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Syncope, arm numbness, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, normal BP
As my ID indicates, I am at wits end with researching my wife's condition. I pray that a fresh pair of eyes sees this post and can offer us some insight.
Background:
My wife, caucasian, 27, was admitted to the hospital in March 2003 after fainting while sitting with me on the couch (watching TV). Her BP was a bit high for her. She had many tests: EP study, EKG, chest MRI, Stress Echo. Everything "normal". She failed the tilt-table. Diagnosis: Neuro cardiogenic syncope. Treatment: Celexa, 20mg daily. NO pacemaker implanted.
NOTE: This does not seem to be stress related. Also, this happens when sitting, standing and lying down.
Back in the hospital a few weeks later. Added 10mg Celexa and Florinef (spelling?) to raise BP.
Symptoms:
She sporadically has "episodes" where she gets VERY dizzy, has chest pain (described as "cramping"), varying pulse, shortness of breath, fainting (not always), nausea, feeling of coldness, tingling in all four limbs, and just recently - lasting numbness in her left arm.
We were back to the hospital again last weekend due to the numbness and another fainting spell. Neurologist ran CAT Scan and head MRI (both normal). Heart doc dismissed all symptoms as "normal".
We are currently seeing a herbal doc that has her on mega doses of C, E, B-100, Magnesium, Omega-3, calcium and a daily multi.
This illness has not been terribly debilitating. However, she cannot drive (passes out) and she has been increasingly having more severe "episodes". I CANNOT STAND PEOPLE TELLING US THIS IS NORMAL! Thanks for your help!!!
Background:
My wife, caucasian, 27, was admitted to the hospital in March 2003 after fainting while sitting with me on the couch (watching TV). Her BP was a bit high for her. She had many tests: EP study, EKG, chest MRI, Stress Echo. Everything "normal". She failed the tilt-table. Diagnosis: Neuro cardiogenic syncope. Treatment: Celexa, 20mg daily. NO pacemaker implanted.
NOTE: This does not seem to be stress related. Also, this happens when sitting, standing and lying down.
Back in the hospital a few weeks later. Added 10mg Celexa and Florinef (spelling?) to raise BP.
Symptoms:
She sporadically has "episodes" where she gets VERY dizzy, has chest pain (described as "cramping"), varying pulse, shortness of breath, fainting (not always), nausea, feeling of coldness, tingling in all four limbs, and just recently - lasting numbness in her left arm.
We were back to the hospital again last weekend due to the numbness and another fainting spell. Neurologist ran CAT Scan and head MRI (both normal). Heart doc dismissed all symptoms as "normal".
We are currently seeing a herbal doc that has her on mega doses of C, E, B-100, Magnesium, Omega-3, calcium and a daily multi.
This illness has not been terribly debilitating. However, she cannot drive (passes out) and she has been increasingly having more severe "episodes". I CANNOT STAND PEOPLE TELLING US THIS IS NORMAL! Thanks for your help!!!
I am in a very similar situation. Having been diagnosed as having anxiety, I have experienced most of what you have had and many more symptoms. My 'episodes" started almost 4 years ago. I had my very first panic attack and was scared out of my mind that I was going to die. When told it was a panic attack, I didn't believe it. I spent months suffering!! I was nauseous, lightheaded, dizzy, tired. I had chest pains, vision problems, headaches, numbness and tingling in my arms and legs, shaky hands and much more. I went from thinking I had a brain tumor, heart condition, to some type of cancer, M.S. and a number of other diseases and problems. It was exhausting and terrifying. I had cat scans, MRI's, blood work, and an EKG done throughout multiple visits to the dr. and E.R. -- all results were normal. Then one Thursday I had had a somewhat "normal" day, with few symptoms -- until I watched Grey's Anatomy!! I realized then that it may actually be anxiety and in my head (as many had told me). I was prescribed Celexa, worked my way up to 40mg and did GREAT for over 2 years. I was "normal!!" Struggling again now. Changed meds and am seeing a therapist. Hoping to get this under control again.
Thank you for your post. I am a 40 year old female. I spent my 40th birthday in the hospital and I was there for 3 days. I wore a heart monitor, had several EKG's, stress tests, stress test with the die, Echocardiogram, chest xrays, blood work, etc. I was told that i have anxiety. I DON'T BELIEVE IT!!! As we speak I am having episodes including chest pain, pain on the left side of my neck, left arm pain, weakeness in my left arm, wrists and hands, arm and hand is cold, left jaw pain, teeth hurt and metal taste in my mouth. I have been back and forth to the E.R. with no answers. I was given a prescription for Prozac and I am afraid to take it because of the listed side effects. When these episodes occur (they are becoming more frequent even when i drive) i am not stressed, anxious or nervous. I plan to check into the device you mentioned in your last blog. The only way i can get through the night sometimes is reading the blogs knowing that there are others who are going through it too. Thanks again.
Thank you for your post. I am a 40 year old female. I spent my 40th birthday in the hospital and I was there for 3 days. I wore a heart monitor, had several EKG's, stress tests, stress test with the die, Echocardiogram, chest xrays, blood work, etc. I was told that i have anxiety. I DON'T BELIEVE IT!!! As we speak I am having episodes including chest pain, pain on the left side of my neck, left arm pain, weakeness in my left arm, wrists and hands, arm and hand is cold, left jaw pain, teeth hurt and metal taste in my mouth. I have been back and forth to the E.R. with no answers. I was given a prescription for Prozac and I am afraid to take it because of the listed side effects. When these episodes occur (they are becoming more frequent even when i drive) i am not stressed, anxious or nervous. I plan to check into the device you mentioned in your last blog. The only way i can get through the night sometimes is reading the blogs knowing that there are others who are going through it too. Thanks again.
i understand what you are feeling my 15 son is doing the same thing we have made 4 trips to the ER and he him self is on a montor his BP durning one epssoid peek at 189/111 and his heart rate was 186 and he was just sitting down all the ER doctors say there panic attcks but his doctor says his stats are to high to be just a panic attack now there talking maybe were lookig for a tumor in the adrenal gland see what your doctor thinks about that on your wife
I have to say that I am overwhelmed with gratitude for everyone that took time to post their thoughts and experiences on this issue. I honestly had no idea it was so pervasive. I did want to share some updated info on our situation in the hopes that it might help someone out there.
After countless hospital ICU stays, tests, specialists (even at the Cleveland clinic) we eventually found Dr. Blair Grubb at the University of Toledo Medical Center. I cannot say enough good about this man. He is a syncope specialist. Now it took us over a year to get into see him, but once we did, he placed us squarely on the path to a “solution”.
Dr Grubb has been running trials with Biotronik. They have a two-lead pacemaker that effectively measures blood pressure and kicks in to compensate for low pressure. This little device gave my wife her life back.
The pacer is able to catch the fall in blood pressure and pace the heart to compensate. *Most* of the time, this catch is made before the syncopal episode causes a blackout. We have to tweak the settings with a Biotronik tech to find the sweet spot for my wife. I will say she does still have a very occasional “break-through” episode – but those are few and far between. To give you some idea- pre-pacer she was going completely out 4-6 times per day. After the pacer it is maybe once per month – if that.
I don’t want to give false hope to anyone. But this is what is working for my wife. And I said “solution” earlier because this is not a cure for the root issue. She is also taking Prozac for the RSSI attributes of that drug. Between that and the pacer, this condition has become very manageable.
So we went from (in my first post) she couldn’t work, drive, have kids, etc. To now where she can do all of that. We have a 16-month old and another on the way in Feb.
Again, thanks to everyone for sharing your stories. If we can be of any help to anyway, please let me know. We are perfectly willing to share our research and her story if that would be of comfort to you or your loved ones. Thanks!
After countless hospital ICU stays, tests, specialists (even at the Cleveland clinic) we eventually found Dr. Blair Grubb at the University of Toledo Medical Center. I cannot say enough good about this man. He is a syncope specialist. Now it took us over a year to get into see him, but once we did, he placed us squarely on the path to a “solution”.
Dr Grubb has been running trials with Biotronik. They have a two-lead pacemaker that effectively measures blood pressure and kicks in to compensate for low pressure. This little device gave my wife her life back.
The pacer is able to catch the fall in blood pressure and pace the heart to compensate. *Most* of the time, this catch is made before the syncopal episode causes a blackout. We have to tweak the settings with a Biotronik tech to find the sweet spot for my wife. I will say she does still have a very occasional “break-through” episode – but those are few and far between. To give you some idea- pre-pacer she was going completely out 4-6 times per day. After the pacer it is maybe once per month – if that.
I don’t want to give false hope to anyone. But this is what is working for my wife. And I said “solution” earlier because this is not a cure for the root issue. She is also taking Prozac for the RSSI attributes of that drug. Between that and the pacer, this condition has become very manageable.
So we went from (in my first post) she couldn’t work, drive, have kids, etc. To now where she can do all of that. We have a 16-month old and another on the way in Feb.
Again, thanks to everyone for sharing your stories. If we can be of any help to anyway, please let me know. We are perfectly willing to share our research and her story if that would be of comfort to you or your loved ones. Thanks!
You should look at Vanderbilt or the Cleveland Clinic. They both have good info.. Defnitely stay away from alcohol and limit caffiene intake as they both dehydrate you. Stay hydrated. Up your sodium intake unless it is going to kill you.. Get up and down from a seated position slowly after sitting up for at least 15 seconds. If you feel an episode coming on take your fingers from each hand and clasp them together pulling them in the opposite direction in a horizontal direction as hard as you can, also cross your legs and squeeze your thighs, butt, and calves together as hard as you can. This will help push the blood that is pooling in your legs up.
Of course if you feel it coming on super strong just lie down and put your legs up in the air. Looks silly but so what so does everyone else with medical issues !!! I'm also a H.S fastpitch coach so I know where your coming from. I have the scars on my skull and lingering effects of a concussion to prove this disease is no laughing matter.. Good Luck :)
Of course if you feel it coming on super strong just lie down and put your legs up in the air. Looks silly but so what so does everyone else with medical issues !!! I'm also a H.S fastpitch coach so I know where your coming from. I have the scars on my skull and lingering effects of a concussion to prove this disease is no laughing matter.. Good Luck :)
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