February 3, 2011

Medical Update - Finding answers

Anyone who knows me knows that my life is an open book. I have few secrets of my own. Here is the scoop on my latest medical drama. It was NOT a bad reaction to the drug (see previous entry) Tussicaps. Because I stopped taking them on Friday and on Tuesday I had another episode. I felt weak, like I would faint and had the numb, tingly hands and feet, I was sweaty and just felt really awful. ( I didn't drive anywhere this time!) It really worried me this time since I had no explanation for it. So today I went to see my family doctor and told her what has been going on. I researched on the internet and seemed to be having what is known as POTS - Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. She said I was, but that this is a symptom and not a cause. So she took my blood pressure while laying down, then sitting, then standing. While laying my blood pressure is almost normal (it has always been a tad low), when seated my bp (blood pressure) is low, and then when I stand up my bp gets super low. So, that is what has been causing the crazy symptoms. So now we know what is going on, we just need to figure out WHY it is happening. She did an EKG and it was normal. She is now sending me to a neurologist just to rule out anything serious, as a precaution. If all those tests are normal then she said we will 'take it from there' and try to figure out why my blood pressure is so low when I stand up. At least we are on the right track now! :) Oh, it also explains why I have been so tired all the time! Finally, an answer for that!

2 comments:

Bonni said...

Allison, this is crazy! I will say extra prayers for you-- it must be so scary to feel like you don't have total control over your body. I love you, and hang in there!!!

Jeannie Carpenter said...

Hello, I was reading your blog and it caught my eye because my husband had the exact same symptoms and diagnosis' two years ago. Every Dr we saw had a different take on his condition. None were certain and when one surgeon decided it was an adrenal gland tumor and was days away from exploratory surgery (because there was not a clear picture of a possible mass) he decided that before surgery we should try the MAYO clinic. We did and it was the best decision we ever made. after a week long stay with test after test, they concluded that my husband had a very rare condition called pseudo pheochromocytoma which is when your brain sends messages to your body that there is a tumor and your body reacts as if there was. Confusing I know, but after 2 years of uncertainty and ER visits and an overall feeling of helplessness, we took the diagnosis and the treatment (lifelong medication) He has been himself and even better for a year and a half. All of this may be very irrelevant to you and your situation, but I know how discouraged and frustrated we were without answers so I felt compelled to share just in case it could help. Whatever your diagnosis, you will be in my prayers.