March 22nd, 2007
Another Syncope

I passed out at work yesterday. This is the first time in two years. Fortunately I have the implanted heart monitor this time so they should be able to tell what is going on. The nurse practicioner at the hospital last night printed out what the monitor recorded (a sample above). Originally they thought my heart rate was dropping but the monitor showed that my heart was racing – sometimes over 200 beats per minute. When I see the electrophysiologist today, he should be able to tell me what they plan to do next.
Update: I saw the electrophysiologist and the monitor worked. The problem is that I have AV nodal reentrant tachycardia which normally doesn’t cause passing out but because I also have Vasovagal syncope the two work in combination to trick my heart into thinking that my blood pressure is too high triggering the sudden drop in pressure. So Tuesday I will go in and have the ablation which is when they burn off the cells inside the heart that are causing the problem. They do this by running a wire through my leg and up into my heart and then heating the tip. The success rate for my type of arrhythmia (SVT) is very high. So keep your fingers crossed for me!









Barbie wrote,
Tom,
Thanks for adding the update. (I read your original blog earlier today and was hoping you’d update! You had me worried!!)
I’m glad your doctor was able to definitively tell you what the problem is, and that it’s something that responds to treatment at such a good rate. You will be in my prayers on Tuesday!
Barbie
Link | March 22nd, 2007 at 9:44 pm
Elbog wrote,
Wow, man, you are a walking science experiment. I, too, am glad that the monitor has determined not only what’s going on, but a clear course of action. We’ll all be waiting with you and praying for a great outcome.
Link | March 23rd, 2007 at 10:07 am
Susan Barr wrote,
Worrying about you, Tom, but I’m sure it’ll go well! In the meantime, keep a supply of hamburgers on hand….I suspect you know how to do great things with hamburgers
Link | March 23rd, 2007 at 11:17 am
A Bean wrote,
Hey! Glad you updated. I’ve been worried. I hope this does the trick…no more fainting spells or galloping heart rates.
We miss you at downsyn.com
amy
Link | March 26th, 2007 at 6:17 pm
Susan Barr wrote,
We’ll all be thinking about you tomorrow, Tom!
Link | March 26th, 2007 at 7:44 pm
mary c wrote,
I’ll be thinking about you tomorrow. Hope it’s quick, easy and painless.
Link | March 26th, 2007 at 8:47 pm
Kimmy wrote,
My prayers will definitely be with you tomorrow.
Link | March 26th, 2007 at 8:53 pm
amy flege wrote,
heres wishing you success .. hope all goes well!!!
Link | March 27th, 2007 at 9:59 am