After positive Tilt Table Test felt very unwell, exhausted, tearful for 9 days. Awoken from sleep by 'surge' in chest. What does it mean?

[Wobbletastic]

Hi, sorry you are not feeling too good. And much as a diagnosis is a welcome relief it is still a shock and takes sometime to understand and absorb things. I am not sure what your diagnosis is from the TTT. I have POTS and often feel a "surge" in my chest and most especially when I've had a "fright" eg sudden loud noise or my daughter falling over. So I am fairly confident in my case that it is an adrenaline thing. Perhaps it is similar for you at the moment, especially as your body will be stressed following the tilt test and you are probably emotionally stressed with being so poorly. I had some CBT which helped me deal with this side of things, which has helped me to "calm my body down" a bit, so the adrenaline spikes are less frequent and the resulting pre-syncope less severe. Which clinic are you under? Can you ask for a referral or discuss your treatment pathway further? In the meantime perhaps distract yourself with calming music or relaxation CDs (I still use these especially at night if I have chest pains or tremor, early indicators that I am feeling it!) best wishes

[Hidden in reply to Wobbletastic]

Thanks for your reply. I haven't had definitive diagnosis yet - nurse shocked at TTT heard her say to colleague 'life changing' she contacted cardiologist immediately, seeing him in 2 weeks and will know more then. He referred me for TTT as possible vasovagel syncope. However episodes of collapse in past were nothing compared to TTT and apart from my parents dying it was the most terrifying experience of my life. Your reply has helped in that I hope my surges are adrenaline rush due to the shock of the test, and I will be asking about CBT whatever the outcome. Thank you.

[Wobbletastic in reply to Hidden]

That sounds really frightening. I hope you get a diagnosis and explanation soon, as I think the waiting and not knowing is the hardest. Obviously if you feel very unwell or surges feel more like severe chest pain then you should get medical help - until you know what is going on, it's better to be safe. Hopefully though, it is "just" adrenaline rather than anything more sinister. You will be acutely aware of all these horrible sensations at the moment, I'm sure. Hope things improve for you soon x