Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Readers Wednesday

Hello All! Just thought I would give you the chance to ask questions or make comments. How is everybody doing? Heart palpitations worse or better right now? Have any tips or suggestions on how you are dealing? Let's talk.

8 comments:

Scharlene said...

Hi Ali,
Well it depends on the day. I recently saw my cardio doc. he wants me to start on a low dose of Zoloft. The MVP I have is causing me some anxiety/panic/phobia issues. He also has made a appt for me to see highly recommended psychiatrist that deals with these issues. What do you think? I have not started the med yet. Still thinking if I want to do this. I am already on Buspar daily, and Xanax as needed.

Ali said...

Hi Scharlene! Yes, I know all about the anxiety and panic! Funny that because of the anxiety issues we are also anxious to try new medications. Interestingly I was also on Buspar during a really difficult time in my life (ie teaching) and honestly it didn't seem to help with the anxiety. From the research I've done since then, Buspar generally isn't too effective with acute anxiety. Most likely that's why your doctor prescribed a SSRI like Zoloft. Zoloft seems to be a very safe choice for you. It was a hard choice for me to get on Lexapro, but it was also one of the best decisions I ever made for my health. It certainly won't make the heart palpitations go away, but it will help with the anticipatory and aftermath anxiety. You will rebound and get on with your life easier. And it has done wonders for my panic attacks. I had to up my dose last Fall, but since then I haven't had panic attacks at night. One thing I always tell people who are thinking about getting on a new medication is stay off the Internet. I mean visit my blog (insert smiley) but don't google "Zoloft". You want to form your own opinions about the drug and its effects. Communicate with your doctor, and surround yourself with people you love when you start a new medication. This will give you peace and allow you to know that you are not alone in your quest to get better. Keep me updated. May you receive the gift of healing. My thoughts will be with you.

xtexan said...

Ali, thanks for your excellent blog. It is nice to read of your experiences and those of so many others with the same issue.

Ali said...

Thanks for stopping by xtexan. Are you an ex Texan?

Scharlene said...

I agree Ali. I don't remember how I found your blog, but it is wonderful and has helped me so much. I don't remember if I ask you about Facebook, however if you do habe a FB pagewould like to add you as a friend. You can find me at weshag2@yahoo.com.

Unknown said...

Hi Ali,
Just found your blog through a MVP website and am so glad I did. Since the fall I've been experiencing a heightened awareness of palpitations but I know from past experience that I go through "seasons" like this, but this one is lasting longer. The article on the vagus nerve was fantastic and helped clarify some things for me. My main "issue" is that my mother moved in with us 4+ years ago and although she is a woman "full of grace", I have my moments. The Lord is teaching me much through this but some days are a huge struggle and then the palpitations get more intense. Anyway, we all have our stories, but it's nice to "talk" with those who truly do understand how unsettling these palpitations can be.

Ali said...

Hi Gina! So glad you found my blog. I hear you about living with your mom. We had to live at my parents house for about 3 weeks before Christmas while our house was being worked on. We usually get along great but that was pushing it. I can't imagine 4 years. Family certainly can be stressful. Take care of yourself and remember to put yourself first sometimes. Thanks for stopping by.

Unknown said...

I'm so glad your blog is helping so many people! I keep meaning to tell you how awesome that is. :)