persephone Posted February 23, 2006 Report Share Posted February 23, 2006 Don't know what to say- this time I was terrified as the chest pain was horrific and I was unconscious for about four and a half minutes. My face and my lips were blue when I came round, and instead of resetting my system, I felt absolutely horrific.So they got an ambulance- got a bit of a fright when I discovered my pulse was 232 and my bp was 160/80.I got a bit frazzled about going to the hospital, but the amazing English tutor came with me--what a star!I was in resus for 5 hours, and they were really good- even when my pulse started showing SVT and Vtach, they were very nice about it all. And my tutor didn't leave my side- ONCE!they didn't know pots to begin with, but did know dysautonomia. Then when I met the cardiologists, they knew exactly what pots was, and said they'd even diagnosed another young woman with it last year. This is the only hospital admission I've ever had where people have accepted that I know my body, I'm not mad, and this isn't brought on my stress0 tho that does, of course, make it worse.They said that I am anaemic- for the first time in my life, and that probably triggered my big crash last week, since I was just SO tired I cdouldn't go on any longer. Also, they said that my potassium levels were low- it turned out they were lower than the old lady next to me who went into CArdiac Arrest while I was there.So....that's where I've been. Oxford have said I can defer if I want, but I *really* want to try and give things another go here- what else is there? If I get that ill again, obviously I'll have to let it go, but I think I could actually keep going if I get better, and I definitely am better than I was last week! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MightyMouse Posted February 23, 2006 Report Share Posted February 23, 2006 It's good to hear that you finally got some really good care! Nina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacquie802 Posted February 23, 2006 Report Share Posted February 23, 2006 Hey, I was wondering where you have been. Glad you are okay!!! Did the docs give you anything to take? Hope your feeling better very SOON! Jacquie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janineerrn Posted February 23, 2006 Report Share Posted February 23, 2006 Wow G/F,I get the psvt, I know the feeling of impending doom well, but Vtach, eeeekkkk. That must have been horrid. That is like my biggest fear... going into vtach. I am glad you are still with us. I am sure it is going to take a while to recover from the exhaustion. And its wonderful you found an ER that has a clue.Feel BetterJanine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted February 23, 2006 Author Report Share Posted February 23, 2006 Well, they queried prinz-metal angina, but said that they couldn't prove it one way or the other- but because my bp was so erratic, they wouldn't even give me codeine for the chest pain- paracetamol and nothing else:(Never mind- at least they didn't treat me like I was mental! They said POTS can cause vagal spasms of the diaphragm and that's probably what caused this...sparked off by the anaemia et alBut those darned ecg pads- my skin is till red raw and itchy now, a week later! and my hands are still all bruised from the drips Never mind. I am BACK and that is the main thing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacquie802 Posted February 23, 2006 Report Share Posted February 23, 2006 Hi,I also get a really bad skin reaction from the electrodes!!! The ER doc had to give me IV benedryl because the itching got soo freakin bad! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunfish Posted February 23, 2006 Report Share Posted February 23, 2006 sorry for the rough spot but glad that you did get better care than in the past.hang in there, melissa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suzanne Posted February 23, 2006 Report Share Posted February 23, 2006 Sorry to hear of your scary episode. It sounds terribly frightening. I hope you can recover quickly. Do you think your study is pushing you too hard? I know I cling on to work as a sanity saver, but at what cost? Hope you can balance it all out. Take care. Hugs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MightyMouse Posted February 23, 2006 Report Share Posted February 23, 2006 Pers, I'm not sure if it's sold under the same name in the UK, but I use Sarna lotion for the itchy skin--be it from the tape they use with IV's, or ecg leads, or just hives. It's a very soothing lotion that has camphor in it, which takes the sting out of the itchy spots.Be well. Nina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunfish Posted February 23, 2006 Report Share Posted February 23, 2006 sarna is a favorite of mine too... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacquie802 Posted February 23, 2006 Report Share Posted February 23, 2006 Is sarna the same thing as Men-Phor Lotion??? I use that alot when i get bites, sunburns, etc.?Jacquie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJVDK Posted February 23, 2006 Report Share Posted February 23, 2006 Glad you are ok! I hope things work out for you. I wish you the best, and keep us posted on how you are doing!Amy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dizzygirl Posted February 23, 2006 Report Share Posted February 23, 2006 Oh my goodness perse!! what are we going to do about you my dear!! I am very glad that you FINALY got some good medical care.. and that they knew what they were talking about..dysautonomia.I think that you are a real trooper sticking out school...I'm not sure I could do what you are doing.. with how you have been feeling.. god bless ya Persephone!Can you by chance cut you class load down? and go at a slower pace and still kepp your funding and stuff?? also are you able to get any one to help you with day to day things? (ie..cooking..cleaning..shopping..laundry..stuff like that??) to help take some of the stress/bourdon off your shoulders. again perse sorry you went thru that.. but am glad that you had good caring competent doctors on board this time!!BIG HUGS to you!Linda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taylortotmom Posted February 23, 2006 Report Share Posted February 23, 2006 Oh Persephone, I am so sorry. You have an amazing tutor and I am so glad you have her there for you. At least you know now that your hospital is familiar with dysautonomia that in itself is reassuring. Bless you- hang in there.Carmen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Poohbear Posted February 23, 2006 Report Share Posted February 23, 2006 Hope you will be feeling better soon! Glad you got much better care this time!!!!!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom4cem Posted February 23, 2006 Report Share Posted February 23, 2006 I am glad you received good care and were treated by dr's who actually heard of POTS. I hope you are well on the way to recovery again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dizzy Dame Posted February 23, 2006 Report Share Posted February 23, 2006 Persephone, That sounds horrible! I've only had one episode similar to that (although not as severe) and I was sure I was dying at the time. I still have nightmares about it. Please take care of yourself. You're so smart, and sweet, I'm worried that the stress you're under is going to destroy you. But hopefully this was a one-time deal. I really hope you're feeling better now. Cortizone helps with the ecg itchies, but watch out for that, I now have anaphylactic reactions to ecg electrodes, so the allergy can progress. Bug hugs, Lauren Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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