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From: Sharelle
Date: 11/30/99
Time: 10:14:59 AM
Remote Name: 208.229.133.162
There is so much unknown about V-V. I'm 34 and recently diagnosed with Neurocardiogenic Syncope (via tilt-table). It is described by the Amer. Jrl or Cardiology as "the sudden onset of hypotension [low blood pressure] and syncope [fainting]. It often includes a vasodepressor (constricted arteries) and cardioinhibitory (plummet in heart rate) response. There is nothing I can attribute as a trigger to my own episodes. I definitely believe it is related to my blood pressure which historically runs low. In fact, I theorize that a plummet in blood pressure IS the trigger. What causes the change in BP? My doc says it's neurological (the signals my brain and heart send back and forth). I've had near-fainting episodes most of my life triggered by heat, dehydration etc. It wasn't until spring of '99 that I went to the doctor about it because new symptoms emerged. Within 30 minutes, I would go from feeling fine to near shock. I would loose total bowel control (explosive diarrhea) while conscious, vomitting, profuse sweating (diaphoresis) and fainting (if I didn't lay down). This alarmed me and I had appx one episode per month. My doc suspected something heart-related after I had an episode in the middle of the night. It is interesting to read the experiences of others. They seem to fall into two camps: 1) fainting with triggers or 2) fainting (or near fainting) with nausea/diarrhea. At first, I didn't think my "sick" episodes were related to my "fainting" episodes. I couldn't believe that V-V could be so violent on the body. And I mean violent! Not like having the flu or food poisoning. Yet, thirty to sixty minutes later I'm perfectly fine. A little weak from it all maybe, but quite recovered. I could relate to the lady who felt ambulances were unnecessary. Tho you feel like you're dying, you know you'll recover before any reasonable help can arrive. At this point, after reading about the experiences of others, I'm pondering the following: co-morbidity (relationship) of.. migraine headaches low blood pressure digestive disorders food allergies heat/temp. hydration seizure disorders vaccinations Reynaud's Endocrinology (esp. epinephrine/adrenaline)
It is well-documented in medical studies that the nervous system (sympathetic) is activated BEFORE the V-V episode. It is also well-documented that adrenal epinephrine (formerly called adrenalin) is released prior to an episode. The New England Jrl of Med. published a study in April '93 [vol 328] that revealed that pacemakers are not effective in preventing syncope. The reasoning, in part was that pacemakers do not control blood pressure. Those of you who are wondering about SSRI's (like Prozac), there is a study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology April '99 vol 33. The purpose of the study was to determine if SSRI's could prevent Vasovagal syncope. It was a randomized, double-blind (neither docs or patients know who got what pill), placebo controlled study. The result: 62% SSRI versus 38% placebo had negative tilt table test. I hope this information helps you as your prior information has helped me. I'm just sharing my thoughts out loud with you. Be sure to share this information with your doc and don't stick with a doc for whom you are not COMPLETELY comfortable. Be proactive in your health decisions. Three docs in a room will have three different opinions on your health. Don't carelessly trust the doc to take care of you. You must take care of you. Blessings to you all, may God intervene and heal you to His glory.
From: Barbara
I was diagnosed last year with vaso vagal after several fainting episodes and have had 3 positive tilt table tests. I am now taking atenolol at night, flourinef and potassium in the morning and flourinef in the afternoon. I am still having what I can only describe as a vibrating sensation multiple times throughout the day. They began when I started to wean myself off of celexa. My cardiologist then added the flourinef and potassium. I'm vibrating less than I was, but it hasn't stopped. It's worse in the evening when I'm tired. Does this sound familiar to anyone?I would appreciate any advice.
From: Tony L. Williams
My wife and I were in N.Y. in a hotel, we ordered room service ..just desert, she fell asleep and I was awake watching a movie. I started getting real bad cramps, and felt like my bottom was going to explode. I became really weak. I managed to get to the bathroom and the cramps got worse. the diareah was bad, I started sweating bad, and eventually fell off the stool , I could barely whisper my wifes name but thank God she heard me. she came in I was laying on the floor half concience, she called 911 the ambulance came they gave me O2. and checked my heart it was beating ok but my pressure was 80/60 they rished me to the ER,. Gave me 3 Iv's. when we got home we called my dr. and she has mentioned vv. this same thing happened to me about 8-9 yrs ago.