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From: MAH Australia
Hello, I was pregnant when I started passing out and only then was it discovered that I had naturally low blood pressure. I was assured by all that the 'fainting' would stop once the baby arrive. She did and it didn't. i spent 2.5 years passing out 12-15 times a day needing a full time carer and not being able to do anything for myself. I was 32. I finally referred to a doctor who after a tilt table test diagnosed Vasal Vagal. We spent 10 months mucking about with different potions and doses in an attempt to stop the passing out. A small dose of anti depressents worked by was accompanied by the worst side effects including nightmares (when i could sleep), insomnia, psychotic visions and weight gain which did cause depression!. Coming off those drugs was the best move although the fainting restarted. 6 months later I was pescribed Miodrine. In Australia, you must get special Government clearance to use the drug, it is not available on pescription alone. These drugs work magically. I have been on them for some time and wouldn't give them up for the world. The downside; 1. I still cannot exercise without passing out (I started a circuit class and my heart rate went down after 20 minutes instead of up!!) 2. I cannot eat a large carby dinner without passing out (ie Lasange or pizza or pasta) 3. Getting too hot or too anxious over anything will still cause an `episode' Because it took so long to diagnose me I am now stuck with the effects the passing out caused - l struggle at times to remember even the most basic of things, I struggle to find the next word in a sentence, I can no longer read for hours and know what I have been reading about. My ability to think consequencely has detriorated. Life is different and odd because most of the time I know that I know it I just seem to be a little late getting of the starting blocks. If you are a fainter get HELP straight away and don't give up until you get an answer the longer term effects can be life altering!