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Functioning at work w/PVC
Has anyone had experience at work being unable to function due to PVC and medication side effects? I'm a police officer and I can't do my job effectively with this condition. I also have a high blood pressure problem. I want to file for early retirement because of this. I don't want to get hurt or killed or be unable to help people because I am having bad run of pvc, or am unable to perform because of the side effects of the eight pills I take daily.I don't want to have this condition progress to something more serious. My trigger is stress and anxiety. Anyone have similar experiences? I need to something less stressful and I feel that someone in my condition should not be walking around with a gun and driving a police car at high speeds etc etc. Thanks.
I know how you feel. My pvc attack started at the police academy and it has been going on for 5 years now. Just last year after chasing a suspect inside a school (break & entry) I had to stop foot pursuit and wait for my heart to stop skiping, I took a xanax called for back up and started my report. Now I am miserable in a desk job working for a trucking safety dept. I had to get a part-time job as a armed security officer to feel a little better about myself. Dont give up. Hang in there. See an EP try meds but dont quit.I am going to see an Ep so that I can get back to the only career that I would do for free.
Hello-
I understand how it is very deblitating to work when you are having PVC's. When mine started I actually asked my human resource people about condensing my hours because I felt like I just couldn't handle a full work day. I was missing so many days of work because of ER visits and doctor appointments or just calling in sick (or going home early) because I felt like I was unable to perform my duties. Now the funny thing is I can't just sit at home, I would rather be working or doing something to keep my mind busy. I am metroprolol and it has helped me a lot, but it CAN make me very lethargic some days and then it just goes away. Honestly, I don't know if that is the medication or just my mind....I can never tell these days.
I am VERY sorry that you are going thru this as I know how awful it feels. I used to feel like everyday was my last, and I would walk around real slow being too afraid to exert any energy at all. So....I can only imagine how you do it with being a cop-wow, kudos to you. I bet you have much more strength then you realize.
You will be in my thoughts and prayers and I hope you can find something to do w/less stress.
I understand how it is very deblitating to work when you are having PVC's. When mine started I actually asked my human resource people about condensing my hours because I felt like I just couldn't handle a full work day. I was missing so many days of work because of ER visits and doctor appointments or just calling in sick (or going home early) because I felt like I was unable to perform my duties. Now the funny thing is I can't just sit at home, I would rather be working or doing something to keep my mind busy. I am metroprolol and it has helped me a lot, but it CAN make me very lethargic some days and then it just goes away. Honestly, I don't know if that is the medication or just my mind....I can never tell these days.
I am VERY sorry that you are going thru this as I know how awful it feels. I used to feel like everyday was my last, and I would walk around real slow being too afraid to exert any energy at all. So....I can only imagine how you do it with being a cop-wow, kudos to you. I bet you have much more strength then you realize.
You will be in my thoughts and prayers and I hope you can find something to do w/less stress.
If the Metpropol is not helping with the palpitations, perhaps your doctor could suggest a different BB or CCB. Because we are all different, different medications work differently for each of us. Some people have great luck with Metpropol while others find better success for a different medication. The number of pvcs isn't all that relevant. What's significant is whether their presence is causing any change in the heart's function. That is a very rare situation that occurs when you have thousands of pvcs daily, for a LONG tme. However, even when it does occur, it is often treatable.
Is your hypertension under control? If not, has your doctor suggested a change in medication? While I can understand how stress could lead to early retirement, I would think it would only be for a well documented case. What you describe does not sound like a "heart condition." Has your physician determined that you are "disabled?" Maybe it is different given your line of work, but in the general public, being designated as having a permanent disability can be a lengthy and arduous process. Does your cardiologist agree that your difficulty on the job and the hypertension have a direct cause and effect relationship?
I agree with Barbarella, the presence of PVC's do not constitute a "heart condition." Like she mentioned, what about changing positions on the force or looking for a new job that is more rewarding to you, personally?
Is your hypertension under control? If not, has your doctor suggested a change in medication? While I can understand how stress could lead to early retirement, I would think it would only be for a well documented case. What you describe does not sound like a "heart condition." Has your physician determined that you are "disabled?" Maybe it is different given your line of work, but in the general public, being designated as having a permanent disability can be a lengthy and arduous process. Does your cardiologist agree that your difficulty on the job and the hypertension have a direct cause and effect relationship?
I agree with Barbarella, the presence of PVC's do not constitute a "heart condition." Like she mentioned, what about changing positions on the force or looking for a new job that is more rewarding to you, personally?
Cardiologists do NOT call PVC's heart disease they call it "benign" if he/she had checked you out and found that they are "benign". Even if they should develop into other arrhythmia unless the arrhythmia could be fatal you would not get the disability unless you actually have the real heart disease.
How high is your BP? I'd think it would have to be very high all the time, meds not working, to get a disability.
If your job is to stressful and you are only 42 yrs old why don't you look for a less stressful job? Or maybe a desk job with the police department?
How high is your BP? I'd think it would have to be very high all the time, meds not working, to get a disability.
If your job is to stressful and you are only 42 yrs old why don't you look for a less stressful job? Or maybe a desk job with the police department?
Cardiologists do NOT call PVC's heart disease they call it "benign" if he/she had checked you out and found that they are "benign". Even if they should develop into other arrhythmia unless the arrhythmia could be fatal you would not get the disability unless you actually have the real heart disease.
How high is your BP? I'd think it would have to be very high all the time, meds not working, to get a disability.
If your job is to stressful and you are only 42 yrs old why don't you look for a less stressful job? Or maybe a desk job with the police department?
How high is your BP? I'd think it would have to be very high all the time, meds not working, to get a disability.
If your job is to stressful and you are only 42 yrs old why don't you look for a less stressful job? Or maybe a desk job with the police department?
I'm 42 years old. Metpropol is for the palps and others for bp and cholestrol. Holter showed pvcs. Retirement would be for both stress and heart condition. Language in retirement law cites that hypertension and or heart disease that causes partial or total disability is presumed to have been caused by job. Can't the pvc develop into other types of rhythms?
I don't think you mentioned your age, but are you close to normal retirement age? I'm guessing that the metopropol is for the pvcs, but are the other cardiac medications primarily for BP and cholesterol control. It sounds like your tests have been normal and that there is no indication of CAD. What were the results of the 30 day monitor? Are you thinking of retiring based on a "heart condition"? Or, would it be more in line with stress and anxiety?
PVCs in the setting of a structurally normal heart are considered benign? Is the metopropol for the pvcs? Since it doesn't seem to be working well for you, what about trying a different beta blocker? Having had pvc's all of my adult life, I can't imagine "forgetting about them." But, I can recommend that you try and learn to accept them. It's kind of like having daily headaches. You don't forget them, but they're not going to hurt you. If they're bothering you, there are medications for the symtoms. In the case of the extra beats, beta blockers are usually the first line of medications prescribed; then, calcium channel blockers.
PVCs in the setting of a structurally normal heart are considered benign? Is the metopropol for the pvcs? Since it doesn't seem to be working well for you, what about trying a different beta blocker? Having had pvc's all of my adult life, I can't imagine "forgetting about them." But, I can recommend that you try and learn to accept them. It's kind of like having daily headaches. You don't forget them, but they're not going to hurt you. If they're bothering you, there are medications for the symtoms. In the case of the extra beats, beta blockers are usually the first line of medications prescribed; then, calcium channel blockers.
Hi. I am sorry you are having so much trouble dealing with this. I have to echo Luke's response that maybe you would be better served with an anti-depressant in the SSRI category. The Buspar may be contributing more than you think to your inability to focus on the job. Taking these drugs does not mean you are crazy or a loon or whatever you want to call it. Your benign arrhythmias are affecting your life such that you are having difficulty coping with your daily life, which is a major reason to seek professional help. You could go outside your system and no one will know unless you choose to tell them. What you are doing right now is not working, according to what you have said. It is time to try something different! Having a benign arrhythmia is not going to get you disability, but behavioral problems dealing with life may, but I gather you would not want that on your record. I also second the response that you should get another opinion, as you don't seem to trust your physician. I had one EP sit down, take my hand, look me in the eye, and tell me that I am not going to die from the NSVT that I was having then. And I BELIEVED him and that was that. I have no trouble at all ignoring all my various arrhythmias.
Not everybody who has to see a shrink is "crazy". Before this Cardiologist took the fear out of me I volunteered to see a Therapist, a Psychologist, and then a shrink. All on my own. I was a basket case, having at times for weeks to no end my heart skipping every other beat, I wanted help no matter how and no matter who would/could give it to me. I was also a basket case because I read and researched PVC's on the Internet, it did nothing but scare the hell out of me. The Therapist and Psychologist could not manage to get me over this fear, the shrink hardly listened to me and gave me a prescription for Xanax which made the PVC's WORSE.
I tried everything in my power to get out of this fear of dropping dead, until this Cardiologist I will be forever grateful to took the fear out of me with one vist. The way he talked to me, the look on his face, it was almost like magic, it hit something inside me which turned my life around. The first thing he said was STAY AWAY FROM THE INTERNET!
As for the BP yes, you still can get high spikes. I had to see a Hypertension Specialist because of my spikes and he told me that the BP meds will keep your BP down on a daily basis BUT if you have severe anxiety, anger or severe stress at that moment all the BP pills wont help you. I was given beta blockers for a short time and despite the beta blockers my BP spiked to 255/160 at one time due to a severe anxiety/suspense about an outcome. He also told me that these spikes will not kill you unless your BP would be that high all the time, and then over a period of time it would kill you. He helped me a lot too. I take my BP meds and should I get anxiety or something like that I know its temporary, and I let it take its course.
I tried everything in my power to get out of this fear of dropping dead, until this Cardiologist I will be forever grateful to took the fear out of me with one vist. The way he talked to me, the look on his face, it was almost like magic, it hit something inside me which turned my life around. The first thing he said was STAY AWAY FROM THE INTERNET!
As for the BP yes, you still can get high spikes. I had to see a Hypertension Specialist because of my spikes and he told me that the BP meds will keep your BP down on a daily basis BUT if you have severe anxiety, anger or severe stress at that moment all the BP pills wont help you. I was given beta blockers for a short time and despite the beta blockers my BP spiked to 255/160 at one time due to a severe anxiety/suspense about an outcome. He also told me that these spikes will not kill you unless your BP would be that high all the time, and then over a period of time it would kill you. He helped me a lot too. I take my BP meds and should I get anxiety or something like that I know its temporary, and I let it take its course.
I am not to fond of the paxil,prozac family of drugs. I've dealt with people that have taken these and got worse, sucide attempts etc. I'm not "crazy" and have not considered the shrink route. I'm not sure if that would be helpful in regards to effecting pension. It would definitely probably hurt promotion. Not interested in that at this point in my career though. My health and being there for my kids is the most important goal I have now.
Have you tought of going on a SSRI like Paxil? These are longering acting and according to some better at treating long term anxiety over the drug you are on (buspar) That drug is usually for short term treatment not long term.
Also does your department have a shrink? If so you should pay him a visit. I am unaware if psych meetings go on your jacket, or could effect your promotion or pension. If this is a concern then you could get help outside the department.
Also does your department have a shrink? If so you should pay him a visit. I am unaware if psych meetings go on your jacket, or could effect your promotion or pension. If this is a concern then you could get help outside the department.
I have a family member who was a dps (arizona) officer for 30 years, he did alot of undercover narcotics work.. He also has high blood pressure issues.. It certainly is not an easy job by any means.. I think if you have other factors contributing to this decision and it is being made of sound and clear mind, then you know what is best for you, it sounds like you have put much thought into this.. I definately wouldnt like to see ANYONE, give up something they enjoy out of fear and misunderstanding.. I agree with barbarella that a second opinion may be in order if you are having problems trusting your current cardiologists prognosis.. I hope you find the answers you are looking for and enjoy your retirement!
Bp meds control it but I do spike.I have researched reputable web sites American college cardology etc. Not basing this on comment on a forum.
I have been in law enforcement for 16 years. I enjoyed it for first ten or so, but it is a very stressful job. I began suffering from high blood pressure in 2000. I have had several co-workers have heart attacks in recent years. I'm concerned, big time. The job is not like what you see on tv. There are some bad cops out there, don't get me wrong but the good outnumber the bad and I'm concerned for my safety and the safety of others. Do you want a police officer that is strung out on meds that make you dizzy,drowsy, etc making a split second decison when it comes to your life or that of a family member or friend? I certainly would not. I appreciate your thankfulness for our presence. No other abnormalities yet. I have the risk factors of high bp,cholestrol, stress, and the pvc which make me a candidate for a heart attack.
You say you think that your doctor is wrong and that you did some research on your own. Who did you do research with? If you think that your doctor is wrong, and that you trust your research more than its time that you get a second opinion, NO trust in a doctor will not help you but will put you in the cycle of "what if" of "does the doctor know what he is doing". You will never get over your problem with PVC's if you have that doubt.
PVC's will NOT cause you to drop dead. I've been having them for the last 45 yrs. Does your BP meds control your BP? High BP can also cause PVC a Cardiologist told me. Since I'm on BP meds I get these PVC's a lot less, but they still come, sometimes severe.
Yes, stress and anxiety are a part of the reason for my PVC's.
You might have to see a Therapist too to get the medical disability so you can retire early. Unless a heart condition is life threatening doctors hesitate to give medical disability. A Therapist or Psychologist might have to document that these PVC's are ruining your life, that you can't work while having these PVC's, but prepare yourself that they might try to help you first to overcome your fear of these PVC's.
I was in this hell hole of fear that I'd drop dead for many yrs until a Cardiologist took the fear out of me with one visit. He told me that I would not drop dead from these PVC's, I trusted him, and went on with my life. I still HATE them, but learned to live with them.
PVC's will NOT cause you to drop dead. I've been having them for the last 45 yrs. Does your BP meds control your BP? High BP can also cause PVC a Cardiologist told me. Since I'm on BP meds I get these PVC's a lot less, but they still come, sometimes severe.
Yes, stress and anxiety are a part of the reason for my PVC's.
You might have to see a Therapist too to get the medical disability so you can retire early. Unless a heart condition is life threatening doctors hesitate to give medical disability. A Therapist or Psychologist might have to document that these PVC's are ruining your life, that you can't work while having these PVC's, but prepare yourself that they might try to help you first to overcome your fear of these PVC's.
I was in this hell hole of fear that I'd drop dead for many yrs until a Cardiologist took the fear out of me with one visit. He told me that I would not drop dead from these PVC's, I trusted him, and went on with my life. I still HATE them, but learned to live with them.
First off, I just wanted to thank you for your service of the community.. Police officers perform such an important duty.
Do you enjoy being a police officer? Did you before these PVC's? If so, ide really try some counseling/behavioral therapy before retiring.. Right now its just your job performance you are worried about but these issues tend to engulf our entire lives piece by piece if we dont get control over them... You say your doctor reassured you that your PVC's wont degenerate into a more serious arrhythmia but your own research tells you otherwise.. Unfortunately, this is a common complaint of PVC sufferers.. The internet can be a SCARY place when it comes to a situation likes this.. Your doctor has much more information and history to go on to make a judgment in this situation than the internet can give you, please try and keep this in mind.. Did your tests reveal any abnormalities besides the PVC's and cholesterol?
Do you enjoy being a police officer? Did you before these PVC's? If so, ide really try some counseling/behavioral therapy before retiring.. Right now its just your job performance you are worried about but these issues tend to engulf our entire lives piece by piece if we dont get control over them... You say your doctor reassured you that your PVC's wont degenerate into a more serious arrhythmia but your own research tells you otherwise.. Unfortunately, this is a common complaint of PVC sufferers.. The internet can be a SCARY place when it comes to a situation likes this.. Your doctor has much more information and history to go on to make a judgment in this situation than the internet can give you, please try and keep this in mind.. Did your tests reveal any abnormalities besides the PVC's and cholesterol?
I live in Mass. and there is a provision in retirement system for cops, firefighters etc with heart condition that was sustained on job. I'm not only concerned for my health, but liability should I have a problem and someone gets hurt because I did my job improperly.
Yes, exactly. I am 46 in good shape and am a safety engineer. I have had such bad spells I asked my cardio if anyone ever was considered disabled because of rythym problems. HE said absolutely not, which shocked me. I am a hard worker and love to work but I am severely handicapped by these weird PACs and PVCs at times.
I have had them non-stop for weeks at a time. My meds currently mean that I can't exert myself without having other heart side effects because of my condition. I told him if I worked outside in construction I would loose everything I have because I would absolutely not be able to cope. I appreciate what you do and I'm sorry this stuff happens. My ectopics are also affected by stress and anxiety.
I have had them non-stop for weeks at a time. My meds currently mean that I can't exert myself without having other heart side effects because of my condition. I told him if I worked outside in construction I would loose everything I have because I would absolutely not be able to cope. I appreciate what you do and I'm sorry this stuff happens. My ectopics are also affected by stress and anxiety.
I take benicar x 1 hctz x1 simvistantin x1 metopropol x2 buspar x2 81 mg aspirin x1
So far I have had treadmill test (no nuclear) and I had PVC trigger, EKG, stress echo (this is the one with ultra sound instrument) no enlarged heart etc, negative x-ray, wore 30 day holter for week and they took me off and started meds. Two recent cholestrol test came back elevated 214. I have a good diet. I attribute that to stress also. I 've been told that PVC can not lead to anything more serious such as v-tach etc. Doctor says no, I think he is wrong according to my research. They say forget about them, yeah sure, easy for them to say. The meds don't work well. Going back to cardiologist in a few days. I'm frustrated, scared. I have a lot to say to him. I think I require more tests.Thanks.
So far I have had treadmill test (no nuclear) and I had PVC trigger, EKG, stress echo (this is the one with ultra sound instrument) no enlarged heart etc, negative x-ray, wore 30 day holter for week and they took me off and started meds. Two recent cholestrol test came back elevated 214. I have a good diet. I attribute that to stress also. I 've been told that PVC can not lead to anything more serious such as v-tach etc. Doctor says no, I think he is wrong according to my research. They say forget about them, yeah sure, easy for them to say. The meds don't work well. Going back to cardiologist in a few days. I'm frustrated, scared. I have a lot to say to him. I think I require more tests.Thanks.
Are you taking 8 cardiac medications? Anything in particular to help with the pvcs?
I have had pvcs for about 30 years. There were days when they were so prevelant that it was difficult to concentrate. Not so much because I was worried, but they made me feel lousy. Have you had a cardiac workup to determine if your pvcs are likely to turn into some more serious?
I have had pvcs for about 30 years. There were days when they were so prevelant that it was difficult to concentrate. Not so much because I was worried, but they made me feel lousy. Have you had a cardiac workup to determine if your pvcs are likely to turn into some more serious?
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