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From: Debbie - drumfamily5812@aol.com
Date: 3/21/00
Time: 7:17:12 PM
Remote Name: 205.188.198.47
I've been experiencing what we now are called vasovagal or neurally mediated syncope, for 7 years now. At first I only experienced the spells once every 6-9 months. The doctors did all the tests, the tilt table gave the diagnosis with a positive test. I passed out! The cariologist started me on beta blockers - they lowered my heart rate to 40-45 beats per minute. Then he put me on Paxil (anti-depressant) to level my seratonine. Then he put me on Zoloft, another anit-depressant. For the past 2 years I've been on Prozac. 1st 10 ml, then 20ml, now 30 ml. My spells have increased in the past two years to 3 or 4 times a month. I don't always pass out, but I do fall to my knees and can't focus my attention on anything but getting through the spell. My doctor as of yesterday is tampering me off the Prozac (obviously it hasn't helped). I've had my license taken away 2 times for passing out. It is very frustrating. I'm 43 years old with 2 very active - dancing girls. I'm not a depressed, or over-reactive person. My doctor is running more blood work and another 24-hour heart holter test. I guess we'll see. It just so frustrating!!!
Anyone else feel the same?
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From:
My daughter too has seizure-like behavior when she passes out-was diagnosed with panic attacks, which I knew was wrong. She was later found to have vasovagal, but she also suffered from constant dizziness, headaches, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, etc. We now know she has POTS. Took her to Mayo, where they did not diagnose her until the second trip there; I discovered POTS on the internet, demanded to see Dr. Low (who is and expert) and he confirmed she had POTS. Fortunately she does not pass out often, but when she does she hits and kicks violently the whole time. It is scary, but I have gotten used to it. Makes me feel better to know others look like they are having seizures too when they are passed out. For some reason some individuals react this way. POTS is very frustrating in that there is no sure cure; a variety of meds. have to be tried-she is doing better now, so maybe her current med. is doing some good.