Hey Marie,

I just thought I'd pop in here and say "welcome" to BT2. I've had episodes of Vasovagal Syncope on and off since my early teens (onset with menses), but I never knew what it was or that I had a congenital heart problem until I was 18, when I had an episode of PSVT (paroxsysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia), where I got that "icky" feeling and passed out while I was at work in the local hospital ER (good place for it to happen ).

I just thought I'd give you a few links (hopefully new one's for you) to give you a bit more info. Some are technical, but still good resources. Here's one about abnormal heart rhythms (with ECG tracings explained): http://www.anaesthetist.com/icu/organs/heart/ecg/ Here's a link on WPW at the American Heart Assoc.: http://www.americanheart.org/present...dentifier=4785 I have had to wear Holter monitors on and off for the past ten years, but I've been able to manage my heart problem by maintaining good e-lyte balances (though I do get tired of extra salt sometimes). The Echocardiogram (the ultrasound) is repeated every couple of years, but still status quo, so we're going to just leave my ticker alone for now, though in the future I might need to have them go in and do radiofrequency ablasion to the extra conductors in my heart (I have ectopic foci that cause runs of PVCs and elevated heart rate at times).

Its terribly scary at times, and I remember when I was first diagnosed...I was so mad at having to do all of these extra things and walk around strapped up like some frankenstein with leads through my clothing. I can imagine your daughter is feeling much the same. I just wanted to be able to be a "normal" 18 y/o (college, sports, parties, etc.) and I was able to, once all the testing was done. If your daughter needs someone to vent to, see if a school counselor is available. My college had a great psychologist on staff that helped me cope with my heart stuff and again with my spine (I'm now permanently disabled with back problems at 27).

If you have any specific questions I can help answer, please feel free to PM me if you like. Keep stong, and I am sure your daughter will be able to adjust to all of this.

Theresa