Help please

[Shihtzumom]

My husband had his stomach removed 2 years ago because of cancer. A few weeks ago he was working in the garden and passed out for 20-30 minutes, the only thing he remembered before falling was that his eyes went fuzzy and couldn’t get back to the house 😱 has anyone else heard of this happening? He has since had a loop monitor for his heart fitted as there was no obvious reason for his blackout!

[Mauser1905]

Hello,

Hope he us safe.

If no other clinical diagnosis, he seems to have had hypoglycaemic attack moving into loss of consciousness. See below link and read dumping syndrome.

opa.org.uk/factsheets/

This is very common amongst oesophagectomy survivors.

Clinically canbe diagnosed by continually blood glucose monitoring.

But working, exerting on empty stomach can induce low blood glucose levels (hypoglycaemia) and if not remedied immediately often body can hold into self defense mode by putting g into unconscious mode. Latter is a safety concern for patients if not already resting, for example travelling or working. Like your husband.

I too get low blood glucose, but manage it instantly by chewing dextrose tablets or any sugary candoes or regular sugary fizzy drinks when the symptoms start.

This could be late dumping or could be simply blood glucose imbalance as a collateral damage from surgery.

Please do not worry too much, as this if correct in your husband's case. Please check with your primary and secondary clinical teams to rule out anything else.

Always carry dextrose in pockets or bags.

[Shihtzumom in reply to Mauser1905]

Thanks

[liz_crisp]

As Mauser says, it is possible it was an attack of dumping which he didn’t recognise, it’s common among Oesophagus cancer patients. Who have had part of their digestive system removed. We learn to recognise the fuzziness as soon as it appears and take dextrose of sugar to reverse the sugar drop.

[Shihtzumom in reply to liz_crisp]

Thanks

[Janashlin]

I agree with the other two replies about dumping syndrome which I have everyday and two years on it seems to be worse instead of better.I have been starting to have some issues with my heart lately and I am having that checked out. I would recommend a full check for your husband as well. Expect it’s dumping but always smart to have a full check. All the best.

[Shihtzumom in reply to Janashlin]

Thanks

[Shihtzumom]

We checked with the GI nurse they didn’t think it was dumping syndrome, so we are thinking of getting on to the GP to see about a glucose meter thanks for your help and kindness