendously. Thank you.
How did it go mate?
Thank you for the video. Great information. Have a PVC burden of about 37% so an ablation is very possibly in my future.
Thank you for making this video. I think it'll help a lot of people who are suffering from the same condition.
Thank you for sharing. I spent a year being followed by a cardiologist for pvcs. She was excellent for trying to find out what caused mine and she narrowed it down to potassium but couldn’t tell why. She ran every test imaginable. Any way, the meds exhausted me to the point I was struggling at work and they finally took me off them. I had no problems for another 8 years!!! Now they started up way worse than I ever had them before. I had chest pain for the first time ever. Now I have an appointment with a different cardiologist since mine retired. Wish me luck.
Best of luck to you! Feel better!
Have them check for hyperaldosteronism. My wife’s potassium was very low and her blood pressure wouldn’t come down. I finally researched and got her doctor to test for high aldosterone and she had it. At some point along the way the PVCs began and she is having ablation tomorrow. Also get checked for obstructive sleep apnea. My wife has that as well. Anyone with sleep apnea and drug resistant high blood pressure should be screened for hyperaldosteronism, which can also cause low potassium.
Thank you for your sharing and I am glad you recovered well. I think this is the only video on YT that explains the procedure from a patient's POV which is great for those who wants to know more.
I suffered from PVC as well (~19%) and that hindered my pursual of my pilot career even tho I didn't really feel the discomfort like you do. I had my ablation in May 2023 and it was successful. It went from almost 1 PVC in every 5 heart beats to literally none. So after a year of monitoring, I finally had my aviation medical cleared and is undergoing my cadet pilot training in Hong Kong. That was indeed a life changer.
I had some fairly minor heart issues a year or so back, nothing to the extent that you've been dealing with, and it's not pleasant. You always wonder if your heart is going to go completely haywire and leave you pushing daisies. But there's nothing like feeling healthy after being down. I've had RF ablations on my low back to relieve some excruciating pain and my outcome has also been quite good. The condition is still there but with the nerves unable to transmit, I don't feel the pain... well, at least not much anyway. I limped in and walked out of the procedure. It has to be repeated about once a year but it keeps me active and a productive member of society. I'm glad you got a great outcome, life has a much sweeter flavor now I'm sure.
While, the analogy of the electricians versus plumbers is quite common, I think you will find that most electrophysiologists or EPs are specialized similar to surgeons and don't see patients on a regular basis.
They work with you prior to your ablation during your ablation and follow-up, but after that you are usually referred back to your regular cardiologist.
Thank you SO much for sharing your story so sincerely and informatively. I have dealt with PVCs and supraventricular tachycardia so I know EXACTLY what you were talking about with the physical symptoms. Often just sitting quietly, my heart would start racing up to 205 BPM or decide to slow down and skip beats. I could also feel it in my chest and my neck. When first diagnosed years ago the Holter monitor showed that I had had hundreds of "episodes" in any given day which could have put me into cardiac arrest if I hadn't resumed beating. Pretty frightening! Also I was so fatigued that I'd have to sit on the steps several times to rest trying to get up 14 stairs to my upper level. I chuckled when you spoke about electricians vs. plumbers. Quite literally the Dr told me the "plumbing" of your heart is great. But your "electrical system" is all kapoot! In my situation Metoprolol slowed down my heart rate and normalized my rhythms. It was truly a miracle!!! From several dozens of "episodes" per week that I was aware of, these were reduced to only a few per month. Let me say, these were the episodes that were SO bad that they almost floored me. When I was on the Holter, often the nurse would call me up to ask me what I had been doing at a certain time because my heart was racing. Many of these less severe episodes I actually was not even aware of because they weren't too bad, but the Holter caught every one of them.
I have been doing great for 7 years, but in recent months been noticing my heart racing for no good reason, often getting winded and feeling VERY fatigued. At my yearly physical I mentioned these familiar symptoms and asked for a stress test and Holter. Apparently I have a blockage now so will have an angiogram next week. So now, in my mid sixties, I have both plumbing and electrical heart problems. Depending on what they find, I may just require changed meds or I may need stents and/ or heart ablation. Uffda!!
Hearing your testimonial REALLY took aware many of my fears by answering so many questions and gave me hope in an improved future! Listening to you at times brought me to tears or made me chuckle. You were a "Godsend" tonight. Tusen takk! 1,000 thanks in Norwegian
Thanks for being open about your procedure and the results. I had an ablation in 2020 for AFib so I know some of what you went through. Hope all continues to go well. Thanks for the video. Be Safe
Hi Keith. I found your video presentation to be very helpful. The pre surgery symptoms are exactly what I'm feeling now. I'm 59 with PVCs about 13% of the time. You gave me a good sense of what the procedure entails and what your experience was like. I love the (-2) day Keith, (+2) day Keith, and (+92) day Keith videos knitted together into a cohesive story which I found to be very compelling. I've recently been told that by my cardiologist (plumber) that we will first see how we do with adjusting the meds. If that doesn't relieve my symptoms sufficiently, then I'll be referred to another cardiologist (electrician) for consideration of ablation therapy. Thank you again so much for the information and the context. Very well presented!
You made my decision easy and boy is the difference noticeable. The ablation went smoothly and what you said is happening. To the T. Thank you sir.
Thanks so much for your great explanation of PVCs and treatment. I've had this for a decade and at 66 years of age, finally had to quit my heavy equipment/truck driving job. We don't really seem to have a medical system in Canada. I've had so many stress tests and the PVCs never show up as evidence. My GP booked a Holter Monitor but the earliest available date was six months out. Our doctors say PVCs are not a problem. On bad days I would miss every second beat for an hour. Just had to lay down and wait, right.
Two years ago I started getting serious Atrial Fibrillation. I've had four sessions when the pain went from chest right through to the back and thought that the end was near. AF is 50% higher across the world since the Covid vaccinations, so it's likely that was what is causing my AF. I'm taking Nattokinase to dissolve the spike proteins and hope to eliminate this problem.
Thanks so much for your thorough explanation of PVCs and the possibility of treatment.
👍
I’m am so grateful for your video. I am 60 and otherwise healthy and PVC’s are ruining my life. I had an allergic reaction to the medication. After watching this and a few other videos I begged to be referred to someone to do this procedure. Just today they said yes! I am much more afraid of living in this misery than having the procedure. I felt like I just had to keep waiting for them to come to this decision because they are the doctors. I hope I get my life back soon! Thank you!!!
Thanks for the great video. I have had pvcs recently. And am seeing a Cardiologist in 2 weeks for the first time. I was in the ER yesterday for pvcs every 3 or 4 beats. Ekg was normal. Your video was enlightening as I don't know anyone who has had them. Yesterday I thought I was gonna die.
My cardiologist prescribed 2 hours of kitten videos following watching the news.
I might need that prescription too...
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. I am a 62 year old man, healthy, productive and optimistic. My PVC and SVT are affecting my life and I am having an ablation next month. Watching your video was comforting and now I look forward to an improved lifestyle. Thanks
I am so happy to see your video. I get palpitations with PVCs. I haven't been able to work out for a year. Just walking causes my PVCs to triple. In 20 min, i had 145 PVCs with a heart rate of 135 beats. I am exhausted all the time. I hope to see the cardiologist this month to be back to normal. I used to bike ride, lift weights, and run. Now I can't walk to the next room.
Betablockers usually help PVCs triggered by activity.
Iam the same got fed up ..mine caused by Covid, disappeared for a year and half and then returned back with vengeance
Great video. I've had excessive PVCs for about three weeks now (>20%). PCP put me on meds, but I can't see cardiologist for another two months. In the meantime, I'm learning about the condition and available treatments. Your first hand video was very helpful in understanding the ablation treatment.
Which meds? And prior to the three weeks, had you had any?
I have same percentage of pvcs and ablation is recommended by the dr. Right now on metoprolol
See my comment today about electrohypersensitivity. Might be interesting
How incredibly helpful to hear this. So grateful to you for sharing this!
Ty for your time in making this video. I was in bigeminy until I was put on meds the. I no longer felt the “bounding” pulse of my heart but ekg’s don’t lie…. My pvc’s were only suppressed via meds… Ekg continued to show muti pvc,s…. I’m scheduled for an ablation at the end of the month ( I wasn’t told of needing a halter monitor again prior to the ablation… I will ask my EP doc) I was asked by my cardio if I wanted to also have an ICD (defibrillator) placed at the time of my ablation…( I said not @ this time) … My current ejection fraction is 24-27ish .. Again ty for your story…
“Plumber or electrician”. Good advice, thank you.
Your video really helped me. I am going to have my Cardio Ablation next month for my SVT. I pray that my SVT is acting up so they can find it and take care of the problem. I will do the same before and after video to share with other. Thank you very much and great job. God bless you
How did ablation go buddy??
This video was a breath of fresh air. I have my PVC ablation next week Tuesday 06/18/24 and wanted to hear about it from someone who went through with it. My PVC percentage is a bit more than yours at 24% of the time. I’m hoping to have a “new” heart as well next week. Thank you for this!
how u feel ? my ablation is tomorrow
@@MikeYusf-cz8pi I feel great, man. The EP study and ablation has been a success. The cardiologist went through the groin. I was asleep for like half of the procedure and I didn't feel any pain. My heart shows sinus rhythm/waveform like 90 percent of the time. I don't feel any fluttering or skipped beats like I used to. I am due to see the cardiologist for a follow up appointment in 4-6 weeks.
I'll keep my fingers crossed for you and I hope everything goes well. Ask me anything and I'll be happy to help.
@@MRSUCCESS_3 thank you man for that info, so i go tomorrow into the surgery having no fear? specially that i’m concerned about future risks because i’m 20 years old ana i play pro basketball
@@MikeYusf-cz8pi Well, all cases are different because we all have different anatomy but if you don't smoke, didnt have a vasectomy and you don't have any clogged arteries then you don't have a lot to worry about. It's a minimally invasive procedure and there's a team of about 6-8 people in the room. Believe me, they don't want anything to go wrong as much as you do.
@@MikeYusf-cz8piHow did it go?
I am in my 50ies now and had two ER visits last year due to PVCs( bigeminy). I am experiencing more PVC episodes.Just had 1 year follow up cardiologist visit. Schediled for treamill test. 4weeks MCT monitor (last year 2weeks mct).no sleep study this year as it was no apnea last year.
Your video is very helpful because I now know what to expect. This allows me to be better prepared for the future.Thanks
I have pcvs and the symptoms you describe, such as heavy legs,hit the nail on the head for me. I was thinking i had some neurological problems, but many tests came back normal. Thanks for the video, well done.
Keith, you're THE BOSS!!!
Extremely thoughtful and helpful of you to put this whole first hand experience on the internet and with such dignity and integrity. Well done and THANK YOU.
No, I don't have any sort of medical condition, I've never heard the word "Ablation" and I'dve put money on "PVC" being a byproduct of the petrochemical industry but I have family members who have had medical procedures who would have benefited tremendously from a video such as this.
The most significant point about it all is that it is explained so eloquently by "one of us" (patients) as opposed to "one of them" (medics).
Very happy to hear that you are doing better. God Bless my friend!
Wow Keith, so glad you are doing well. Keep up the great content, whatever you decide to share.
Hope u received my last comments. I am very glad I found your video. Thank u so much.
Mine is scheduled April 22nd. Thank you for this. I've tried the medications which did not help. One actually made them worse. This gave me hope that I didn't have before.
Great video! My Dad may be going down the same path. Shared it with him. Thank you
I wish I’d watched this video BEFORE having my ablation! I just had the procedure yesterday. The way you describe your life with PVCs felt very very familiar.
My procedure was a bit different. I was awake and I was not having heavy PVCs at the time. In my case they gave me adrenaline and boy did that do the trick. Once they could trigger the PVCs they went in for the ablation. Since I was awake and with light pain meds I could feel things. The only painful part was the actual shocking/burning part of the procedure. Honestly, it did not feel good. That said it wasn’t too long. Prob about 5-10 “zaps”. Then they added some more adrenaline, and could verify “success”. I’m pretty stoked about this all and wish I’d done it earlier.
Thanks for sharing you awake experience!
I had one for a fib back in march they froze part off the heart but when I woke up I coughed my vane’s blew open my nurse froze but another nurse jumped on me to stop the bleeding. 10 months later I have lost 45 pd.and feel like a new man . Blood pressure was 195 now 120 ya it works. I would do it again if I have to. Every thing he told us about is real.thank you for sharing