finally- some help with fainting- good dr visit

Hi All,

Ok, I know this is a little off- topic, but I think I finally found a doctor who can help me with the whole fainting problem.

She is a cardiologist who specializes in dysautonomia, and who is only about an hour and half away. She did a tilt table as well as an echo. The tilt did show clear neurocardiogenic syncope. The next step is to try bystolic, a beta blocker, to see if we can get the increased heart rate down. I am also going to try klonopin because of its effects on the brain. I am going to remain on zoloft, Tylenol 3, and taper down zanaflex. I will continue with the increased salt, gatorade, and excercise. She also told me to avoid caffeine for a while and see if it make a difference. If this doesn't work, she does have some other ideas. Regardless, I am glad I have a doctor who seems to know about this and is willing to help. I guess sometimes it takes searching.

The headache is horrendous right now- probably from travel and such. I just had to share.

Pain free days,
sailingm

I'm so happy for you, I know you've been struggling with this for way too long, and its so good to hear you with hope about things, Klonipin really helps me with flight anxiety, and it can help my tension migraines. Please keep us in the loop about how things are going.

SM - glad things are finally looking up for you. Great news. Hopefully this will improve your life in so many ways.

Great to hear Sailing.

Finding "THE" doctor who wants to get to the bottom of things seems to be such a key.

How is the progress with wheel chair and puppy dog?

Good news!!!!! Keep us posted.

Good news!

Cheryl

Really happy for you SM. It would be so good if you could find something to alleviate those fainting spells. Do keep us posted as to your progress. Praying for you SM.

Hal

Good news! I'm really happy you found someone who will work with you!

Finally sounds like you have someone that will listen to you, Muffin. Yay!

Very, VERY, happy for you!

Sailing, That is great news! I hope this Dr. turns out to be just what you needed.
Hugs,
Cindy

I'm so happy you found a doctor who will listen and try things for you! Here's hoping you start feeling better soon.

sailing,

that's good news. this cardiologist is following basic treatment for syncope. which means there isn't some esoteric way outside of some of the basic tried and true methodology for treating syncope.

the syncope is CNS based, but does have an inpact on the heart's rhythm. that's good--and it's not your heart causing the problems.

betas help control rhythm and klonopin helps chill out the CNS. i've been on this regimen for going on 7 years. it works for me.

how long are they going to keep the reveal in?

Yay! Isn't it wonderful when you find a Dr. that actually helps! I hope the treatment is successful!

Mary Anne

Oh that's good news SM - I'm so pleased for you and hope things will start to improve soon

Liz

Fantastic news, SM! You have struggled for so long and definitely deserve to have some answers and solutions. Please keep us posted on your success.

£eslie

I'm so glad you found someone who can help. I hope you het results fast.

Hi All,

Thanks for the outpouring of good wishes- keep it up. All I can say is, and while saying it, I am knocking on wood, praying, and hoping, so far, so good. The bystolic (beta blocker} seems to be helping some. It is not taking theem away completely, but it is giving me some time to get to the floor or get to a chair and has reduced them a bit. So, I can only hope this trend continues. Also still doing gatorade, excercise, and salt. I am also stopping caffeine and decreasing sugar. We sghall see how things go.

She did say that she did not want me in a wheelchair unless it was necessary because it would be easy to get deconditioned. She did not think a service dog would be helpful, so I am thinking on that. Right now, we shall see how things go.

Pain free days,
sailingm

Isn't it strange how salt can be great for one person and poison for the next. My brother has addison's and as a result buys salt in bulk. Watching him pour it (no sprinkling involved for him) on to a beautiful meal is almost sacrilege.

Good to hear the fainting is slowing down and I can see her point of view about muscle condition. You will just have to perceiver with the padding.

Hope everything keeps on improving.

SM,

With all of the exercise you are doing, I would expect to see your picture on the front of Muscle magazine soon.

As for the dog, sometimes those dogs can be trained to detect when you might faint and let you know. Check it out.

Hal

Light at the end of the tunnel at last.

Fingers crossed it goes well for you. You more than deserve a break!!