Myasthenia Gravis Support Group
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a neuromuscular disease leading to fluctuating muscle weakness and fatiguability. The hallmark of myasthenia gravis is muscle weakness that increases during periods of activity and improves after periods of rest. Although myasthenia gravis may affect any voluntary muscle, muscles that control eye and eyelid movement, facial expression, and...
Today was the second time that I have had some very unusual symptoms. I can't figure out what is causing this. I am not even sure that it is even MG related.
Both times I had just eaten (different types of meals) and some alcohol. The alcohol was also different types of drinks. The first time was literally only a few sips. The second I did have 2 drinks but far from drunk.
Now the symptoms:
It starts with dizziness and a feeling of being almost out of body. Kind of like being really drugged up on medication or being very drunk.
Then very nauseated. Visibly pale with purple lips. Profuse all over body sweats. Literally dripping sweat in cool temperatures. I also have some minor breathing problems. Like hyper ventilating to a small extent but I am not scared or panicked.
Now this its the weird part. Both arms from the shoulders down go somewhat numb and tingly. It feels as if they have fallen asleep from the armpit down.
All of this lasts about 20 minutes or so. Then I lay down and am completely out for about 3 hours. Which is about 2 hours longer than a normal rest time.
Three last time it happened I called the neuro and got the nurse who said if it happened again to go to the ER. I didn't go this time because by the time I would have even gotten to the waiting room it would have been over. The only thing different this time is this evening I have been very hot even though I remained indoors.
Thoughts?
Kimber
Both times I had just eaten (different types of meals) and some alcohol. The alcohol was also different types of drinks. The first time was literally only a few sips. The second I did have 2 drinks but far from drunk.
Now the symptoms:
It starts with dizziness and a feeling of being almost out of body. Kind of like being really drugged up on medication or being very drunk.
Then very nauseated. Visibly pale with purple lips. Profuse all over body sweats. Literally dripping sweat in cool temperatures. I also have some minor breathing problems. Like hyper ventilating to a small extent but I am not scared or panicked.
Now this its the weird part. Both arms from the shoulders down go somewhat numb and tingly. It feels as if they have fallen asleep from the armpit down.
All of this lasts about 20 minutes or so. Then I lay down and am completely out for about 3 hours. Which is about 2 hours longer than a normal rest time.
Three last time it happened I called the neuro and got the nurse who said if it happened again to go to the ER. I didn't go this time because by the time I would have even gotten to the waiting room it would have been over. The only thing different this time is this evening I have been very hot even though I remained indoors.
Thoughts?
Kimber
It is now 11:00 and no doc in sight. Sigh.
One good thing though I finished my IV. Good to the last drop. No new one scheduled.
They let me wear whatever I want so I have shorts and a t-shirt. And they let me walk around. I knew they have a little coffee place in here and they let me go down and get a blended coffee (wireless heart monitor and all).
Now where is that doc? Before I find something else to get into.
Kimber
Definition:
Vasovagal syncope (vay-zo-VAY-gul SING-cuh-pee) is the most common cause of fainting. Vasovagal syncope occurs when your body overreacts to triggers, such as the sight of blood or extreme emotional distress. The trigger results in vasovagal syncope a brief loss of consciousness caused by a sudden drop in your heart rate and blood pressure, which reduces blood flow to your brain.
Vasovagal syncope is usually harmless and requires no treatment. However, you can injure yourself during a vasovagal syncope episode. Also, your doctor may recommend tests to rule out more serious causes of fainting, such as heart disorders.
The assumption is that it was caused by alcohol. He is also the second doctor to say that he doesn't believe it is pancreatitis. He is also sending me for an echo cardiogram (sometime in the future).
So all in all no REAL answer. No way to avoid future episodes. And no absolute reason that it happened. Anyway I should be on my way home shortly.
Kimber
P.S. - They served the vegetarian chicken for lunch.
What exactly is a vegetarian chicken? Lol. A chicken that eats no meat?
Feel better!!!
Nicole
It has a nickname.
The:
''No alcohol ... (ahem!) ... no sex ...''
''No sudden jumping-up ... to raid the leftover vegetarian-chicken.''
Syncope.
Okay. More seriously?
Several websites offered some other patients' experiences.
* One possible trigger: standing for longer - than you usually do.
* One helpful supplement: additional salt in the diet.
* One noticeable finding: there is a positive-correlation, between low levels of creatine and vegetarians.
There is also a positive-correlation between low-levels of creatine - and vasovagal syncope.
* However? I'm not sure if any researchers - have made any positive-correlation: between vegetarians themselves and vasovagal syncope.
Glad you are feeling better, Kimber!
(Just what you needed, huh - more research.)
- Ross
no alcohol, no sex, no jumping up and down - you are trying to kill me! Just kidding.
I really don't think that is has anything to do with a vegetarian diet. I have been a vegetarian for 20 years and 8 of that was while on active duty in the United States Marine Corps. I even ate worse back then too. I think it would have shown up. I have consulted several nutritionists through the years (mainly because other folks thought that I would keel over from being a vegetarian). Their consensus was that I was as healthy or healthier than most. Cholesterol levels have always been outstanding.
I am really thinking that it may have to do with more stress and less exercise. I just wish they could have given me some preventative tips besides lay off of the alcohol. Cutting back (which ironically I have been anyway) or cutting out alcohol is not that big of a deal to me as I am not a heavy drinker. I am not convinced that will take care of the problem.
Kimber
This went on for several years until we moved to the country and took dad with us.
Mind you he was in his late 80's.The dear old man died in my arms 3 years later
I think this is funny now---
I have vasomtor instability which is similar except I don't pass out very often.
Lorraine
There are several types of syncope. Vasovagal syncope usually has an easily identified triggering event such as emotional stress, trauma, pain, the sight of blood, or prolonged standing. ... Situational syncope happens during urination, defecation, coughing, or as a result of gastrointestinal stimulation. ... Syncope isnt normally a primary sign of a neurological disorder, but it may indicate an increased risk for neurologic disorders such as Parkinsons disease, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), diabetic neuropathy, and other types of neuropathy. Certain classes of drugs are associated with an increased risk of syncope, including diuretics, calcium antagonists, ACE inhibitors, nitrates, antipsychotics, antihistamines, levodopa, narcotics, and alcohol." (BINGO!)
"The immediate treatment for an individual who has fainted involves checking first to see if their airway is open and they are breathing. The person should remain lying down for at least 10-15 minutes, preferably in a cool and quiet space. If this isnt possible, have the individual sit forward and lower their head below their shoulders and between their knees. Ice or cold water in a cup is refreshing. For individuals who have problems with chronic fainting spells, therapy should focus on recognizing the triggers and learning techniques to keep from fainting. At the appearance of warning signs such as lightheadedness, nausea, or cold and clammy skin, counter-pressure maneuvers that involve gripping fingers into a fist, tensing the arms, and crossing the legs or squeezing the thighs together can be used to ward off a fainting spell."
Sorry for the long paste, but it was helpful for my understanding. Kimber, your "incarceration" was probably well spent, as you found that alcohol is a very likely trigger for your events. So that is GOOD news, especially that it's not cardiac-related. Woohoo!
I find it odd that I have had alcohol many times in between and had no problems.
What I do realize is that I had been in the extreme heat about 30 minutes prior, I was eating (or had just eaten), I had alcohol and I believe recent stressors were part of the problem.
Kimber
Stephanie