BuddyLeesWife

One of the side-effects of Effexor is that it can RAISE blood pressure, good for my husband with NCS but maybe not so good for you.

Could low blood sugar and an increased sensitivity to insulin be causing episodes of syncope? The only time my husband was actually passed out with medical personnel present his blood sugar was extremely low. I thought this was somewhat of a fluke because it was following oral surgery and he had a reaction to the narcotics given for pain. Plus, following this he had extensive cardio and neurological testing and was eventually diagnosed with NCS. Add to that the many tests his identical twin has had over the past three years to try and determine why he passes out. This past week my husband experienced pre-syncope twice and in both cases he had not eaten for a long time - he did stay hydrated with water. After drinking some juice and eating he felt much better. So today, I did a search on hypoglycemia and syncope and the following research article on Vasovagal Syncope (aka NCS) came up. The article was difficult to decipher - I copied the conclusion below. Do you think they could have overlooked increased insulin sensitivity during all the testing? Following are the symptoms of hypoglycemia: Sweating Hunger Trembling Anxiety Confusion Blurred Vision Glucose testing is also done in emergency settings to determine if low or high glucose is contributing to symptoms such as fainting and unconsciousness. Acute Ischemic Heart Disease Insulin Sensitivity in Young Women With Vasovagal Syncope from American Heart Journal Posted 06/23/2003 Conclusion Young women with vasovagal episodes and HUT+ show a greater sensitivity to insulin than control subjects, as assessed by the OGTT. Moreover, a propensity to reproduce the symptoms during the OGTT is also observed. Such metabolic hypersensitivity may be related to a greater susceptibility to the vasodilation effects of insulin and thus may be one of the predisposing constitutional factors leading to vasovagal episodes in response to specific stimuli. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/456228?src=search

My husband has taken it for 2 years and it has been a wonder drug to control faintig from NCS...but, it HAS NOT WORKED for his identical twin brother with the same but more severe symptoms. Good luck - I hope it works for you.

My husband and his twin brother are both fainters so, while definately genetic, I don't know what side of the family it comes from.

My husband had an MRI and MRA of the brain and an EEG. Following another syncope episode he had a sleep deprived EEG where he had to stay awake for 24 hours first - try that without any alcohol or caffein . Other than the 24 hours awake, the tests were not uncomfortable. Everything was "normal" and they ruled out TIA's (mini-strokes) which was a good thing.

You can find a cooling neckband/headband at some construction supply distributors. One in particular is at the following website and the cost is only $3.49! You can also use their store locator but call first as some branches do not stock the products. I don't know if they work but at least it is a reasonable way to give it a try. http://www.abccatalog.com/store/viewitem.a...duct=2047612305 (This is not an product endorsement, nor do I benefit in any way by referring you to this company. I just happen to know about these because I work in this industry and I noticed them in one of their stores on a recent visit. I just purchased some for myself and a group of friends who will be hiking in the Grand Canyon in a couple of weeks - I'll let you know what I think after the hike).

This is good information for all plane travelers and would probably work for long drives too.. One of my young friends with no health problems just got a blood clot in her leg on a return flight from Hawaii. In an airplane, the dehydration caused by the dry air may thicken blood. In addition, the low cabin pressure, combined with immobility in cramped seats, may cause blood to collect in the legs. In addition, you can Walk around the cabin every 15 to 30 minutes if possible during flights of three hours or longer Do some simple stretching exercises while seated Sleep only for short periods?up to 30 minutes at a time Limit alcohol and caffeine, which may contribute to dehydration Bring your own water bottle, or request water if your flight has a beverage service Walk briskly through the airport during layovers In-flight exercises Ankle turns: Lift your feet off the floor and move your toes in a circle, one foot moving clockwise and the other foot moving counterclockwise. Change direction and repeat. Foot lifts: Place your heels on the floor and bring your toes up as high as you can. Then put both feet back flat on the floor. Then pull your heels up while keeping the balls of your feet on the floor. Knee lifts: While keeping your knee bent, raise your leg while tensing your thigh muscle. Repeat 20 to 30 times, alternating legs. Shoulder rolls: Raise your shoulders and then move them forward, downward and then backward in a smooth circular movement. Arm bends: Start with your elbows on the armrests and your hands pointed forward so that your lower and upper arms make a 90-degree angle. Take turns moving your left and then your right hand toward your chest and back, and continue for 30 seconds. Knee to chest: Bend slightly forward. Fold your hands together around your left knee and pull it toward your chest. Hold this position for 15 seconds and let your knee drop slowly. Change legs and repeat. Forward bends: Place both feet on the floor and pull your abdomen in. Bend slowly forward and ''walk'' your fingers along your shins to your ankles. Hold for 15 seconds and sit up slowly. Upper-body stretch: Stretch both arms over your head. With your right hand, grab your left wrist and pull it slowly to the right. Hold for 15 seconds and change arms. Shoulder stretch: With your right hand, grab your left elbow and pull your outstretched left arm slowly toward your right shoulder. Hold for 15 seconds and change arms. Neck roll: Relax your shoulders, let your head drop to your right shoulder and roll your head slowly to the front and then to your left side. Repeat five times. The full article is at http://www.acefitness.org/fitfacts/fitfact....cfm?itemid=290

Dr. Grubb just prescribed Provigil for my husband and the fatigue associated with his NCS. He suggested that he try 50 mg (1/2 pill) in the morning. He also said that some people have to take a booster dose (1/2 dose) around 1pm in the afternoon but to never take it later than that or you may experience trouble sleeping. Apparently the military is the largest customer for this drug. Here's the website: http://www.provigil.com/

Ever since my husband was diagnosed with Epstein-Barr virus in 1999, which seemed to push his NCS into high gear, he has been intolerant to Beer. He can't even drink one without feeling awful a couple hours later. He can still drink a glass or two of wine without any ill effects and dark rum is OK too.

Ever since my husband was diagnosed with Epstein-Barr virus in 1999, which seemed to push his NCS into high gear, he has been intolerant to Beer. He can't even drink one without feeling awful a couple hours later. He can still drink a glass or two of wine without any ill effects.

My husband and I have "thermostat wars" in our house (he has NCS). I have adjusted after learning about this disorder by sleeping in long underwear and always having a fleece bathrobe available. In the summer, I walk around inside in the robe with my shorts & T-shirt underneath, ready to peel it off when I go outside, leaving the air conditioning for the real weather. The worst is riding in the car in the summer as I just can't bring myself to cover up with a blanket. He loves playing golf in hot humid weather as it keeps his muscles loose - then we go back to the deep-freeze when we return home - go figure! Warm temperatures inside or in an enclosed area affect him much more than the same or hotter temps in the wide-open outdoors.