ninjakitty1
03-25-2008, 04:36 PM
I am 19 years old, 5'11", 145 lbs, I exercise regularly, eat a moderate, low salt diet, no caffeine, no soda, take a great multivitamin, and drink lots of water. I am now 19 years old, 5'11", 145 lbs, I exercise regularly, eat a moderate, low salt diet, no caffeine, no soda, take a great multivitamin, and drink lots of water.
I have constant chest pain, ranging in intensity and type. Sometimes it is a pressure, or a weight, or constriction, and other times I get stabbing pains, sometimes when I breathe too deeply, and sometimes just out of the blue. My heartbeat is irregular, but chemically controlled by Atenolol.
I have had trouble with shortness of breath, fatigue and rapid heartbeat for a while, I first noticed it two years ago. At that time I was basically living on energy drinks, soda, and snack crackers, alternated with high carb, high sugar meals at home (yes I know, bad nutrition...). I assumed I was out of shape. So, a couple months later I decreased and eventually quit soda, coffee, and energy drinks because of stomach trouble (in general, you stop drinking what makes you s-i-c-k.) I also improved my diet, and I played Varsity basketball on my school team during my senior year.
My heart trouble continued to increase in severity, and I also developed extreme fatigue, nausea upon eating anything, and joint pain that is undescribable. Walking a short distance at the speed of a toddler (not an exaggeration) made my heartrate spike to 140 bpm. Resting heart rate was never lower than 96 over the course of a semester.
I went to my family doctor, and at first he attributed it to 'stress' from beginning University and some other things. The second time, when I told him about the heart rate, he decided that I had Mitral valve prolapse and prescribed 50mg Atenolol.
My mom didn't want to start me on the drug without more information, but I was so desperate to be able to breathe again and not clutch at my chest when walking to class that I started on it.
At first it was amazing, and I felt a lot better. One day my resting heart rate dropped to 54 bpm (!). The chest pain was gone completely. I didn't feel or hear my heart thumping anymore, and it didn't feel like my heart was trying to come through my ribs either.
Since starting Atenolol 3 months ago I have gained 10 pounds, and the results have decreased. Also, I've developed some side effects from Atenolol.
My heart rate is slower than before, but still irregular and "heavy" and I can hear it in my ears, and feel it in my joints. 68-80 bpm at rest is now normal. Walking uphill, or quickly will still cause it to spike over 100bpm. The chest pain has also returned and is constant again. I have trouble remembering things that I never used to think about (where I parked, what we talked about in the class I just finished, my age, names of friends). I'm cold natured anyway, but I can never get my hands warm, and my feet are frequently numb.
The joint pain has also increased.
I fall asleep, or fight it, daily about 3 hours after taking the Atenolol despite having slept 7+ hours. The nausea has also returned, over the past 2 weeks.
And btw, all this means that I fall asleep in class and irritate professors (it's a small school) that I struggle in pottery, that I can't eat much without getting ill, but I feel famished all the time, and that I'm exhausted. Constantly.
I don't want to attribute too much to the drug (like the panic attacks that I have, they may be from something unrelated), but I am starting to be worried. I have had no follow up visits with the doctor, because of time and money. He is very condescending towards any natural medicines. I have read that MVP is really a nutrient embalance, and is the result of bad nutrition. He prescribed the Atenolol without doing any testing, except the stethescope/physical test, and at the time he said that he didn't HEAR a click or murmur, but that a racing heart in a teenage girl must mean MVP...<_<
The heart pain and bpm are a lot greater in the early morning before I take the Atenolol, but still...I am concerned. Could it be something else? Could it be the drug? Some people say that Atenolol is awful, and that it can actually cause/aggravate joint pain, and that it is addictive.
Can anyone here relate to this?
Does anyone know good information about MVP or medication?
Does anyone have any comments at all?
:-/
I have constant chest pain, ranging in intensity and type. Sometimes it is a pressure, or a weight, or constriction, and other times I get stabbing pains, sometimes when I breathe too deeply, and sometimes just out of the blue. My heartbeat is irregular, but chemically controlled by Atenolol.
I have had trouble with shortness of breath, fatigue and rapid heartbeat for a while, I first noticed it two years ago. At that time I was basically living on energy drinks, soda, and snack crackers, alternated with high carb, high sugar meals at home (yes I know, bad nutrition...). I assumed I was out of shape. So, a couple months later I decreased and eventually quit soda, coffee, and energy drinks because of stomach trouble (in general, you stop drinking what makes you s-i-c-k.) I also improved my diet, and I played Varsity basketball on my school team during my senior year.
My heart trouble continued to increase in severity, and I also developed extreme fatigue, nausea upon eating anything, and joint pain that is undescribable. Walking a short distance at the speed of a toddler (not an exaggeration) made my heartrate spike to 140 bpm. Resting heart rate was never lower than 96 over the course of a semester.
I went to my family doctor, and at first he attributed it to 'stress' from beginning University and some other things. The second time, when I told him about the heart rate, he decided that I had Mitral valve prolapse and prescribed 50mg Atenolol.
My mom didn't want to start me on the drug without more information, but I was so desperate to be able to breathe again and not clutch at my chest when walking to class that I started on it.
At first it was amazing, and I felt a lot better. One day my resting heart rate dropped to 54 bpm (!). The chest pain was gone completely. I didn't feel or hear my heart thumping anymore, and it didn't feel like my heart was trying to come through my ribs either.
Since starting Atenolol 3 months ago I have gained 10 pounds, and the results have decreased. Also, I've developed some side effects from Atenolol.
My heart rate is slower than before, but still irregular and "heavy" and I can hear it in my ears, and feel it in my joints. 68-80 bpm at rest is now normal. Walking uphill, or quickly will still cause it to spike over 100bpm. The chest pain has also returned and is constant again. I have trouble remembering things that I never used to think about (where I parked, what we talked about in the class I just finished, my age, names of friends). I'm cold natured anyway, but I can never get my hands warm, and my feet are frequently numb.
The joint pain has also increased.
I fall asleep, or fight it, daily about 3 hours after taking the Atenolol despite having slept 7+ hours. The nausea has also returned, over the past 2 weeks.
And btw, all this means that I fall asleep in class and irritate professors (it's a small school) that I struggle in pottery, that I can't eat much without getting ill, but I feel famished all the time, and that I'm exhausted. Constantly.
I don't want to attribute too much to the drug (like the panic attacks that I have, they may be from something unrelated), but I am starting to be worried. I have had no follow up visits with the doctor, because of time and money. He is very condescending towards any natural medicines. I have read that MVP is really a nutrient embalance, and is the result of bad nutrition. He prescribed the Atenolol without doing any testing, except the stethescope/physical test, and at the time he said that he didn't HEAR a click or murmur, but that a racing heart in a teenage girl must mean MVP...<_<
The heart pain and bpm are a lot greater in the early morning before I take the Atenolol, but still...I am concerned. Could it be something else? Could it be the drug? Some people say that Atenolol is awful, and that it can actually cause/aggravate joint pain, and that it is addictive.
Can anyone here relate to this?
Does anyone know good information about MVP or medication?
Does anyone have any comments at all?
:-/
Sponsor
irisrose
03-25-2008, 05:11 PM
Could you switch doctors for this?
You shouldn't be having such a hard time and the stress of trying to get some answers from an uncooperative doctor doesn't help anxiety or confusion of what's going on.
I don't know anything about Atenol. However, I would be a little nervous about taking a drug that affects the functioning of the heart w/o knowing why it's doing what it's doing.
You should have your heart checked a bit more thoroughly. Maybe a 24hr holter monitor? Maybe and echocardiagram? I think dismissing you because you're only 19 is insulting. You are having real issues and it should be investigated. To either treat you or tell you your heart is healthy and put your mind at ease.
Good luck.
You shouldn't be having such a hard time and the stress of trying to get some answers from an uncooperative doctor doesn't help anxiety or confusion of what's going on.
I don't know anything about Atenol. However, I would be a little nervous about taking a drug that affects the functioning of the heart w/o knowing why it's doing what it's doing.
You should have your heart checked a bit more thoroughly. Maybe a 24hr holter monitor? Maybe and echocardiagram? I think dismissing you because you're only 19 is insulting. You are having real issues and it should be investigated. To either treat you or tell you your heart is healthy and put your mind at ease.
Good luck.
itsmebeck
03-25-2008, 06:01 PM
I was on Atenolol for about 9 months and I didn't have any side effects at all. I took it before I went to bed, so maybe that helped in not being tired (which I've definitely heard can be a side effect). You could try switching the time you take it and see if it helps with the tiredness, it's definitely worth a try. Honestly though I really liked the Atenolol. It helped with my migraines and daily headaches and just overall made me feel better. My doctor took me off it after having a successful ablation to get rid of PVCs, but since I've been off it I'm just not feeling that great, the daily headaches are back, my heart is racing again, I just feel much better being ON it than OFF it. I actually have an appointment with my cardiologist soon and plan to ask about going back on it. If it's making you feel worse instead of better I'd definitely talk to the doctor about it. Some meds just aren't right for some people and you should find one that works for YOU!! But like I said, in my experience Atenolol was great!!
hopesprings2
03-25-2008, 11:02 PM
first i hope you had a test to make sure you have mvp
however it is all abnormal that you are going through
you need to see another doctor one that is for the heart and see what is going on
and some of it could be the medication
not everything is panic
ive felt the same things as you have
however i dont know still what makes mine speed up
stay away from those drinks and caffine
might try ensure or boost which will help with vitamins and calories
however it is all abnormal that you are going through
you need to see another doctor one that is for the heart and see what is going on
and some of it could be the medication
not everything is panic
ive felt the same things as you have
however i dont know still what makes mine speed up
stay away from those drinks and caffine
might try ensure or boost which will help with vitamins and calories
ninjakitty1
03-26-2008, 02:03 AM
I'm not a stressed-out or panicky person in general, a lot of the feelings of panic come from my heart racing, not from actual emotional distress.
I'm currently on some mega vitamin that is designed to rebalance your nervous system/general nutrition, and it works very well.
I don't mind the weight gain, I was actually trying to gain and had been unable to. Before the medication, if I just skipped lunch for a week I would lose 10 lbs, so, I'm not worried about that.
That's the thing, I didn't have a test, and I don't even know what test to have. Plus, supposedly people with MVP typicaly don't have any symptoms.
Thanks for the help :)
I'm currently on some mega vitamin that is designed to rebalance your nervous system/general nutrition, and it works very well.
I don't mind the weight gain, I was actually trying to gain and had been unable to. Before the medication, if I just skipped lunch for a week I would lose 10 lbs, so, I'm not worried about that.
That's the thing, I didn't have a test, and I don't even know what test to have. Plus, supposedly people with MVP typicaly don't have any symptoms.
Thanks for the help :)
irisrose
03-26-2008, 10:56 AM
I think most doctors, if they suspect MVP, will do more testing, especially if you are having problems. And that isn't true that MVP doesn't have symptoms. Some people don't others do. But if you have symptoms or not doesn't determine how mild or severe the MVP is w/o an echocardiogram to see how the valves are working or whether there is a bit of blood that flows back into the heart, called regurgitation.
Has your doctor even run any bloodwork? You could have thyroid issues, maybe a deficiency somewhere else that could be contributing to this.
I really think if you are having such discomfort with this you need more evaluation and some answers. Not just something to fix the symptom and not the problem, if there is one.
Has your doctor even run any bloodwork? You could have thyroid issues, maybe a deficiency somewhere else that could be contributing to this.
I really think if you are having such discomfort with this you need more evaluation and some answers. Not just something to fix the symptom and not the problem, if there is one.
itsmebeck
03-26-2008, 11:02 AM
I'm assuming a good test to show if you have MVP or not would be an echo. (Ultra sound of your heart) He didn't do ANY tests on you before deciding that's what you have?? If that's correct, I'd suggest finding a new doc!! :eek:
ninjakitty1
03-26-2008, 06:00 PM
I've read that an echo is typically used to test for MVP, and no, he didn't do any tests, he just listened with the stethescope.
He's been my dr. since I was born, and in his defense, he is a good person. But he doesn't catch things sometimes...like the time I had RMSF for a month and he dismissed my mom's suggestion that that's what it was. And since the meds aren't even helping the symptoms, I'm even more concerned.
Yes, I've had a CBC done, and a thyroid test, both came back normal. He was dismissive about thyroid too, but mom won that battle...haha.
Today I split my 50mg pill and only took half. omg, I've felt so much better! Apparently I'm not naturally an exhausted and depressed person, I didn't even feel like falling asleep today!
He's been my dr. since I was born, and in his defense, he is a good person. But he doesn't catch things sometimes...like the time I had RMSF for a month and he dismissed my mom's suggestion that that's what it was. And since the meds aren't even helping the symptoms, I'm even more concerned.
Yes, I've had a CBC done, and a thyroid test, both came back normal. He was dismissive about thyroid too, but mom won that battle...haha.
Today I split my 50mg pill and only took half. omg, I've felt so much better! Apparently I'm not naturally an exhausted and depressed person, I didn't even feel like falling asleep today!
irisrose
03-26-2008, 07:17 PM
I've read that an echo is typically used to test for MVP, and no, he didn't do any tests, he just listened with the stethescope.
He's been my dr. since I was born, and in his defense, he is a good person. But he doesn't catch things sometimes...like the time I had RMSF for a month and he dismissed my mom's suggestion that that's what it was. And since the meds aren't even helping the symptoms, I'm even more concerned.
Yes, I've had a CBC done, and a thyroid test, both came back normal
An echo is done for more than just MVP. It checks all functions of your heart. Your chambers, the size of your heart, how your heart is pumping, how it's supplying blood to your lungs - everything your heart does.
Can you talk to your mom about taking you to a different doctor. Are you covered on her insurance? Do you know if it is a PPO insurance where you don't need a referral from your doctor to go directly to a cardiologist? I'm sure your doctor is very nice and has known you since birth. But maybe it's time for a fresh set of eyes to look at your health symptoms.
If you continue down this route of just being prescribed medicine for an unknown condition, you could be living like this for a long time. I'm positive, I would never take a heart medication w/o knowing what my heart was doing and why it was causing what it is.
He's been my dr. since I was born, and in his defense, he is a good person. But he doesn't catch things sometimes...like the time I had RMSF for a month and he dismissed my mom's suggestion that that's what it was. And since the meds aren't even helping the symptoms, I'm even more concerned.
Yes, I've had a CBC done, and a thyroid test, both came back normal
An echo is done for more than just MVP. It checks all functions of your heart. Your chambers, the size of your heart, how your heart is pumping, how it's supplying blood to your lungs - everything your heart does.
Can you talk to your mom about taking you to a different doctor. Are you covered on her insurance? Do you know if it is a PPO insurance where you don't need a referral from your doctor to go directly to a cardiologist? I'm sure your doctor is very nice and has known you since birth. But maybe it's time for a fresh set of eyes to look at your health symptoms.
If you continue down this route of just being prescribed medicine for an unknown condition, you could be living like this for a long time. I'm positive, I would never take a heart medication w/o knowing what my heart was doing and why it was causing what it is.
ninjakitty1
03-26-2008, 10:35 PM
Well, that's sort of the catch, we don't have health insurance at all, except for major surgery and stuff, so while I have total freedom in choice of doctors, I also have to carry the total cost, so I'm very hesitant to go to a doctor. In my whole life, I've probably only been to a doctor's office 20 times, and most of those were for RMSF.
Yes, I agree. I don't think he's a very good doctor for me, because he does dissmiss my concerns, but I just haven't had the time/energy to go about finding a new doc, setting up appointments, etc.
I hate taking medicine, and I definitly don't want to do it long term, if it's avoidable. Like I said, I was really desperate for any relief whatsoever because it was (and is) bad.
Thanks so much :) It's so helpful to just be able to talk about it with people who can kind of relate.
Yes, I agree. I don't think he's a very good doctor for me, because he does dissmiss my concerns, but I just haven't had the time/energy to go about finding a new doc, setting up appointments, etc.
I hate taking medicine, and I definitly don't want to do it long term, if it's avoidable. Like I said, I was really desperate for any relief whatsoever because it was (and is) bad.
Thanks so much :) It's so helpful to just be able to talk about it with people who can kind of relate.
proudmommie
05-13-2008, 02:40 PM
I'm not a stressed-out or panicky person in general, a lot of the feelings of panic come from my heart racing, not from actual emotional distress.
I'm currently on some mega vitamin that is designed to rebalance your nervous system/general nutrition, and it works very well.
I don't mind the weight gain, I was actually trying to gain and had been unable to. Before the medication, if I just skipped lunch for a week I would lose 10 lbs, so, I'm not worried about that.
That's the thing, I didn't have a test, and I don't even know what test to have. Plus, supposedly people with MVP typicaly don't have any symptoms.
Thanks for the help :)
Would like to get the name of the multivitamin for your nervous system. I too have MVP and I have bad nerves, get nervous for little things, anxious, it's hard to get to sleep, and I'm aware of my heart beat. Went to the doc yesterday and he's not giving me any meds. He wants me to go to my primary doc for my symptoms but I refuse to take anxiety meds.
I'm currently on some mega vitamin that is designed to rebalance your nervous system/general nutrition, and it works very well.
I don't mind the weight gain, I was actually trying to gain and had been unable to. Before the medication, if I just skipped lunch for a week I would lose 10 lbs, so, I'm not worried about that.
That's the thing, I didn't have a test, and I don't even know what test to have. Plus, supposedly people with MVP typicaly don't have any symptoms.
Thanks for the help :)
Would like to get the name of the multivitamin for your nervous system. I too have MVP and I have bad nerves, get nervous for little things, anxious, it's hard to get to sleep, and I'm aware of my heart beat. Went to the doc yesterday and he's not giving me any meds. He wants me to go to my primary doc for my symptoms but I refuse to take anxiety meds.
hopesprings2
05-13-2008, 04:51 PM
Hello
mvp does cause pounding heart,fast and odd beats.
However eating well is very important and drinking plenty of water
mvp does cause pounding heart,fast and odd beats.
However eating well is very important and drinking plenty of water
ntbd
05-13-2008, 10:30 PM
Hi. Please read up on the risks of sudden discontinuation of beta blockers like atenolol - just in case you ever get temped to do so, especially as seeing how reducing dose made you feel better
mijenny
05-21-2008, 09:53 PM
hi there, i can definitely sympathize. I have probs with my thyroid and some stress which have lead to hbp. I have been on 13 diff meds for this because i react badly to all even in combination. My latest is the atenolol. It seemed to be pretty good at first but i have also experienced the weight gain-yippee-that is good for hbp-- and the chest pains and uneasiness. same symptoms you described in your earlier notes. I have trouble breathing which they give you more meds for that- and my concentration and memory levels are getting worse. I am as stuck as you seem to be with drs and meds- anyone else can suggest anything is appreciated. I have also been to a number of doctors and tests etc... it is getting difficult to even do regular daily tasks much less exercise- help!!!