Normally, threads asking for well-wishes/good vibes aren't about yourself, but this time, I could really use it.
I gave blood for the first time Tuesday morning. I ate a good breakfast, did everything they told me to. About an hour later, after they had pronounced me fine and sent me on my way, I got dizzy and started shaking. They had me lay down, and drink a Pepsi to try to get my blood sugar up. I fainted shortly after, but not for long. After I got home, I lay down, and only got up for dinner, but as soon as I moved, I fainted again. I ended up sleeping for about 15 hours, and woke up exhausted.
Yesterday, I was a little dizzy all day, and shaking a bit, but generally fine. I had a friend over after school, and as we were sitting on my bedroom floor playing cards, I had some sort of a seizure/attack. My arms and face went numb and contorted, then started feeling prickly, like they do after waking up(like when your foot has gone to sleep). I was shaking violently, and I couldn't move voluntarily. I also had a very hard time breathing- I was panting like a dog. My mom gave me some oranges and chocolate, and eventually, I started feeling better.
This morning, I had another, similar attack, but without the loss of muscle control. Arms and face were numb, and I was shaking. So, I came home about 15 minutes ago, and I have an emergency doctor's appointment in about an hour.
I've never been this scared in my life- I've had fainting spells before, but nothing this bad. Please, if you can spare a prayer or a good vibe, I'd really, really appreciate it.
[ March 01, 2008, 02:52 PM: Message edited by: Tinros ]
Posted by Stephan (Member # 7549) on :
I'll try to send some good vibes your way. In the mean time call that 800 number they should have given to you to report any problems.
Posted by erosomniac (Member # 6834) on :
Yowza. Get better.
<vibevibevibe>
Posted by Roseauthor (Member # 148) on :
Tinros, Get some Iron and B-12!
I'm glad you're going to the Dr! This sounds odd! Way out of norm.
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
Glad you've got a doctor's appt, Tinros. Let us know how it goes.
Posted by Kristen (Member # 9200) on :
You will be fine. Not all bodies react predictably to giving blood.
While my well-wishing vibes are pretty spread out already, I shall divert some your way.
Posted by kmbboots (Member # 8576) on :
Wow. I have never heard of that reaction. I will keep a good thought for you. Let us know what happens at the appointment.
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
Are you drinking lots of water to help your body more quickly replace the missing fluids? The fainting sounds like a drop in blood pressure (not uncommon after giving blood) because your blood volume is lower. Drink lots.
Posted by Nell Gwyn (Member # 8291) on :
Oh, how scary! I'm glad you're going to the doctor. Maybe you're anemic?
Posted by KarlEd (Member # 571) on :
~~~Tinros~~~ Keep us posted.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
Prayers headed your way. I know how scary not knowing what's going on can be. I hope the doctor figures it out quickly. (((hugs)))
Posted by fugu13 (Member # 2859) on :
I'd guess you're having grand mal seizures. If so, don't worry too much. They should go away, it'll just pretty much means you shouldn't give blood and should make sure you don't go too long without eating.
Posted by Tinros (Member # 8328) on :
Back from the doctor's. He says it's one of two things: Seizure Disorder or anxiety attacks. And seeing as I'm not anxious, he thinks it's seizures. I'm going in to the hospital tomorrow afternoon for an EEG, and I can't drive for a while. THis means: no caffeine tonight, no more than 4-5 hours of sleep tonight, no chocolate, etc. This shtinks.
He also said that while this time it may have been triggered by giving blood, giving blood should be perfectly safe for me. Seeing as it was 24 hours after I gave blood that the actual seizure happened, it wasn't donating-related. There's something deeper there.
As of right now, I'm just very, VERY scared. I don't like hospitals. My best friend, Erin, is doing Reiki for me(energy healing, long-distance), since her entire family does it. That's her way of sending good vibes.
Thanks for all the well wishes, everyone. I'll update again as soon as I hear something.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
(((hugs))) It's going to be okay. The good think about knowing what it is is that there's treatment, so let's hope the diagnosis is straightforward and that your body responds well to treatment. (((morehugs)))
Posted by Squish (Member # 9191) on :
Hope all of this vibe-wishing helps... =) Feel better.
Posted by Evie3217 (Member # 5426) on :
((Tinros)) I'm sure this is a scary time, but we're thinking about you here, and wishing and hoping that you'll figure out what this is and that it will all be okay.
Posted by Roseauthor (Member # 148) on :
As a certified phlebotomist, I knew this reaction was out of norm. However, I seriouly thought you might have a blood sugar problem. (lesser in seriousness than seizures).
I'm sure you're scared, (as should be expected), but maybe you're catching this early enough to control it in the future.
I believe in positive energy and thought, prayers as a major contributor to healing and healthy living. Keep you're mind clear of negative thinking, remember that you have real and e-friends who are sending nothing but positive love, thoughts and prayers (for those of religious conviction), it's all good in the universe!
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
(((Tinros)))
Posted by Phanto (Member # 5897) on :
Tinros: Be well. Good luck.
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
I'm glad you're getting treatment - I hope the doctors have some good answers for you soon.
Be well. (((Tinros)))
Posted by Tante Shvester (Member # 8202) on :
Oh sweetie! How scary for you! Good luck with all the tests.
((Tinros))
Posted by imogen (Member # 5485) on :
Good luck!
Good thoughts your way.
Posted by Nell Gwyn (Member # 8291) on :
Yeeks!! Scary indeed. Now I'm even more glad you went to the doctor! (((Tinros)))
Why so little sleep for the EEG? I've not heard of this before.
Posted by ClaudiaTherese (Member # 923) on :
Sleep deprivation makes brain wave disturbances more prominant. It makes seizures more likely to occur. Also, some seizures are associated with sleep transition times (either falling asleep or waking), so it is useful to have someone sleepy enough to go through a sleep transition while on the EEG.
Tinros, I'm so glad you are getting this checked out. If it turns out not to be a seizure type of problem, I do want you to remember that panic problems can be hard to diagnose (often people hyperventilate without realizing it), but it is a real problem and is treatable. Just in case you don't get anywhere with the EEG, don't lose hope, okay?
------------
Edited to add:
link to eMedicine article on Hyperventilation Syndrome, which is somewhat similar to panic attacks but without the feeling of panic
[ April 28, 2006, 11:24 AM: Message edited by: ClaudiaTherese ]
Posted by Earendil18 (Member # 3180) on :
*Sends a 1 HZ vibration to Tinros.*
That'll rattle your ribcage!
Well wishes!
Posted by katdog42 (Member # 4773) on :
Know that I'll be sending you good thoughts today.
Kat
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
I'll keep you in my prayers.
Posted by ClaudiaTherese (Member # 923) on :
One more thing to think about if the EEG is negative: Long Q-T Syndrome. This is easy to rule out with a normal ECG/EKG (machine that measures the electrical activity of the heart, rather than the brain) reading, but it is notorious for being overlooked as a cause of fainting in young women.
It's a different pattern of heartbeat that is usually there since birth, and it can cause some serious problems. Very rare, but it's just the sort of thing you wouldn't want to miss.
Best of luck. Keep us updated, okay?
Posted by ClaudiaTherese (Member # 923) on :
Thinking of you, Tinros.
Posted by Tinros (Member # 8328) on :
The test went well- I'll know results in a few days, so I'll let you guys know then.
btw- the little sleep was because they wanted me to sleep during the test. I actually kind of enjoyed getting the little sensors on my head- it was really relaxing. I like it when people play with my hair, so it was easier for me to not be nervous after that.
Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
Oh, Tinros! I hope they find out what it is, and that it's something easily treatable. That must have been terrifying for you! Take good care of yourself and keep us posted on what happens.
Posted by Flaming Toad on a Stick (Member # 9302) on :
My prayers are with you. Best of luck.
Posted by Tinros (Member # 8328) on :
The results for the EEG came back on Thursday. They didn't show anything. The doctor pretty much said, "We have no idea what's wrong with you. We have no idea how to determine what's wrong with you. There's nothing more I can do. Good luck."
Errrrrrrrrrr...
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
I coulda told you that. Or much love flutiepatootie.
Posted by Tante Shvester (Member # 8202) on :
How...frustrating. And unsettling. I have no advice for you, just lots of well wishes.
Posted by Sopwith (Member # 4640) on :
((Tinros)))
Have there been any more seizures?
Posted by ClaudiaTherese (Member # 923) on :
Tinros, has anyone spoken with you specifically about ruling out Long QT Syndrome (and someone would have to do a formal read on an EKG, not just glance at it in passing) or about hyperventilation? Numbness in the fingers and lips is one of the classic signs of hyperventilation, and -- again -- you can hyperventilate without yourself or anyone else realizing it.
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
Tinros, we can form a club!
"We don't know what's wrong with you, but whatever it is, it's not killing you."
Posted by sweetbaboo (Member # 8845) on :
Hugs to you Tinros!
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
Oh I've had that diagnosis, Mack. Like the time I had severe abdominal pain, and three doctors said that. Finally one said "well it could be an ovarian cyst, that won't kill you either"
Posted by Tinros (Member # 8328) on :
Bumping this because I had another bad seizure today. I fell, hit my head on the tile floor in my dorm bedroom, and was blacked out for at least ten minutes(judging by the last time I checked my phone). I'm not having a really hard time typing, focusing my eyes, that sort of thing. I was fine for the past few months, aside from other illnesses(I seem to always be sick- sinus infections, and ingrown toenail, SOMETHING that was making me vomit) and now they're back. I had three today, two minor and one major. I think it's time for me to find another doctor... but for now, I'd really appreciate some prayer and good vibes.
Posted by quidscribis (Member # 5124) on :
You've got it. Good luck.
Posted by Lostincyberspace (Member # 11228) on :
Did you point the doctor to long qt thing and have they checked you for multiple sclerosis. Have you been eating enough food with fat in it my brother had seizures for that reason. hope this helps.
Posted by Tinros (Member # 8328) on :
I haven't talked to any doctor at all since the first one gave up on me. I'm going to try and find a doctor here in Columbus that will work with me- hopefully, since the OSU hospital is right down the street, that means there's an abundance of good doctors in the area.
So far, my symptoms are(not in any particular order):
Seizures, minor-medium in severity, with only one grand mal seizure a year ago
Severe headaches, mostly concentrated in the front left(from my perspective) portion of my head
Trouble focusing my eyes/blurred vision
Nausea/vomiting- I originally thought this was because of the medicine they put me on for an ingrown toenail, but has persisted after the round of medication was over, and is mostly in the morning(I'm a virgin, so pregnancy isn't possible, except by an act of God)
Issues with muscle control- dropping things, shaky hands, trouble typing
dizzyness/fainting
loss of appetite
sleeping issues- can't sleep uninterrupted for more than a few hours
Memory issues- I have a hard time remembering things for more than a few seconds, even things that are very important. I also get confused easily- this has never happened before.
Fatigue, though this could be explained by the loss of sleep/interrupted sleep- I'm tired all the time, and have tried different sleeping patterns/lengths of sleeping to no avail.
That's all I can think of right now, but these things have been persisting for months now- the seizures go back well over a year.
Posted by pH (Member # 1350) on :
Are you eating regularly? What/how are you eating?
-pH
Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
Tinros, you have my prayers. Follow CT's advice. And get thee to a doctor, post haste!
Posted by krynn (Member # 524) on :
Tinros, I had a pretty severe grand mal seizure during the summer of 2002 and for a while after i had problems with parts of my body falling asleep REALLY easily. I also had some memory issues for a very brief while. I'm really sorry to hear that this is still a problem for you. After mine, i was put on a medicine called Depicote (sp?) for a year. It's supposed to help suppress seizures. Are you not on something similar?
It's just going 4am Thanksgiving morning, and I just wanted to let you know that you have my best wishes and will include you in my prayers.
Posted by Tinros (Member # 8328) on :
pH- I'm eating regularly, for me, at least- at least two meals a day, more if I can. Most meals consist of an entree(some sort of sandwich/wrap/chicken/fish/something along those lines), a soup or salad, a fruit or cup of yogurt, and a cookie. That's what dining plan includes, anyway.
krynn- I'm not on ANY medication. The doctor I was seeing(who I stopped seeing after he told me mononucleosis, with blood tests, was "just a sinus infection") told me, "We can't give you anything because we don't know what it is. And we don't know what it is because all your tests(blood tests, EEG, EKG) came back normal. I don't want to run any other tests. You're fine, good luck."
HOWEVER. My psych professor, when I told him yesterday what happened, sent me immediately to Student Health Services. The doctor there proceeded to call me old doctor a quack for a few reasons, notably, he didn't send me to a neurologist and he didn't order an MRI first thing. Or ever.
So, I have a recommendation to a neurologist and my sister is driving me to see him next Friday morning. Dr. Giri, I believe the name was, in Circleville, which I'm pretty sure is south of Columbus. My sister's boss gave her the day off work.
Now, if I can survive the interrogation and probing(you may think I say this lightheartedly, but I'm not) of my mother, I should be able to figure out what's wrong.
Until then, no driving, and Tylenol, as much as is healthy, to keep the headaches to a dull roar.
Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
Thank goodness you're going to a neurologist! I can't count the number of times some doctor has said to someone I love "you're fine, get out of here, there's nothing wrong with you" and it turned out to be something serious. I hope they quickly figure out what's going on with you and it turns out to be something easily treatable. Good luck! You're in my prayers.
Posted by Eaquae Legit (Member # 3063) on :
I am SO glad you seem to have found a competent doctor, and your psych prof was helpful. Few things suck like getting told you're okay when you are very clearly not. It's like they think you're making it up or something. Or "it can't be that bad, you just don't know how these things work." Anyway, please keep us posted and be careful in case of drop seizures.
Posted by Wendybird (Member # 84) on :
This time if the doctor blows you off go to another doctor until you find one that listens to you! I'm sorry you have to go through this and pray this new doctor can figure it out and fix it for you.
Posted by Tinros (Member # 8328) on :
All right. Saw the neurologist Friday. He gave me a very preliminary opinion- he doesn't think I'm actually having seizures, but rather "something else." What that something else is, we're not sure.
Based on family history and my age, he's thinking it's most likely one of three things: MS, Thyroid problems, or just a very, VERY bad reaction to stress coupled with anxiety attacks.
Going in for bloodwork on Wednesday(to check for MS and thyroid amongst other things), MRI and EEG on Friday, and ENG a week from Wednesday.
My fear of hospitals is out and full force. Prayers and good vibes would really, really be appreciated.
Posted by krynn (Member # 524) on :
well, if its a thyroid thing, that could be an easy fix, with a prescription for synthroid perhaps. still, we'll keep you in our prayers. Best of luck.
Posted by Samprimary (Member # 8561) on :
quote:My fear of hospitals is out and full force.
.. hm
I may be able to help with this, sorta circumstantially? I know that this whole ordeal would be way way better if the fear was made less of an issue.
If you want to, could you describe it? Where it maybe came from, what you're most afraid of?
I wish you luck in this whole deal Posted by Tinros (Member # 8328) on :
I'm afraid of hospitals because I got a needle repeatedly shoved into my spine by a med student who didn't know what he was doing. I was eight.
Now, I get shaky, nervous, and start breathing really hard whenever I get near one. I avoided visiting my mom and sister after they had surgery(a few years apart) because of it.
I'm just afraid of getting hurt. I'm glad the doc didn't prescribe a spinal tap this time, because I'd be screaming running the other direction.
Posted by JoeH (Member # 5958) on :
I feel for you. Our son had febrile seizures several times and had to be hospitalized for them, so I know how scary they can be. My thoughts and prayers go out for you.
Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
Tinros, that is a perfectly sane and reasonable response to hospitals, in that case.
I'm afraid of hospitals because I used to work in two different hospitals and I know how many people hospitals routinely maim and kill.
I'm sure that's not very reassuring, and I'm sorry about that. I wish you the best and hope you get wonderful treatment, which I know many hospitals give.
Posted by Fusiachi (Member # 7376) on :
quote:Originally posted by Tatiana: I'm afraid of hospitals because I used to work in two different hospitals and I know how many people hospitals routinely maim and kill.
I don't want to derail this thread at all, but as a question on the side... hospitals where-abouts? This seems as bit extreme.
Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
Well, one study I saw (conducted by a reputable source ... I'm sure anyone with google-fu can find it) found that 1/3 of patients in hospitals are physically harmed by mistakes in care.
I'm not saying this because I am trying to dis anyone, or dissuade anyone from getting lifesaving treatment. I'm just trying to warn people to be wise consumers of the medical product. Know what everything prescribed for you is for, and what your correct dosage is. Check and be sure your name is on the label of your IV bag. Know every test that's ordered and what the doctor hopes to find from it. Ask what the results were, and how it affects your diagnosis, and prognosis, and treatment options. Do your own research and don't hesitate to ask the doctors and nurses any questions you have. Suggest possible diagnoses, and possible treatment options. Good doctors are delighted at patients that take such an interest in their own cases.
Posted by Fusiachi (Member # 7376) on :
Good to know, I guess.
Posted by Tinros (Member # 8328) on :
Blood work got pushed back to tomorrow, because it snowed last night, and we didn't want to risk driving the un-cleared roads.
So, I'll be going in tomorrow before my hair appointment. My best friend is coming with us to the hospital for the MRI and EEG on Friday. Hopefully everything turns out all right.
Thanks for all the well-wishes, guys. I really appreciate it.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
quote:I'm just trying to warn people to be wise consumers of the medical product. Know what everything prescribed for you is for, and what your correct dosage is. Check and be sure your name is on the label of your IV bag. Know every test that's ordered and what the doctor hopes to find from it. Ask what the results were, and how it affects your diagnosis, and prognosis, and treatment options. Do your own research and don't hesitate to ask the doctors and nurses any questions you have.
YES. I have an allergy to rubbing alcohol and several medications and I have to be constantly vigilant (even while in labor) to make sure they don't come near me, even with a bright red allergy allert bracelet on, all rubbing alcohol removed from the room, a big bottle of betadine next to my bed, a sign on the door listing my allergies and "NO RUBBING ALCOHOL IN THIS ROOM" in bright red, and a similar sheet right on top of my chart...
And I've been prescribed medications I can't have for different reasons four times in the last two years. I have found suggesting an alternative goes a lot better than "I can't have this" or just taking what they try to give me.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
Good luck, Tinros. Thoughts will be with you tomorrow and on Friday as well.
Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
Yes, Tinros. I hope everything goes well. I'll be thinking of you.
Posted by Tinros (Member # 8328) on :
My biggest thanks and sincerest gratitude to everyone who's been thinking of me and praying for me.
The blood test was quick and relatively painless, but I won't know the results for quite a while.
EEG went just fine, although I didn't manage to stay asleep. I thought I did, and I was snoring, but apparently I'd fall asleep and immediately wake back up. When they had me do rapid breathing, I very nearly passed out, but they said they couldn't get anything from it until the neurologist looked at it. They can only determine that I do, in fact, have a brain in my head, and not just a potato.
The MRI was fine, except for a minor moment of panic about halfway through. I was calmed by the thoughts of all my friends, online and real life, that are praying for me and holding my hand(virtually) through all this. So, thank you all.
I'll let you know when I get results.
Posted by quidscribis (Member # 5124) on :
Thanks for the update. Let us know when you know. Posted by Tinros (Member # 8328) on :
Well, I have at least a partial diagnosis- I don't have the results from the EEG, MRI, or blood tests yet, but the ENG showed something.
I have Ocular Vestibular Reflex Dysfunction. In other words, my eyes and ears aren't communicating properly, and it's making me really dizzy. It's fairly common, and if I do the exercises they gave me every day, I should be better in two to three months.
I'm okay to drive again, for now. It shouldn't affect that. So... here's to hoping that's the only thing wrong with me.
Posted by Tammy (Member # 4119) on :
(((Tinros)))
Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
Yes! Something that can be fixed! What are the exercises? Do they make you dizzy or sick to do them?
Posted by quidscribis (Member # 5124) on :
Glad to hear it's something that can be fixed. Yay!
Posted by ClaudiaTherese (Member # 923) on :
That's great, Tinros. Let us know how the exercises work for you.
Posted by Tinros (Member # 8328) on :
Many tests later, we have a diagnosis.
Severe, severe anxiety.
Yeah. It's panic attacks. ALL the time. Why did I not ever notice my pulse racing or my breathing rate increasing? Because they're elevated to BEGIN with. My psychologist that I've begun seeing recently clocked my pulse at 107, resting, and my breathing at 18 times a minute, resting. After taking a half an hour to do some relaxation and meditation, my breathing was down to 8 times an hour, and I was feeling clear-headed and energetic.
So, I'm on Effexor(which I'm hesitant to take) for now, but I don't need to go see the neurologist again. He said I can just find a regular physician to take care of it from now on, and to keep seeing the psychologist.
Another thing the psychologist and I found out, is that my tension seems to manifest in clenching my jaw and tightening the muscles in my face. She thinks this may be what's causing the headaches.
Meanwhile, I've got my application in to Ohio University... hopefully the change of environment will help me get through this.
Posted by ClaudiaTherese (Member # 923) on :
quote:Originally posted by ClaudiaTherese: Tinros, I'm so glad you are getting this checked out. If it turns out not to be a seizure type of problem, I do want you to remember that panic problems can be hard to diagnose (often people hyperventilate without realizing it), but it is a real problem and is treatable. Just in case you don't get anywhere with the EEG, don't lose hope, okay?
Tinros, I've been thinking along these lines from the beginning, but I'm not surprised that it took awhile to get to a diagnosis that fits for you. When one's normal state is so revved up, it is hard to recognize that this isn't how it should be.
But there are lots of ways to help fix this. You are doing a big one, which is trying to make your life more stable. Medications can help, but there are a lot of nonmedical therapies which can help, and those are a great place to start. Let me know if I can help get more information or in any other way.
[I see you are getting skilled at meditation and relaxation techniques. Awesome! ]
(((Tinros)))
Posted by Valentine014 (Member # 5981) on :
Tinros, I am so happy to hear it's not seizures. I have been following your story since the beginning. I used to work for a neurologist who saw a lot of seizure patients. I wouldn't wish that on anyone. When I was having some depression and anxiety problems, Effexor was my wonder drug. I was on it for a few years and under the supervision of my doctor, was able to stop taking them. Just remember, it's when you start to feel good, that you know it's working, so don't stop taking it at that time.
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
![[Frown]](frown.gif)
![[Smile]](smile.gif)