Could really use some advise or help on this!!! - Heart Disorders Message Board

Talis · 07-07-2003, 11:11 AM

Hi,
I am a 25 year old male. I stand 6'2" and weigh right at 200 pounds. I have always been an extremely active person. I played football for 6 years, and have been doing martial arts and hand to hand weapons training for roughly 13 years. I have always "done" something.
Last September, I was sitting in the floor at my previous job stocking the shelves when I suddenly became dizzy. I felt like I was going to pass out so I was able to stumble into the back room and shut the door. The next thing I remember was waking up on the concrete floor with a large knot in the middle of my forehead from the impact with the floor. Nervous that I may have had a concussion, I went to the emergency room. I spent 8 hours there from the time the doctors began to see me to the time they admitted me.
My heart rate was fluctuating lightly between 68 and 92 bpm. I was sitting down talking to a nurse when I suddenly felt naseous, light headed, and broke out into a cold sweat. Almost immediately after this I passed out again. When I came to, I was surrounded by doctors and nurses franticly attempting to revive me. They told me that in the space of about 10 seconds my pulse had dropped from 78 bpm down to 26 bpm and that my blood preasure had dropped in proportion to match.
I was immediately admitted and was kept hooked to montors, various IV's and a multitusde of other "accesories". After 4 days the cardiac specialist diagnosed me with Neurocariogenic Syncope and said that further testing would follow. Since then I have had a mobile EKG unit that I had to keep on 24 hours a day. Now I have had to have a Medtronic Insertable Loop Recorder... basically a heart monitor inserted by surgery. My doctor will not allow me to work... I have developed severe chest pains and the frequency of passing out nd pain is on the increase, and to be totally honest I am terrified. I can not get my doctor to give me any answers and I wish someone could tell me anything at all.
If anyone else suffers from this condition, I would love some info... or suggestions from anyone.
Please help if you can.

Sincerely,
Talis

techblues · 07-07-2003, 11:32 AM

Hi Talis,

I don't have this condition so I can't offer you any information about it, but after reading your story, I just wanted to offer my prayers on your behalf. I can't imagine how it must feel to have a condition like this and not be able to get any solid answers from a dr. Do you trust your doc or do you think it might be advisable to get a second opinion or to try another dr.?

I have WPW syndrome but it's mild and fortunately, I've never had the usual passing out symptons that most have with this problem. Know that I'll be praying for you and hoping that you find some relief through whatever means the docs think best. Please keep us informed.

------------------
Best to you,

Tech

WPW syndrome misdiagnosed as PAT at age 2
MVP and TVP diagnosed at age 32
MVP induced Panic disorder age 33

zuzu8 · 07-07-2003, 06:30 PM

Hey talis- First and foremost, relax. Neurocardiogenic Syncope is almost always totally BENIGN, although frightening, and can be successfully treated.

Here is a good link on MEDLINE'S WEBSITE (approved by HealthBoards moderators for posting) ...I just checked out the very first link titled "fainting" (National Library of Medicine) .
Click on it .

On the next page, under the heading GENERAL/OVERVIEWS.....click on Syncope ( make sure it's the one from the American Heart Association ). Reading this one article ALONE will help you calm down
[url="http://search.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/query?DISAMBIGUATION=true&FUNCTION=searc h&SERVER2=server2&SERVER1=server1&PARAME TER=NEUROCARDIOGENIC+SYNCOPE&x=6&y=8"]http://search.nlm.ni h.gov/medlineplus/query?DISAMBIGUATION=true&FUNCTION=searc h&SERVER2=server2&SERVER1=server1&PARAME TER=NEUROCARDIOGENIC+SYNCOPE&x=6&y=8[/url]

I know how scary this is to you, especially someone who is 25, athletic and active. Try not to get into a panic....You'll be fine. The docs need to run a battery of tests just to make absolutely sure there's nothing else going on. But if they've already used this phrase to you, then chances are, as I said it's a benign situation for which you may need some meds.
I know of two people around your age who took meds for a while and eventually stopped never to have any repeat episodes.

Let us know how you're doing when you know more.

In the meantime, stay calm and don't forget to BREATHE!

zuzu xxx

PS I am so worried that my "instructions" are confusing, I just want to post an extract for you in case you get lost by my rather convoluted directions!:

QUOTE:
What is neurally mediated syncope?

Neurally mediated syncope (NMS) is called also neurocardiogenic, vasovagal, vasodepressor or reflex mediated syncope. It's a benign (and the most frequent) cause of fainting. However, life-threatening conditions may also manifest as syncope. NMS is more common in children and young adults, although it can occur at any age. NMS happens because blood pressure drops, reducing circulation to the brain and causing loss of consciousness. Typical NMS occurs while standing and is often preceded by a sensation of warmth, nausea, lightheadedness and visual "grayout." If the syncope is prolonged, it can trigger a seizure. Placing the person in a reclining position will restore blood flow and consciousness and end the seizure. END QUOTE

[This message has been edited by zuzu8 (edited 07-07-2003).]

Talis · 07-08-2003, 01:34 PM

I appreciate the concern I have been recieving from everyone. I appreciate the fact that it may be benign... the reason I remain worried is that the doctors aren't telling me anything and the last time they did, they said that I would be looking at the possibility of a defib if my pulse rose any higher than it had in the last recording (198 bpm while sitting still reading a book). The thing that concerns me the most are the ches pains. I had one about an hour ago that hurt so bad it literally dropped me to my knees. This is the definately the most disconcerting part of the whole deal.

Sincerely,
Talis