Help with Vasovagal Syncope please!

Hi, Had a PM fitted last October for AV Block. Was also tested for Vasovagal before it was fitted, two days before. I'm vasovagal as well it seems. I just thought I was one of those people that just faint at the sight of blood etc.

I read with interest on this site that others have had a PM fitted because of vasovagal syncope, and a PM helps with this condition. I've been told by my UK Docs that my PM for AV Block wont help with vasovagal syncope. I'm left wondering why! Does anyone out there have any ideas? I had another faint last night whilst out. Having the PM is one thing, but if I could control the vasovagal, that would be a real help. Thank you. Gary (UK).

11 Comments

donb

by climber - 2011-05-01 01:05:23

You seem to have the same as me, gut problems that bring on sickness/faintness. May be I should ask the Doc for some tabs for my gut. Thanks.

Climber

by donb - 2011-05-01 07:05:20

Hi Gary, Recently I went to my GP and gave him a list of meds for updated refills. One was for my Compazine for vegal. He gave me a prescription of 5cc in Syrup form. I have always had suppository. MY (nurse) wife just told me it comes in pills, liquid, IV, suppository. You might question your Dr. about the best choice. I know in my case I certainly don't want to aggravate the problem by taking oral med. I was given the suppository prescription years ago as I have to usually suffer out any upsets as the last time I threw up was at age 18. So, the vegas nerve shuts down my heart instead. The compazine does work to stop the gut cramping given some time to take effect. Don

how the pm helps

by Tracey_E - 2011-05-01 08:05:43

If I understand it correctly, vasovagal is a combination of a drop in bp and hr. The pm can't control the bp drop, but it will keep your heart from pausing or slowing down when you have an episode. For some people, the pm fixes it. Others still have symptoms, it depends how low your bp gets.

TraceyE

by climber - 2011-05-01 09:05:44

What you say does make sence. It seems to me I've got to find a way of controlling the vasovagal by other means. This may be by medication, as I've tried mind control. Got to find out what makes my bp drop. My hr is in the low 40's anyway, as I've always kept my self so fit over the years.

Vagal Response

by donb - 2011-05-01 09:05:51

Hi Gary, Vagal attacks not fun!! I've learned after 19 years of PMs' that our devices do not completely stop these attacks as I was promised with my 1st PM but as Tracey posted your PM will help by keeping your Heart from stopping. I have had only one faint since my 1st PM which was caused aby flu episode. Unfortunetly I smashed my nose as I wenrt down & was hospitalized. I do avoid crowds & restaurants during flu season. As I'm not a drinker I am very carefull with my eating habits. I also keep my prescription of Compozine which keeps the gut under control more or less if nausea starts. Any other members out there may also have suggestions?? donb

vaso...

by APgirl - 2011-05-02 05:05:41

hi
having had this in addition to heart block and bradycardia ( averaging less than 40 and feeling exhausted) and been lucky enough to have a major vasovagal event which led to the pacer, - my Cardio has set the pacer to go faster when it senses the drop. - (just like Frank suggests). - I feel it as a 'flurry' but it kind of goes with the lightheaded feeling and I know to sit down and drink water. A wonderful nurse told me the quickest way to get my bp up is to drink water so this is what I now do.

As I look back over the years, each of my fainting/blackout events can be linked to upset stomach and comparing the experience of my major one last July, there have been times when I have been incredibly lucky :)
so now I carry motilium as well as water everywhere and if I feel iffy at all, take one,as if I can settle the tummy first, the dizzyness is mild and I drink lots of water. Having had my bp monitored regularly since last July, its always low, and even when I am very stressed, its about the normal level for everyone else. My biggest learn out of all of this is - recognise the symptoms, and deal with it fast, and then you stay in control.

AP

ElectricFrank

by climber - 2011-05-02 06:05:01

The only problem I would see if I was to have the lower limit set lower, would that it will kick in more and use up battery life. I've talked about this with the PM tech, and my PM is set to kick in at 40, as my rest rate is around 42, as I'm so fit. If it was set to, lets say 50, it would be kicking in all the time. Would let be a good thing, I don't know.

APgirl

by climber - 2011-05-02 06:05:15

I'm going to have to adopt this carrying of water around with me, to see if it works for me. Over the years I've tried to fight the feeling of faintness, but have always failled. The Vagal side of things have kind of got worst since the PM went in. It may be still early days for me, so will have to get around to my Docs more often and push for more help andd advice.

Lower Limit

by ElectricFrank - 2011-05-02 11:05:21

I agree with you on the effects on battery life. Sometimes though it is worth it. Your pacer probably has a sleep setting that will provide a lower setting during specified hours.

By the way are you taking any meds that might affect the problem in a negative way?

frank

Pacer adjustment

by ElectricFrank - 2011-05-02 12:05:04

It might help to have the Lower Limit increased a bit. While it doesn't directly affect BP the faster pumping might keep yours from falling so much, especially since it is so low.

I don't have the condition, but have wondered about trying one of the tricks pilots use during high G maneuvers. In the good old days they would deliberately tense the muscles of legs and lower abdomen to increase BP.

frank

ElectricFrank

by climber - 2011-05-03 04:05:14

Hi Frank,
The only tabs I'm taling most every day is, sleeping tabs. Have been taking these for many months now. Can't find another way of sleeping throught the discomfort at night.

Gary.

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