Results are IN! - Tilt Table Test

For the past few months I have been experiencing dizzy spells and passing out with no warning.

I have undergone an ER visit, hooked up to a holter monitor for 24 hours, EKGs..you name it....

So, I went and saw another cardiologist who specializes in Neurophysiology and he ordered me a Tilt Table Test...

It looks something like this....

looking at this scared the crap out of me. It looks like an execution table! AHHH!
They were going to strap me down...

They explained that they WANT me to pass out and the straps will prevent me from face planting on the floor.
Oh joy, this ought to be interesting

They hooked me up to all sorts of things. Heart monitor, oxygen, blood pressure cuff...etc.

You can even see my RESTING heart rate is at 100....not so great..its too high. 

No wonder I am so tired all the time!
The nurse gave me an IV line and completely missed, she said its not her and that I have great veins,
she is blaming it on the scar tissue in my veins...probably from all the testing I have had to endure for the past few months.

Show time!

They tilt this table up and down hoping to induce an episode of me passing out.

After about 20 minutes, they gave me some medication to make my heart beat fast.

I was almost in a standing position and I felt my heart rate increase big time. My back started hurting,

I was sweating, I had a headache, got very dizzy. I told the technician I felt like I had to

throw up, she said it was all part of the medication and it was normal. I asked her how fast

my heart was going and she says 'oh, its only at 200 right now'. WHAT!!??

200!!!! I was really feeling it and wanted so badly for her to lay me back down, and out of

total reaction, I tried to unstrap one of the velcro straps and don't remember anything after that.

I guess it worked. I passed out..no fun at all!

I was diagnosed with Vasovagal Syncope.

No surgery needed!!! (as of right now anyway)

I get to keep my water intake at 90 oz a day, I need to increase my sea salt intake to 2 grams a day.

and I get to start wearing compression socks...oh joy!

But hey, if these things don't work, they will try medication..

I am on top of the world knowing I don't need surgery after all!! It's a good day!

I hope I NEVER have to do that test again...it was horrible!

Girls Night out with my daughters and their friends...Good time!

So, Kaylee and a few of her friends were not invited to a fellow classmates birthday party

Once they told me about it, I laughed and said well...how about WE throw an '"UN-invited" party..lol

We had so much fun it was ridiculous!

Laura, Kourtney, Makiah, Jaisha, Kaylee and Katelyn

Show Swag

Kimee, Ellie and Brooke

Mr. Chaperone...or at least he thinks he is :)

I love all my 'Daughters'.

These cute girls always come into the office asking if we need any help with anything.

Sometimes we do, and sometimes we don't.

I wonder how much longer Kaylee will think its 'Cool' to take a pic with mom :)

Girls gotta eat. We LOVE Costa Vida! Not too mention their awesome Gluten free food!

 Late Night Dodgeball!! Jason was told to only use his left hand :)

Such a fun day with these cute girls. I took this pic then they all threw the balls at Jason siting on the stage with me...lol

Happy "15" Anniversary!!!

15 years ago today I was blessed with the greatest gift life has ever offered me. You have brought me Joy, Happiness and Love. You have always known when I needed a hug. I am wishing you a Happy “15” Year Anniversary! Thank you for being a great husband, father, friend and support. 

I love you babe!

ER...

What a weekend!

I had a couple pretty intense dizzy spells on Saturday and another one Sunday morning.

Jason insisted I go to the ER,, so we went.

Upon arriving at the ER, I was exhausted so I sat in the waiting room.

Jason checked me in and all he did was mention my heart..

I was immediately taken back and within seconds had all sorts of doctors and nurses 

hooking me up to what appeared to be every machine in the ER.

My EKG came back normal, they took a chest x-ray which was fine (not sure why they even did the x-ray)

The nurse then tried to take some blood and missed my vein all-together. All I can say is OUCH! He dug and dug and dug...then he tried to say how long he's been an EMT and firefighter yadda yadda yadda and that 'This has never happened to him before' he claims he never misses a vein, but kept trying anyway. I have to admit I felt the pain but didn't care. So much was happening to me all at once that I was numb to alot of it and felt so exhausted and didn't even care what they were doing. As the tears were going down my cheek, Jason grabbed my foot and started rubbing it, which was so comforting and helpful. Knowing he was there put me at ease. I tried to calm down and the ER nurse tried my other arm and got it the first time.

The ER nurse ended up apologizing over and over and over. I felt bad for him, but sheesh..stop digging after the 3rd try!

Here is the arm that he finally got a line in :)

This shows my heart rate back to normal..and I was starting to feel normal again..

They gave me a Holter Monitor to wear for 24 hours.

I've already had three episodes on this thing and I'm praying they can find some answers!

The heart is a scary thing..but super thankful for modern medicine and technology!

 It's pretty user friendly. If I have an episode, I just push "event' and it flags that specific time.

 Instead of laying in bed all day, I got up, got dressed and then sat on the couch and watched TV most of the day. I was instructed not to clean or do anything 'strenuous'. I wasn't allowed to drive or go to work. I was incredibly BORED!! I don't do well with idol time, I thought I would go outside and get some fresh air, but as you can see...I kinda can't hide this and I don't want the hundred questions from neighbors. I think I will just sit home and do nothing...(which is frustrating).

I go see a cardiologist on Friday...I guess we'll see what he has to say.

Trials

I have often times thought to myself "why Me?"

Why have I had to endure so many health challenges throughout my life?

I won't ever know the reason, but I am trying to stay positive.

I haven't really had a moment where I wasn't struggling with chronic pain, surgery, recovery, etc.

My current battle is of many, Liver, Thyorid (Hashimotos) and now my heart.

I have to admit I am scared.

I keep having dizzy spells, heart palpations.

Today (Saturday) is no different. My heart is freaking out. It can't decide whether or not to beat fast, beat slow or beat hard. Either way, it's making me so exhausted and I haven't done anything! My cardiologist appointment is this coming Friday. I wished that today was a day that I had a heart monitor because they would see a party is going on with my heart. I am sure it's nothing major, but this time has me a bit scared. I haven't really been scared of any of my health situations, just frustration. I don't know why this is any different, but it has me on edge. I am trying to stay positive and pray its nothing that will warrant 'heart surgery' but its definitely in the back of my mind.

I have no idea what they will find out, but praying that its a simple fix.
But the truth is, I'm scared.

I'm trying to stay as positive as I can and making the time to take a deep breathe...because that is all I can do right now..

Quote of the day...

Moving forward never felt better!!

Bowling Beauties...

Last weekend Kaylee had a few friends over.

They were hanging out at our house and were on their 'electronic devices' quite a bit...

so what does a good mom do to entertain and get them off their phones and instagram??

We went bowling!!

They bowled two games and went to eat at Costa Vida (everything on their menu is Gluten Free!)

watch out boys! These girls are going to Jr.High next year!

(in other words in 4 months! ahhh!)

They wanted me to take this pic...I'm still confused as to why..

Fat Cats bowling in Provo..good times.

STRIKE! For Katelyn..woot!

Jaisha being goofy

My cute Kaylee bugs

 

Cute shoes girls...they even glow in the dark!

 Jaisha, Makiah, Kaylee and Katelyn

These are some pretty amazing girls. I love that Kaylee is surrounded by good influences and can be herself

Kimee didn't bring a friend because she was at the dentist getting a tooth pulled.

She met us here with Jason for the second round of bowling.

She's all smiles even though she has a big hole in her mouth..

what a fun day with the 'girls'