Friday, June 6, 2014

The Perfect Storm

The ER doctor referred me to a heart specialist and today was the day. I went to see Dr Dhansay, a friendly, personable, way too young to be a specialist fellow who had me go over the whole day that the problem happened. He then did an ultrasound of my heart, took my pulse, blood oxygen level, blood pressure while I was laying down and blood pressure again when I stood up.

We sat down and he asked if there was heart disease in my family and I told him both my father and brother had died from heart problems, both in their 80's. He said my heart was in "good shape, very good shape in fact"!

He said I had experienced the "perfect storm" of triggers for someone susceptible to Vasovagal Syncope. Hot day, sun, dark clothes, empty stomach, low blood pressure (normal for me), a little dehydrated and a little bit of alcohol. The blood left my brain causing me to go pale, sweat, have confusion talking, slur my words and experience over-sensitivity to light. When I sat down, that was good, but standing up was bad. The blood left my head and down I went. When I lay on the ground the blood went back to my brain and I started to feel better.

He said it was good that I had warning both times it happened (Saturday and 12 years ago in Toronto) and that the worst kind of black-outs occur with no warning. If it happens again I should lay back with my legs elevated and have someone bring me a glass of salt water to raise my BP. He said heart doctors usually tell patients to reduce or cut out salt but my case different. He said I might even want to carry salt tablets in my picnic basket just in case.

He is scheduling me for a full heart ultrasound although he already knows what the result is going to be. I told him I had an appointment for a 24 hour heart monitor and he said it was really not necessary but to go ahead with it, it will not hurt. He said he could give me a stress test (treadmill) if I really wanted but seeing I had no chest pain it was not called for. I told him "No thanks, I had one last time and it just about killed me"! He said to be sure to eat, specially before drinking and that because I had sufficient warning signs and time to react he was not going to restrict my driving (!!!) Shit, I never thought of that, he could have taken away my driver's licence!

So, there you have it! I am officially "fine". No restrictions, no prescriptions and I am still driving. Life is Good!

14 comments:

  1. So that's all good news! I am relieved (and glad the doctor seconded my opinion about drinking on an empty stomach. ;) ). Now that you know your license is at stake, that will help you remember to take good care of yourself.

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    1. Yes! Eat, drink more water and dress for the weather (don't listen to Norma who always wants me to over-dress "in case it gets cold later").

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    2. Bring layers! Too bad pashmina scarves haven't become a unisex fashion trend yet. :)

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  2. Great news Croft! Looks like a steady diet ie timing of meals is in order.

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    1. You are right Peter, meals have never been "regular" in our house. I think that is going to have to change.

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  3. You are A-OK...! Clearly good news! Thrilled to ead about it all and that you can continue the RV'ing lifestyle you so enjoy.

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  4. Having blood leaving one's brain is never a good idea, Croft! I'm wondering how so many right-wing nutbar wackos are still walking around since their brains are mostly dead-empty!

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    1. Rick, if they have to live long term with the empty headed feeling I had for a few seconds, I can see how they come up with their wingnut ideas!

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  5. Sounds like that DR. gave you a very thorough check. I like what he did and the advice he gave you. Best part is there is a name for what happened and even better is that you now know you are back in control of what happens to you.

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    1. When you hear the word "heart" mentioned as you are loaded into the ambulance, it causes a little concern. I am very happy to be told my heart is in very good shape! Specially after both my father and brother died from heart ailments.

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  6. We're so happy to hear that you are hale and hearty. I still think you just wanted the attention ;)
    Take good care of yourself, buddy!

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    1. Thanks Rod! I feel much better now I have that second opinion from the specialist.

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  7. Now that is good news, so glad that all turned out well and the Doc was able to explain what happened. Now you know what to do and how to prevent it happening again.

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  8. Good because Norma couldn't drive all the way to Mexico!

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