I need some encouragement

Jowi, yes the skipped beats, flutters, and palpitations are scary. I have been having those symptoms as well. I have been to my cardiologist and they did an EKG and they have told me that all looks fine. Most of the time these irregular heart beats are nothing to worry about. That is easier said than done though. It is also made worse when you know you will be traveling away from home. By all means, if you have not by now, see your doctor or cardiologist just to make sure your EKG rhythm is fine. I know the anxiety that you feel. But remember, most all of these are nothing serious... and can be caused by anxiety, stress, some medications, too much caffiene, even some foods. Good luck to you, and have a Merry Christmas with your family and you dog. - Charles

Sorry this is causing you so much angst. No magical answers but worrying certainly worsens matters so although easy to say try try and try to not think about your concerns. It wont but if anything did happen sure your dog would be well looked after. Obviously get plenty of sleep before the 6 hour trip and no heavy meals prior to the drive .....small regular snacks and PLENTY of H2O even if it means stopping at services often...  you must be going to the other end of the country! Ectopics are worrying but everything you read says not dangerous so keep thinking that. Dont let them beat you. Good luck and post an update when you are in the comfort of your family home. Sure you will have a Merry Xmas.  

Hello there.  You poor soul - I know exactly how you feel.  Believe it or not I have suffered from them for nearly 50 years (developed during pregnancy) and I am still here!  They are absolutely frightening and, even now, I can still get scared by them.  They are deeply unpleasant feelings.

?I have had them whilst driving my car, too, but I used to turn the radio up or start humming.  Some sort of distraction therapy is required but keeping in full control of the car!!!!!  Don't let your mind take control of it of what your heart is doing.  Start to breathe in deeply and do this up to 10 times, exhaling slowly. 

?You are already letting your mind take control over your forthcoming journey with your dog and imagining what would happen to her if you end up in a hospital.  God forbid if anything did happen the police would help you and your dog would be taken into a vet or care whilst you were away.  But nothing is going to happen is it - you are going to take control and get to your destination.  Take some Rescue Remedy from the chemist too.  It will help to calm you. 

?Sadly we have to live with this awful "problem" - there are a fair number of us on this site all with the same condition.  You are not alone.

?Have a good Christmas and stay safe.  Enjoy your journey with your dog - don't let him/her pick up on your stress.

Hiya, 

I feel your pain,,I've had  ectopics ,flutters for years now, and they were ruining my quality of life,, alway worrying etc.

My advice to you would be to see a heart specialist and maybe get some medication .

i take a small dose of flecainide a day,, and although the episodes haven't completely gone, they are less frequent, and not so intrusive ,, might be worth a try?

Try to relax ,and have a great xmas 😉

Feel your pain. Been dealing with it for a week now. Your not alone and it will pass. I keep telling myself that it will pass and it will. Always easier to give it to God but always hard for us worriers. God bless.

Hi, same here, have had these awful things for 2 years now.  My main problem is that I can hear my heart beating for hours, in my ears, and feel the beats in my chest it drives me mad, it is worse a night when I am just sitting down, sometimes I wish I would just drop dead from the worry of it all, stupid comment I know but that it how bad they make me feel.  I also notice that sometimes I have what can only be described as a buzzing sensation in my neck and chest as if I being midly electrocuted and I feel a bit dizzy. Not heart related as I have had every test going,  A&E docs all say thyroid my own GP looks at me as if I am mad.  I have an appointment later this month and will insist on proper thyroid tests just in case it is that.  I also take magnesium supplements and eat lots of bananas as they help.  Sorry to rant and hope your trip went well.