AboutHillarie Speziale Expertise I can answer general questions about ICU care, the frequently used medications, procedures, and life supports. I can also explain many of the diagnoses and supportive measures used for patients with that particular illness. I am familiar with the infectious, cardiac, pulmonary, renal, and gastric problems that can land you in the ICU. I can not tell you exactly how long the patient stay will be, diagnosis your symptoms, or tell you with any certainty that the care you (or your loved one) received was wrong. I can also answer career questions regarding RRT and RN fields. Please note: neurology is not a field I have a great deal of familiarity with..
Experience I have 17 yrs experience as a Respiratory Therapist, and 9 yrs as a critical care nurse. I am familiar with infectious, cardiac, respiratory, renal and gastric diagnoses that can land you in the ICU.
Education/Credentials Assoc. Degree in Respiratory Therapy, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of science in psychiatric nurse practitioning.
I wanted to ask your expert opinion regarding my sudden vision problem episode, which lasted for at least 5-6 hrs.
I am 60-y.o. male with a heart attack in the past, and several recent episodes of SVT, cured only by (electric) cardioversion. Yesterday, after swimming in ocean for about 17 min., (it is not too cold yet in NY bays) one hour later, I went to steam room and after 9 min. I felt blurred vision in my both eyes. No other symptoms were felt. I left steam room, took cold shower and got home, where I took baby aspirin, magnesium, ginkgo biloba, Vit. C and may be some more. On someone’s advise I took an ounce of cognac with about hundred gm of black coffee.I developed headache in area on top portion of my right eye and went to sleep.
This morning my eyes feel weak at their tops, under forehead; the headache is gone but I feel constriction with some pain in right part of my head upon light straining as one do for bowel movement.
How to explain this event, how serious it can be and what should I do?
Thank you very much!
Answer Hi Viad, That is exactly my fear, that you are describing a TIA. As you may know, people who have coronary artery disease are at increased risk for carotid artery disease as well. I'm not sure who suggested cognac and caffeine, but I have to tell you, it sounds like a horrible suggestion. You mention repeated difficulty with SVT. Caffeine can increase the irritability of your heart, leading to further SVT. Also, if there is any danger that something is going on in your brain, the last thing you want is to dull your senses in any way. I think you should talk with your physician as soon as possible. If you experience any return of the symptoms I would call 911 immediately. As you are probably aware, TIAs often forewarn of impending stroke. If or when the stroke may occur is impossible to know.
Please take care of yourself and make that phone call. Hillarie
