Mary-Ellen's Story
Three years ago I had a brilliant job that I loved but because of my falls and other symptoms I was accused of having a drinking problem by people who would gain financially if my reputation was damaged. Although the allegation was completely without foundation we could not find a doctor who could explain why I fell so often without warning. I thought I was going insane. Finally, I was made redundant despite the support from clients and friends who knew me well and of course my wonderful husband of 35 years.
We finally found out what was wrong in January the week I turned 60. Just before Christmas I had ridden my bike along the Thames path from Barnes, to Petersham. I got off my bike to cross at the pedestrian crossing to go into Richmond Park. The next thing I remember was lying on the road surrounded by people. I was helped up and someone wheeled my bike over to the gates. I thanked my helpers then got back on my bike and rode the four kilometres home.
When I got home I told my husband, he said he had had enough of these falls and that he would go to the doctor with me. We have been at this practice for almost 20 years although I had always seen other doctors there. I had been suffering from severe vertigo from time to time and severe visual disturbances, weakness, tiredness, inability to climb stairs and nausea which was very distressing. On several occasions I had been rushed to hospital.
I was referred to neurologists, ENT consultants, rheumatologists, ophthalmologists and sent for CAT Scans, MRIs and numerous other tests. I was tested for brain tumours, MS, Parkinsons and strokes. I had always been proud of my low heart rate and assumed it was because I had trained as a swimmer when I was young in Sydney and run marathons and other road races for over twenty years. Not once did any doctor in the UK ever suggest that my heart rate was dangerously low nor was I ever referred to a cardiologist. Despite the falls, none of the three neurologists I saw ordered an EEG. One gave me beta blockers which made me collapse more often.
It is very clear that many of the doctors I saw believed I was neurotic and most of then concluded that I was suffering from “migraines without headaches”. I had a very high profile job, was regularly interviewed in the media and as an expert witness in international courts I had to remain calm and collected at all times. That is difficult if you fall over without warning. My colleagues had teased me about falling off my beautiful Christian Louboutin shoes but I knew my shoes were not the cause. More often than not I fell when I was standing still. I thought I was clumsy.
The visit to my husband’s GP was a revelation, I can’t help but believe all women should take their husbands to the doctor with them. Finally someone took me very seriously, after hearing my story he said he wanted to read all my records and that I should come back the next day. We did and he said he had referred me to a cardiologist and that I should stop taking the beta blockers immediately.
Within two weeks after seeing the cardiologist and having a lot more tests. I had been diagnosed with Syncope and am now awaiting news on the next steps. Why did I have to wait all these years for the correct diagnosis?