Ok guys....I'm stumped!!!

markjrn · Sep 5, 2005

Well, the K+ can account for the cardiac.

His walking issue is tough. Has he had other neuro issues? Has anyone looked into MS...?

I hope he finds a decent MD.

sharann, BSN, RN · Sep 5, 2005

How sad. I hope it works out.

He needs more tests, another workup by someone else perhaps.

ICRN2008, BSN, RN · Sep 5, 2005

Did he possibly have a stroke?

I can't beleive that they sent him home without a proper diagnosis! I hope that he is able to recover.

Demonsthenes · Sep 5, 2005

Oxygen deprivation to the brain, from one cause or the other, is the most common cause of sudden loss of consciousness. That doesn't mean that there isn't another cause of his s/s only that exploring the possible physical factors which might cause a sudden deprivation of oxygen to the brain might be appropriate. A simple initial test might be to get an stethescope and listen to his carotid arteries to determine if they are patent and/or partially clogged.

Hey all,
Sorry I haven't been around for awhile...i've missed ya all!! Anyways....I am absolutely stumped, scared, and worried about one of our good friends...here's his story....let me know what you guys think...k?
Ok..we have a friend, he is 31 years old and in good health other than a minor back surgery he had a few months back. Anywho...he was at work Thursday and suddenly collapsed. Co-workers called EMS...they came and picked him up. Our friend then proceeded to go into sustained v-tach twice on the way to the ER....they actually had to defib. him twice!!!! By the time he got to the ER, he was convulsing and unconscious,etc. They decided he needed to be transfered from our facility...so, he was sent to a neighboring city. At this next hospital, he went in and out of consciousness for quite a few hours and then finally came around. Well....he then went to get up and walk to the bathroom and couldn't!!!!! They did a million tests, meningitis, diabetes testing, echo, head ct, etc, etc and they can't find anything wrong with him!!!! He stayed for two days and never had another episode and then this doctor (which they hated) said "Ok, you can go home". Ok..so now he's at home and still can't walk. He takes like 4 steps at most and then just falls down. He is in a wheelchair. We were over there last night for about 4 hours and he never moved his legs once. He has to go back to "our facility" tomorrow for a check up. What the hell is going on with him???? Anyone have any ideas?? I just don't get it....they guy has to be shocked and can't walk and they just send him home??? The nursing staff and PT couldn't believe they were releasing him. I just don't get it.....?? I guess his K+ was low....but not terribly low. Ok..what causes you to pass out, go into v-tach and then not be able to walk??? It is so scary for him and his wife...she's afraid he's going to 'go out' on her and i guess I don't blame her. I'm just so frustrated and confused...as a nurse...you want to fix everything or at least know what is going on...it kills me that I have to see a good friend go thru this. Ok..enough rambling..I just thought all you smart people may have some thoughts....
Ok hugs,
Snoop'

Audreyfay · Sep 5, 2005

It's a long shot, but I have a friend who lives in Upper Michigan who developed similar problems (except for the cardiac issues), and was years later diagnosed with Lyme Disease. It's a long shot, but I see you live in WI. Would be worth a looksey.

mandrews · Sep 5, 2005

I hope your friend gets good medical help soon. He is lucky to have a friend like you thinking of him. Your all in my prayers.

ERNurse752, RN · Sep 6, 2005

Did they implant a cardioverter/defibrillator while he was in the hospital, in case he goes back into VT?

He needs to get referred to someone who can give him some answers...cardiology, neurology, and internal med would be good places to start.

Keep us posted. Hope he gets well and gets some answers soon.

allnurses Guide · Sep 6, 2005

Wow!... scary stuff there. Poor guy. Keep us posted... I'd like to know what the docs find out. I hope that he's able to see some good ones. He's a very interesting case and I'll bet there are top-notch docs out there who would JUMP at the chance to see the guy and try to figure out themselves, what is wrong with him. I'd say he could use a top notch cardiologist (of course), but also neurologist and possibly endocrinologist.

Again, keep us posted!!

hrtprncss · Sep 6, 2005

History says....31 year old male otherwise healthy besides minor back surgery....A little too young to be at high risk for sudden cardiac death...there must be other underlying causes that needs to be explored thru various diagnostic tests before a definitive differential diagnosis is reached.