My Dr didn't want a Cardio clearance...because I am in my early twenties. And this is hard to say out loud, but I need to find some people to talk to! Lately I feel like I can feel my heart! Is that weird? I have palpatations, or what I feel is a palp...it feels like an adrenaline rush. I will get it sitting and watching TV or at rest in bed, and sometimes I feel like I have shortness of breath (thinking this is from my sleep apnea). Am I paranoid? My PCP said this could be from my severe anxiety. Any ideas? I think I will be scheduling my own consult with the cardio doc, but I wanted to see if anyone has experienced this? Thanks

You should definitely get this squared away before surgery. It could very well be nothing serious but you do not want to have surgery until you know for sure. Are you on any medications?

The same exact thing happened to me. For weeks before my surgery I had palpitaions several times a day even when I was laying down, They never kept me awake though. I was hoping it was due to nerves and it must've been because since my surgery on 8/19 I have not had a one. I did have to see a cardiologist though but that was more because of my age. I am not in my early 20's like you, I am 49. Talk to the doctor about your concerns, just wanted to say that in my case, it was the nerves. Good luck to you.

Mary

Hi Mary:

We are the same age and I always like to check in with woman our age because I think it's a challenge with menopausal weight gain that comes with this time. How are you doing? Are you winning the battle? Glad your palpitations went away. I started getting them a year ago and was very scared as I lost a sister to a heart attack. It turns out my palpitations are yet another symptom of fluctuating hormones. I am pre banded but have are almost there just battling with my insurance company but still have so many questions.

My Dr didn't want a Cardio clearance...because I am in my early twenties. And this is hard to say out loud, but I need to find some people to talk to! Lately I feel like I can feel my heart! Is that weird? I have palpatations, or what I feel is a palp...it feels like an adrenaline rush. I will get it sitting and watching TV or at rest in bed, and sometimes I feel like I have shortness of breath (thinking this is from my sleep apnea). Am I paranoid? My PCP said this could be from my severe anxiety. Any ideas? I think I will be scheduling my own consult with the cardio doc, but I wanted to see if anyone has experienced this? Thanks

I had to get cardiac clearance because of a heart problem I had after my daughter was born. I too get palpatations or PVC's which are Premature Ventricular Contractions. PVCs can be caused by anxiety which is the most common cause. Increased levels of adrenaline are thought to play a role, and it can often caused by caffine or exercise. Some antidepressants can cause them too. But if you have a previous heart condition or problem it can be associated with that...I would see your cardiologist to get cleared and let him know about them...but they will probably see them on an EKG when they do one.

GOOD LUCK!!!

I had them as well but did get a full check-up, ekg and stress test and was perfectly fine. What is funny is that I never noticed anything before thinking about surgery and my health so much before banding. I almost think that I was so worried about something going wrong, perhaps I focused too much on something small or even gave them to myself with anxiety.

However, nothing beats knowing for sure. If you have concerns, get it checked out. The tests are not complicated and you can knock most of it out in an afternoon. Even if you don't require them for surgery, discuss with your PCP about how you are feeling and that you would like to be tested so that he/she can put in orders to have it done.

Your anxiety will not go down if you feel there is a potential problem that is unaddressed. Most likely you will find that you are fine and will feel great relief afterwards.

I do take birth control, but not antidepressants. I used to be on Welbutrin for anxiety, but the psychologist who was giving me clearance for surgery said that wasn't for anxiety, only depression...he was an idiot anyway, but I had already ceased taking them because I was not happy with my life and needed to know what the difference was they were really making for me. Anyway, thanks for all your help, I did a lot of research last night and it certainly seems as though it is related to my anxiety and constant worry...I was diagnosed with OCD as a teenager, looks like that is coming back to haunt me mentally, but I'll get it all squared away. I am going to see if I can get an EKG tho, since it's covered. Wondeful! Thanks guys!

(Hi Mary:

We are the same age and I always like to check in with woman our age because I think it's a challenge with menopausal weight gain that comes with this time. How are you doing? Are you winning the battle? Glad your palpitations went away. I started getting them a year ago and was very scared as I lost a sister to a heart attack. It turns out my palpitations are yet another symptom of fluctuating hormones. I am pre banded but have are almost there just battling with my insurance company but still have so many questions.)

I am doing well. I had my surgery on August 19th and since then have lost 20 pounds. I would like to lose 50 more. I was on one week of Clear liquids then 3 weeks of full liquids and next Wednesday I make the transition to real food. I have an appt for a tentative first fill on 9/30. Except for the bruising and soreness at the incision sites, I have not had any other trouble. I also lost a sister at a young age..8 years ago this month - she was 40 and I was 41. She was in a car accident. Good luck battling that insurance company....I see you being persistant with the appeals. Hang in there.

Mary