Finally, an Answer

My saga began 4 years ago when I first passed out while sitting at my computer at work. I had absolutely no prior warning and woke up with all my co-workers hovering over me. Of course by the time the paramedics arrived, everything was normal.

For the next two years, I passed out every 6-8 months. I had my primary care doctor check for all the easy things (thyroid, blood sugar, etc.) She thought it was neurological and sent me to a neurologist where I had an MRI of my brain along with some other tests, one of which was a 14 day event monitor. All the tests checked out normal.

My license was taken away from me 2 years ago when I passed out while driving and totaled my mother-in-law's car under a freeway overpass. O2 saturation was 100% and ekg was normal. Also had another CT in the ER which showed normal.

In 2016, I began passing out every 6-8 weeks. About then, I read an article about Sick Sinus Syndrome and all the symptoms fit. Sometimes, I get a heavy feeling in my head and shoulders just before I pass out, I'm always extremely hot and nauseous after. Sometimes I have a fuzzy brain and it takes me a couple of minutes to figure out what I am doing. Occasionlly, I have weak muscles and get the shakes. I can go from hot to cold in seconds.

I asked my doc for a referral to a cardiologist. It took 12 weeks to get in for the initial consult (6 week wait and they cancelled the day before with another 6 week wait). While I was waiting, I had an echocardiogram that showed my heart structure is fine. The cardiologist put me on a 4 week holter monitor last November. Of course, I felt fine then but passd out two weeks later. In January, I got an implanted loop recorder

Two weeks ago, I was stretched out reading when I felt the familiar symptoms. I didn't quite pass out but came close.

My heart rate was in the low 60's when it began to slow. Then I had a 2.6 second pause, an escape beat, a 9.7 second asystole stop, an escape beat, a 2.3 second pause, an escape beat, finally a rate of about 100 bpm.

It took a week to get in to see the EP. He suggested it migt be vasovagal and/or bradycardia and he could give me drugs to keep my heaet rate up. When I pressed him, he admitted it may not work or might be a temporar fix. I told him to skip that and go to the final fix - a pacemaker.

On June 9, I will receive a dual lead, MRI safe Medtronic. I'm actually looking forward to getting a pacemaker. After 4 years of uncertainty, I finally have an answer, and a solution. I'm looking forward to getting my life back. Sure, surgery has its risks and recovery, but it can't be worse than what I've already gone through.

9 Comments

good luck!

by Tracey_E - 2017-05-29 09:55:20

So glad they figured it out and the fix is around the corner! You have a great attitude, that will go a long way during your recovery. 

Familiar symptoms

by WiredandTired - 2017-05-29 10:51:21

I have sss too.  Good luck to you!

Hi JAQSDAD..........................

by Tattoo Man1 - 2017-05-29 13:29:55

.......................passing out while driving is NOT FUN..especially for the poor SOB who is driving towards you.

Glad that you have,..at last,..found out that there is a solid future for you.

Best wishes.

Tattoo Man

 

 

 

We all have our stories to tell ....

by Shaun - 2017-05-29 13:43:04

... and I think you will be telling yours for many years to come. I also think you made the right decision to go ahead with the pacemaker. I have SSS and the pacemaker put and immediate stop to the passing out without the need for medications or any real restictions on my life. Good luck.

Right decision

by DaveM1962 - 2017-05-29 15:13:55

my symptoms and experience were identical to yours. It was the reveal loop recorder that picked up a ten second pause and I was told to go to hospital straight away. 5 days later I had a PM fitted. I am surprised you are having to wait so long for the PM fitting.

it is the best thing I have done and gives massive peace of mind!

good luck with the op!

Now you know

by Gotrhythm - 2017-05-29 15:50:45

Although getting a pacemaker for SSS seemed to come out of the blue, and I resisted and denied it vehemently, (because sometimes I felt fine!) I look back now and think I probably had needed one for at least 10 years.

You're smart and you've got a great positive attitude. It makes a difference. Be sure to let us know how you are getting along.

Welcome

by TBrous&Chip - 2017-05-29 23:21:56

My intermittent symptoms were similar to yours but for only 6 months until there were definitive test results and PM install.  

Hopefully you can now get on with your improved life.  

Congrats

 

Thanks

by JaqsDad - 2017-05-30 00:49:34

Thanks to everyone for the encouragement. If there is one thing I have learned through all this, it is to take charge of your own health. It seems the docs don't consider this a priority as I have been living with it for so long. During the referral consult for the Linq loop recorder, the doc (AN RNP) even said I am too young for SSS.

It is my life that is impacted and I will keep pushing for what I think is best.

good to hear

by dwelch - 2017-05-30 04:15:07

fortunate for me I guess my problem was obvious from the first EKG,  we waited for years though to do the first pacer until it was necessary.

Glad to hear you have an answer, the long wait for the first visit to a cardiologist is normal, I switched a few times for various reasons, insurance changes, moving to new towns, etc, always seems to take months.  Once you get through this first year, the visits typically slow down to once a year so if for some reason you change docs (dont like this one, move, insurance, etc) the few months wait is usually no biggie...

lots of folks with good info here, keep reading and asking questions.  if your spells go away maybe you can get your license back...

 

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