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From: Laura
Date: 3/27/00
Time: 11:20:44 AM
Remote Name: 195.92.64.209
I am 22 and was diagnosed in 1998 with vasovagal syndrome, after over a year of various terrifying tests and then finally getting referred to a specialist - on demand!!
I was basically diagnosed and then sent packing, with no particular explanations or ways of coping, no advice on how to deal with it in everyday life.
My attacks happen very regularly, and especially when I haven't eaten. Drinking alcohol is not a good idea as my hangovers are on the LARGE side!! I therefore don't ever get drunk any more.
After experiencing attacks followed by fainting in public places, ie; the Mall, outside a shopping precinct. in various bars(crowded & hot) and in my local pub, I began to suffer from severe panick attacks almost every time I went near those places. So I started avoiding the places where I had an attack previously. And generally became a hermit!
I eventually dragged myself to a counsellor because it was doing me no good just avoiding the situation. My counsellor taught me the easiest breathing technique which I used when I needed to. I remember having to do it on the tube when I was in London, I just closed my eyes and concentrated on breathing in and out deeply and slowly. Eventually you can ignore everything around you and listen to your own voice telling you how to breathe. It does take practice but once you can master it , it can work.
I have also come to realise that my self esteem is no longer around due to all this, I am trying really hard to build it back up again, but it is very hard from changing to an outgoing, social and confident young woman to a nervous wreck!
Any comments/suggestions or confirmation that I am not a total freak would be welcomed.
From: Amanda
is your daughter also going through puperty I am 23 now but when I was around 12 13 my fainting progressed and after an insident where having my knee drained I had a grand mahl sesuire after I went through series of testing EEG EKG ecco carteogram ect. my mom found a Dr. Vetter in Childrens Hospital in Philidelphia there they did the tilt table test not a fun test but from there they perscribed me a steroid a forget the name but it helped my mother would remember it if this sounds at all formiliar let me know