Anxiety - Ectopic Beats

[Dahrol]

I got health anxiety close to 3 months ago, due to the death of a friend, and started having hypochondriac-like obsessions because of my slight risk factor of dying of a heart attack like she did.

After having anxiety for three months, I'm now learning, that my risk for a heart attack or cardiac event is EXTREMELY low. But it seems like it's too late.

The worst symptom of this anxiety are these ectopic beats/palpitations/pvcs which drive my off the deep end. They make me toss and turn and prevent me from relaxing, because that's when I get them the most.

Generic Alphrazolam seemed to help them somewhat, but I don't want to be dependent on a benzo to stay calm, because they're highly addictive. The doctor put me on a 0.5mg dose, and it's extended release. I'm apprehensive about taking it, although I was given a 0.5mg dose of regular Xanax by the ER, and didn't find myself craving it.

I just want the palps to go away. The anxiety would be so much more manageable if I didn't have them. It's not a fast or slow heart rate. It just feels like my heart is being squeezed for like 3 seconds, then a strong beat afterwards.

Been tested, no heart problems, and everything is normal. I didn't have any of these symptoms before I got anxiety, so how do I make them go away?

I'm seeing a therapist, but it seems like it's not quite helping yet with the symptoms.

I'm petrified that I'll be stuck like this forever, and will have to rely in medication to "cope" with it. I just want my normal life back.

Everyone is so pessimistic.

Help me, please!!

Tell me how I can conquer these symptoms. The SYMPTOMS.

[Dahrol]

Why on earth do I not get pvcs when I'm walking around? O_O


I only get them when I try to relax.

GRRRRR!!!!!

[mammo]

You are not bothering us!  You can talk to most of us, even if we don't suffer from the exact same thing as you, we have anxiety and can relate to the frustrations of all of it. I do understand the loneliness and how pessimistic we can feel at times, and it's always good to know that there are others out here going thru the same thing or something similar who can relate to you.  It's good to talk about it, so feel free to PM me any time, even if just to vent.  I always have the time to listen and help in any way I can.  You're not alone with this, and hopefully some others will jump on here with support.  I look forward to hearing from you.  Take care!

[Dahrol]

I'm really sorry for bothering you.

I just have to do alot of waiting before i can talk to therapists and doctors, and this anxiety is making me impatient.

I HAVE to talk to someone, and there's no one, who understands this.

Once again, sorry for the trouble. :(

[RubyWitch]

But that's what you're not getting, Dahrol, I'm NOT going through the same thing you are.
I made peace with my PTSD and my panic attacks and my palpitations and PVC's YEARS ago, through many years of therapy, one medical specialist after another, and many different medications, which I still take. These issues are simply a part of my life, of who I am, just like my arthritis and my migraines and my CAD and my GERD...........I accept these things and deal with them as best I can.
I know you like having someone to talk to who understands what you're going through, we ALL do, and that IS what we're here for, but I am not a therapist, Dahrol, I can't play that role for you. You need a REAL professional to talk to.
If you get into therapy, you will learn so much about yourself and accepting the things we can't change.
Peace
Greenlydia

[Dahrol]

I just like having someone to talk to who is going through the same things as me, even if they don't have the answers.

I just don't like pessimism, because I'm already pessimistic as it is.

How on earth do you live with pvcs? I wish I could be trained to just live with them. Are they not very noticeable?

[RubyWitch]

At this point, Dahrol, I recommend you get into therapy for your heart/health anxiety. Since there is apparently absolutely nothing wrong with your heart, then it's your head.
The Xanax will help with your anxiety, but whether or not it will help with your palps is anybodies guess. I take Xanax and I still get a great many palpitations and PVC's. Since you yourself say you are a mess, go see someone who can help clean it up.
I don't think I have much more to offer you.
I wish you the very best in your quest for health.
Peace
Greenlydia