Tilted and diagnosed!

In anticipation of the infamous Tilt Table test that I have to have done this morning the kids spent the night with David's parents last night since I had to be at the hospital insanely early this morning. Bless David's parents for still agreeing to let them spend the night and get them to school with the other family that has come in to tend to Scott's final days. (I'll get to this in a moment).

So, I had the infamous Tilt Table test done this morning and they were able to reproduce the symptoms without any inhibitors! YEA! I know, how can I be excited about this? Well, I was nervous that it just wouldn't happen because the other physicians couldn't pin point the cause and Dr. Greer was able to get my body to reproduce the symptoms and now we can move forward with a manageable therapy. So if you're scratching your head like our dear 'potato' family friend was earlier today, here is an explanation of sorts that was sent home with me from the clinic this morning.

The result = Neurocardiogenic Syncope

Neurcardiogenic syncope is caused by a minor imbalance in the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system is an internal system that influences many autonomic functions. For example, when you climb stairs your heart rate increases without your having to consciously tell your heart to beat faster. When you eat, your digestive system goes into action without your having to tell it to do so. When you are in hot weather, you perspire automatically. The autonomic nervous system influences blood pressure, heart rate, digestion, and perspiration, among other things. There are several common circumstances which may trigger spells of neurocardiogendic syncope. These include having blood drawn, seeing a disgusting sight, getting overheated, experiencing intense pain, or having to stand for a long period of time. Sometimes people are also prone to faint when they get out of bed in the middle of the night or when they get up in the morning.

Neurocardiogenic syncope often is seen in perfectly healthy individuals, and the vast majority of caes are benign. In other words, we do not expect this problem to take a day off the life span of our patients.

When a person with neurocardiogenic syncope faints, there are several things that happen internally, but the end result is that the autonomic nervous system sends out an improper message to the heart and/or blood vessels so that there is a drop in the heart rate and/or drop in the blood pressure.

TREATMENT: We're going to try these before trying medications.
1. Avoid dehydration! - I have to drink at MINIMUM 2 liters of NON-caffeinated fluids.
2. Eat THREE meals daily, breakfast is especially important. - I'm not a big breakfast eater, so now I have to make myself eat breakfast!
3. Increase sodium intake - David said, waawhooo you can eat more bacon! Well, as Shannon said, pretzels are better! LOL
3. Avoid standing for prolonged periods of time - This one isn't so bad, I can manage this one!

I am also to follow my discharge instructions and in 2 weeks I will be re-evaluated for further therapy options. Most medical therapies include beta blockers, salt-retaining agents and selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors. I'm excited to go back in 2 weeks, because it is possible that the 'no driving' restriction I have had since May could possibly be lifted and I will be able to drive. But that may be optimistic, but optimistic is the way I wanna be because I'm getting tired of being chauffeured to and from home and work and I'm not able to take the kids to basic practices and events or even a quick trip to the store!

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From Earlier...
Scott Woodfield is David's cousin (try and follow - Graydon's sisters son) has been very ill but in good spirits over the past few months. Sometime between Friday and Saturday Scott suffered a heart attack and then was med-flighted from Harrison to Little Rock on Saturday. The family had a very difficult decision yesterday to pull Scott off of all breathing tubes and Scott's living will prevents them from putting in a feeding tube. David and I were at the hospital last night from 10-just past midnight sitting with Alan, Shannon and Scott, listening to Alan play his guitar, singing and telling stories. Scott was not expected to make it through the night, but his body is tough and Scott lasted through the night. David and I went back up to the hospital this morning briefly after my test to check on the family that was there. During the brief hour we were there we got to say our good-byes to the family and to Scott as he will be transported to hospice care today to Harrison, AR. This may seem like an odd thing but for those of you that know the family, this move is better for everyone. He will be closer to home, and this will help the family from having to travel back and forth from Harrison or Rogers to Little Rock for the next few days. So as the family tries to prepare to have Scott moved back to northwest Arkansas they are also plagued with difficult decisions. Please keep the entire family in your prayers as this week will be one of the most difficult weeks they endure.

Photo: Scott with his son, Harry.