My Dad’s long term health problems

[Missguided27]

I apologise in advance this is going to be a bit of an essay...
My Dad started collapsing last July, when my daugther was just 7 weeks old. On one occasion he appeared to stop breathing and he spent the week in hospital, had a pacemaker fitted and was discharged to lead a normal life. However he carried on collapsing and has since been diagnosed with vasovagel syncope, this basically means he passes out. He can be out for 40 mins, he is often sick and suffers migraines and leg pains afterwards, this happens at least twice a week. He often ends up in hospital because he’s hit his head or blacked out on the stairs. Doctors say there is no medication that can help, his episodes are becoming more frequent, it’s also taking longer for him to recover. As you can imagine this has had a massive impact on our lives, he has been given anti-depressants and for obvious reasons doesn’t want to leave the house. With the help of my Mum and my brother we are trying to get him sorted, applying for PIP, getting a stair lift fitted, my Mum is also looking to give up her job to be his career but it is such a long process. Not really sure why I’m posting, some moral support, maybe some practical advice from someone who has been through a similar experience. Thank you for taking the time to read x

[Spiritinabody]

I am so sorry for what your dad and your family are going through. Even though Vasovagal Syncope just means 'common faint' if they are regular and last 40 minutes I can see why the family are so worried.

I've never heard of it so cannot offer advice. On googling, it appears there is no treatment for the fainting but it's said to have triggers. I just wonder whether it would be possible for the family to make a detailed record of what is going on around your dad every time it happens to try and work out what the trigger is for him.

I can understand the concern is what happens when your dad faints so I think you are doing the right thing in taking safety precautions.

I would be very surprised if your dad qualified for the Daily Living component of PIP as he does not need help with medication, washing, reading etc etc.
However, he may qualify on the mobility element for not being able to travel on public transport unaccompanied.

I hope you can find the cause and obtain a solution.