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From: Paula
Date: 4/3/00
Time: 1:52:51 PM
Remote Name: 208.2.33.120
I am sorry that it has taken so long to answer. I have not been well. I wish that I could tell you that I have an answer to the vaso vagal spells, but I don't. I have had 2 more since writing. I have had just about every test possible to see if I have a blockage in my colon or something and they have shown no problem. I really don't feel that it is connected to any nervous disorder since it happens at varying times and stress doesn't seem to play a part for me. I will say that I am trying very hard to avoid any constipation problems because that seemed to be a continuing thread. I think the worst part is that even the doctors don't seem to understand how horrible it is. When I had one in the hospital, they coded me like I was dying and were appalled at my heart rate and blood pressure drop, but some of the doctors act like they think it is all in your head. It is very frustrating. We are getting ready to go on an extended trip and I am terrified that it will happen then too. I just have to pray about it. Good luck. Paula
From: Jeffrey Lehman fr NJ
I began experience symptoms of near syncope while working full-time during and attending undergraduate and graduate studies at night (1988-1995). I was also exercising at this time. Prior to that, I did have rare symptoms of heavy palpitations when eating large meals, while in the sun on a hot day for an extended period of time, and once when decreasing intervening time while lifting weights (1981-1988). I woke up with tachycardia one night in 1992 which was followed by three succcessive days of angina and dyspnea. I have frequent palpitations which I can tie in most notable with sleep debt.
In 1995, I underwent an EPS about a month after experiencing a full syncope event and a stress test was stopped when I showed possible signs of ischemia. As with the near-syncope episodes, when I sat down I felt better, but when I stood up I expereinced a 'white-out'. I was cleared, but it was confirmed that I had a 0.4 1st degree AV Block and a possible vaso-vagal syncope condition based upon my explanation of symptoms (including dehydration sensations).
In 1999, I strted going for a second MS while working and taking care of family members in a difficult situation. On March 18, 2000 after a particularly fatiguing week during the week and that day, I felt a stabbing chest pain at about 5:30PM when lowering myself into my car seat. The pain was localized in the chest, but I felt a warmth in both nipples and along the elbows. Alarmed, I stood up to walk it off. Then, after about a minute or so, I felt head pressure and then a white-out sensation. I proceeded to sit down again and the pallor faded though the chest pain remained. I called for the EMS and was brought to the Atlantic City Med Ctr where I was almost released until I went into a disorganized, chaotic, Torsaud's VT. I was rushed to Penn Presbyterian in Philadelphia, where I was given an internal pacemaker/defibrillator. I am now on 2x 25mg Metoprolol and 1x81mg aspirin. Caridac output and coronary arteries looked good, but it was found that I had a cardiomyopathy/hypokinesis spot on my left ventrical. They believe that is the source, although I believe-that considering my history-it is an effect of a prior event.
In 1998, I discovered some information on my biological mother, who was diagnosed with systemic lupus about 9 years after I was born. I discovered a sister also who has WPW, SVT, and a possible MI indication. She is strongly tachycardia symptomatic when upset or sleep-deprived. At other times her symptoms seem random and more problematic. In my case, I can tie in the symptoms in to fatigue, over-exertion (after the fact), large meals or fast eating, and stress. Once, I could tie in a mild syncope to an episode of marijuana smoking-which I rarely have done.
My feeling is that any of the three tachycardia events followed periods of perceived low BP and HR. As I mentioned, my cardiologist and her assistants from Penn thinks it is the localized myopathy/hypokinesis. Considering the electrocardiology abnormalities of myself, my sister, and my birth mother I do not accept their conclusion and still am anxious about the array of symptoms and unspecified source.