Update- fainting and bad M

Hi All,

I though I would give you an update on the fainting, migraine, and recent drs appointments.

I saw the Sleep specialist about 10 days ago. He was actually pretty helpful. He looked at the whole O2 and heart rate sheets I brought. He said that there was definitelly something odd with the heart- as I seemed to be in tachycardic when I fainted. He said that he did not think the O2 stuff could be the problem because he doesn't hear or see any lung involvement and said that I would definitely have symptoms if this were the case. I did ask about cardiologists in the area and he threw out some names. I also asked if there was anything else he could do or that I should be doing from his perspective and he said, "No. Keep using the CPAP, see if you can get in with a cardiologist (preferably an EP) and go from there" He also said that a service dog would be helpful. It was a good appointment- and at least he was willing to listen and willing to help when he could. This may not seem like much- but it is huge for me due to the fact that I have been caught up in a game of "pass the patient" for a while.

I have been approved for a service dog and will be getting one soon- (I hope to be matched for the fall course.)
The Migraine is really bad right now. I finally got the pain down to a bearable level with Ultram, T3, 2mg Klonopin and Periactin. I am kind of out of it right now, but it is better than the 9.8-"the window looks good" level it has been this weekend. I will definitely call the neuro's office and see about getting an IV of Depakan sometime this week.

The fainting is a little different- I had a pretty good week, but the past two days have been horrendous. As my roomate would say, "S, you are flirting with the record." The current record stands at 62. My roommate has Aspergers and is very good with numbers, so she keeps a running tally of the fainting. She is also good at telling people that everything is under control when I faint in a public place.

I am not quite sure where to go from here. Sometimes, it feels like this thing is one great big jigsaw puzzle and we are trying to put the pieces together, but can't. I don't know if it is because these symptoms are rare or if there are too many speciallists saying "my part of the puzzle is fine, ask the other dr for help." The big problem is that I am left putting the pieces together and trying to get the others to help. I also can't help thinking that it is possible that the flu I had before the fainting, attacked some nerves in the brain that control the heart.

The only thing that I can do is to keepp searching for an answer. Deal with the severe headaches, and try and live despite the fainting stuff. I will check out the EPs the sleep neuro suggested.

Anyway, thanks for letting me vent.
Any advice is welcome.

Pain free days,
sailingm

I know it's rough, but hang in there sweetie....the light at the end of the tunnel has to be somewhere around here!! I keep telling myself that the next dr, or the next set of meds are the one. Without that little pep talk I'm not sure what i'd be like. Just remember...YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!!

"freak"