Hey jphilly
The best part about this site is that when I (or anyone else) says that we can relate...it is the truth.
It is horrible trying to deal with these things when they start acting up. Yes, to being afraid of sleeping or going somewhere by yourself, or working out. It is horrible to live with these. When I'm having a good period (just a few a day) then I am the first to tell you that you will be fine. But when I start getting them every few beats, then I'm just a mess. I don't like taking pills either but it sounds like you really need to trust your doctor and try the medicine. I personally take 1/2 of a 25mg of atenolol and it really does help. Atenolol is very safe and if you start with a very low dose you can determine what works for you. Really, it is time to try something. Worst case scenerio is that you don't like how you feel or it doesn't seem to work and you stop taking it. My doctor gave me xanax but I haven't tried it yet. (same as you, I really worry about taking pills). I think we all worry that it will just make the
PVC's worse. Anyway, that is my 2 cents. You have people here that live with these every day so we can give you the reassurance but trying some medicine might help too. Your wife being a nurse would make it about as safe for you to try it out as it could get!
Hang in there...don't worry...you are fine. Stress and anxiety just keep them hanging around.... this I know for sure.
Jodie