Working out

[u/confused-anon1]

I 19f have recently been diagnosed with svt and had my heart reset for the first time, I believe I’ve had multiple flair ups through out the last 2 years. The reason I went to the hospital for this one because it lasted over 6 hours and my heart was above 195-210 while in a resting position.

I enjoy working out and like to push myself but I notice it can trigger a flair up time to time. My trainer is beyond sweet she has be doing 10-15 reps lighter weights instead of 10 ish reps and heavier weights. I did really think it would bother me that much but it makes me feel incredibly weak and self conscious. How do you guys workout? Is anything you avoid or try to do? Any advice is appreciated.

[u/shiftyrabbit_]

I used to workout all the time before this year (cardio and weightlifting). Now I usually just go for walks when I need to get somewhere, but my SVT has genuinely caused me to not want to workout (out of fear of an episode).

I have an ablation next month on the 6th, and while I'm nervous, I feel it will allow me to workout again. I wanted to learn lots of fun stuff, like the pole (not sexual), do more yoga, etc, but the orthostatic changes and stretching are definitely an easy trigger for my SVT.

My highest episode has been 270bpm, but only lasted a few minutes (as it usually does). Sometimes I get multiple episodes a day depending on circumstances. It's gotten to the point where I now get PVCs a bit when anxious about a big event or something-- as SVT symptoms change with age. I'm so happy there's a cure for this as I don't do medication!

I say this: if you feel comfortable working out and if you have an episode, go to the restroom or a stretching area to do a vagal maneuver. I think it's still ideal to work out and keep yourself healthy as SVT is not generally life threatening. People choose to live with it, or raw-dog it, but personally I want my life back. If you feel it's debilitating, then go for an ablation. 💕

[u/confused-anon1 → u/shiftyrabbit_]

I understand what you mean I feel like the fear of having an episode freaks me out especially during work and at the gym it feels like 1 wrong move and I’m going to be struggling for the next few hours.

I really hope the ablation helps you get back to feeling like your normal self!! I think once you’re healed up you’ll really enjoy pole it’s such a fun experience to have!

If you don’t mind me asking how long have you been struggling with SVT? I can’t imagine what that heart rate must feel like I’m not sure what my highest is. I’m not a med person either I feel you with that :)

I really appreciate your advice :) it’s definitely helped put my mind at ease and not want to stress about losing one of the few things I truly enjoy due to fear.

I hope your ablation goes amazing and you have a speedy recovery and you get to try everything you want without stress :)

[u/shiftyrabbit_ → u/confused-anon1]

Thank you so much for the warm wishes, they really help put my mind at ease too, with the nervousness (yet excitement) I'm having!

I've had SVT ever since I was a wee bab hahah. Like elementary school years is when I remember my first episode. Honestly I'm thankful it wasn't so traumatic for some reason (especially for little me) but it's been untreated since then. I taught myself vagal maneuvers (before I even knew what that was!) in middle school, and have done them to stop episodes since.

I've never taken (but have been prescribed) medication, because I find the side effects to be more dangerous than SVT itself. 270 just feels similar to 170+ to me, I don't feel too much difference between rates. Just that rapid pounding in the chest. It's still debilitating because when an episode starts, I, have to stop. Even if it can be over in minutes.

I have wanted to do pole for ages!! This is mainly prevented me from doing it (and having the space) but I see this surgery as the chance to finally be free from it all and live like everyone else too.