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Vasovagal Syncope Won’t Keep Me From Running

I’ve been to three doctors in three different clinics within three days to determine the cause of my first ever fainting episode last Saturday. Here’s a brief summary of what occurred in all of my consultations:

[ Doctor No. 1: General Practitioner ]

Doctor’s Diagnosis: VASOSPASM – narrowing of the blood vessels which restricts the amount of blood flowing through that vessel

Me: So, can I run a race this Sunday?

Doc: No, you’ll be under observation for 6 months.

Me: 6 months? No way. I will DIE if I don’t run. (I kid you not. This is exactly what I told the doctor.)

Doc: Go see a cardiologist to undergo more tests.

My reaction (read aloud in a wailing tone to achieve similar dramatic effect): 6 months?! Unbelievable! If I was crippled for 6 months, then I would accept the fact that I couldn’t run. But, no doctor forbids me to run only because she doesn’t know if I’ll collapse or not! 6 months?!

ECG


[ Doctor No. 2: Cardiologist ]

Diagnosis: VASOVAGAL SYNCOPE – an abnormal reflex towards a stimulus (coughing, sight of blood, dehydration, bowel movement, etc.) that results in a drop in blood flow to the brain which leads to fainting. Not serious nor life threatening. Treatment is uneccessary in most cases.

Me: So, can I run a race this Sunday?

Doc: Based on the ECG, you have an athlete’s heart, it’s very healthy (applause please!) But, just to make sure, get these tests done—Treadmill Exercise Test, 2D Echocardiogram-Doppler, and 24 hr Holter Monitoring—and let’s wait for the results. I also have homework for you. You must increase your salt intake. Eat chips and any other tasty dishes.

My reaction: I love this doctor. He’s probably right about Vasovagal Syncope…and the required potato chips intake. Before heading home, I run into a gas station and buy myself a large pack of Lay’s Salt & Vinegar chips. (Yes, I take my doctor’s orders very seriously.)

[ Doctor No. 3: Cardiologist ] Note to the curious: I went for a 3rd consultation because my husband’s HMO will only pay for my three tests if their own doctor prescribes the same tests

Diagnosis: VASOVAGAL SYNCOPE – (For those with lazy index fingers, no need to scroll up. Yes, it’s the same diagnosis as Doctor No. 2)

Me: So, can I run a race this Sunday?

Doc: You run?

Me: Yes, that’s the only reason why I went for this consultation. I need clearance to run this Sunday. I don’t want to faint in the middle of a race.

Doc: Ano ka ba—addict? (What are you—an addict?)

Me: Uhm…yes. So, can I run?

Doc: Get a treadmill test done and show me the results on Saturday. If you pass it—which I’m pretty sure you will—then you may run on Sunday.

My reaction: Oh yeah, I feel it in my guts—I’m gonna make it to the Race for HOPE on Sunday. Now, about that treadmill test, how long and how fast do you think they want me to go?

Posted on 07.27.07 to 07 Therapy & Injury. Tags: , , . Subscribe to follow comments on this post. 13 comments. Add your thoughts or trackback from your own site.

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13 Responses to “Vasovagal Syncope Won’t Keep Me From Running”

  1. you could die from this, you know. but hey where can i find doctor # 2?

    jun29 said on Jul 27 07 at 11:58 AM Reply

  2. hmmm… are you sure doctors 2 + 3 are not on your payroll? :) glad to know you’re ok, i think, though i don’t about your addiction though :)

    e-rod said on Jul 27 07 at 1:02 PM Reply

  3. Hey jun29, i like your candidness! haha :) Both my doctor and sources from the web say that it’s not fatal…unless I swim, faint and drown or I hit my head when I faint.

    E-rod, actually they are. I’m getting some funds wired from the US next week and it’ll go straight to those 2 doctors…hahaha.

    bullrunner said on Jul 27 07 at 1:08 PM Reply

  4. I love docs 2 and 3.

    Doc 1 should have his license revoked.

    Hahahahaha.

    marga said on Jul 27 07 at 1:16 PM Reply

  5. just try not to kill yourself with the workouts. water and salt, plenty of em. is trail running/ultra happening there these days.

    jun29 said on Jul 27 07 at 1:59 PM Reply

  6. Ay, HER pala. Hehe.

    marga said on Jul 27 07 at 2:06 PM Reply

  7. I like doctors one and two.. hehehe
    well i hope their diagnosis are right and hoping your condition will not repeat ever again! :D
    Good luck on the run Jaymie

    chaia said on Jul 27 07 at 2:19 PM Reply

  8. Marga, doc 1 did do one thing right…she prescribed Vitamin B complex. hahaha

    Jun29, ultra is being initiated by Neville and his group. The only trail run i’ve heard of is the Men’s Health.

    Chaia, i hope so too! Thanks!

    bullrunner said on Jul 27 07 at 6:05 PM Reply

  9. good one, jaymie! haha

    i guess as a precaution, you’ll now have to wear a helmet when running, eh?

    all kidding aside, run safe (or is it safely)

    e-rod said on Jul 28 07 at 5:42 AM Reply

  10. After reading your symptoms, yah, i declare you an adik. In a positive way.

    roadrat said on Jul 28 07 at 7:36 AM Reply

  11. Hi,
    Just read your symptoms and I have been experiencing the same thing. I feel faint and dizzy after running hard. I’ve done several marathons (including Boston) and I’ve only recently experienced this problem. Cardiologist told me the same thing (just today) that it is vasovagal episodes. He recommended taking in more salt.
    Have your symptoms decreased since the salt increase?? Are you doing anything else to prevent it??
    I LOVE my running and don’t want to give it up.
    A

    Arma said on Oct 07 09 at 1:46 AM Reply

  12. i have a same problem and i did my EP Study done. was asked to be more hydrated.

    kaushik said on Jul 17 11 at 1:14 AM Reply

  13. Do ask for a tilt table test. I always thought I had ordinary syncope. Instead I have malignant vasovagal syncope. In this there is a prolonged cardiac pause. It can be fatal if people prop you up after you faint. Some people have a type of this that is helped by a pacemaker, others like me are out of luck and must eat salt, drink water and wear a medical alert. Running is fine and my cardiologist feels it helps because it helps blood return. One other option is cognitive behavioral therapy where the psychologist teaches you to drive up you blood pressure in order to prevent a faint. That took a few months, but so far I’ve used it 4 times to stop a faint. Good luck with this whole thing. It took me three cardiologists to get it sorted out too!

    Sangee said on Aug 14 11 at 3:31 AM Reply

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