Any suggestions for PVC's..desperate!

[eztyger]

I have been suffering from constant PVC's since December 2008.  I feel as if its been going on a lot longer because in December I stopped taking xanax because I felt I was misdiagnosed. For a long time I was told a lot of this was in my head and it was simply anxiety. I took the xanax and of course it helped on all accounts of anxiety and the PVC's. I have tested this theory by taking one recently and it does actually control the PVC's.Also in December when I stopped the xanax is when I sought out help from a cardiologist realizing something else was going on. And it got worse and worse as time went by.  I realize xanax isn't a drug I can take on a daily basis due to addiction and tolerance issues, although at times I feel it might be worth the addiction just to feel a bit normal, yet I don't ask for it.

I also have a problem with very low blood pressure and slow heart rate. They recently put me on beta blockers. First they tried Atenolol 25mg. I was breaking them in half and my blood pressure got so low it was about 80/50 and my heart rate was about 40bpm.  So they realized that was not going to work with my already low BP & heart rate. So now they have me on a short acting beta blocker, propranolol 10mg. I have to take about 4 of these a day and it is not helping much at all. I am absolutely miserable and I feel like I am at my breaking point.

I rarely sleep, and when I do I often wake from sleep due to the pvcs. I'm tired and sluggish, short of breath, and constantly frustrated because I feel like from the time I wake up, all the way until I am fighting to get to sleep the PVC's NEVER stop. They tell me they are benign, which yes that is a relief to know its not dangerous or life threatening. But they are life altering to say the least. I am supposed to be starting Pharmacy school this fall and I am already making the decision to not attend. There is absolutely no way I will be able to handle that stress load, or complete the classwork with a passing grade the way my life is running nowdays. At this point I can barely watch a 30 minute TV program and actually remain focused because all I do is get annoyed at how much agitation the PVC's are creating.

I feel as if I am smothering. I yawn constantly just to get a good breath of air.  Anytime the PVC's are starting up really strong I get an immense amount of pressure in my head and neck. Almost as if I have a rubberband around my neck cutting off circulation, or as if I've been doing a headstand.  No doctor has ever given me a diagnosis or idea of what creates that sensation.  

Does anyone else take beta-blockers and it absolutely does nothing to help?  I feel as if the doctors just truly don't care or see it as an issue because it is benign. But for me its ruining my life. I no longer want to leave the house or do anything that may be interrupted by my PVC episodes. Thankfully I am not working or doing anything at this time as far as school or an occupation. So sadly I am at the lowest stress levels I have been at in YEARS!  I am 35 years old, in rather good shape, I do not drink, smoke, use caffeine, or anything else that makes normal PVC's worse. I do everything they tell me and I get absolutely no relief.  I am at a loss and have no idea where to turn from here. If anyone can give me an idea on what to ask the doctor next I would appreciate it. I have had 4 extremely rough days right in a row and today I feel I am at my breaking point. I just want to sit and cry because I feel like my life is never going to get any better than this.

[SassyLassie]

I know you say your stress level is low, but, I feel that you still have anxiety due to worrying over those horrid PVC's. I have them, and they scare me, even just a few. The fact that you are worried about them can bring them on.

I would see your cardiologist again, and if he does not seem interested, see another one. Some are so used to the PVC's in patients, they just are not concerned, they don't mean to be that way, but, for them, it is an everyday occurrence.

I did not know about the hyperventilation myself, that is good to know.

Oh yes, have you had an echocardiogram and worn an even monitor, these can help determine what is going on too.

Good luck and please keep us posted as to how you are doing. We are here for you.

[Hellas]

I have come across research that impicates hyperventilation or chronic hyperventilation as a possible cause for PVS-palpipations. The theory postulated is that Co2 levels in the body affect oxygen dissipation in the tissues including the heart. Please goole and read up on the work of Dr. Buteyko. Dr. Buteyko was associated with the Russian space program and conducted extensive research on the mechanics of respiration and the altered biochemical states due the imbalance of Co2 / O2 ratios. His team's basic premise is that some form of hyperventilation is the causative factor fora multitute of health conditions.

[Fireguy]

Sorry to hear that you are going through such a rough patch. I know how bad they suck, and the way you feel is something we all can relate to here. Mine come and go, and at my worst time I had them straight for about 6 months. I felt every single one.
It sounds like you have had all the tests such as stress,echo, bloodwork etc? Is that correct? If not, I would encourage that immediately.
Your symptoms are very similar to mine, and sometimes it is a true struggle for me to remain focused, calm and not to panic. They dont scare me much anymore, but they feel so terrible when they happen. Physically, I can get exhausted when I have a bad patch of them. I do find that Lorazapam tends to help me get through the really bad days, but I am very careful about not becoming to accustomed to that.
I do find that I HAVE to stay busy when I have these episodes. If I just sit still, they are much worse for me.As hard as it sounds, you have to keep living life. That means attending Pharmacy School! Don't let these things run/ruin your life...I can say that because they have done that to me before.It is a daily struggle to stay positive.
I hope that you feel better soon. Consider making another appointment with a cardiologist and try and get some resolution/treatment options that might make you more comfortable.