“Okay. So they don’t know what’s wrong?”
“I think I can answer that,” the doctor said, coming into the room with a tablet in his hand. “I’m Dr. Smythe.”
“Why does Cyn need a cardiologist? Did the hypothermia damage her heart?”
“No. Her symptoms point to something else.”
“What?” Cyn asked, impatient as Hunt.
“Basically your autonomic nervous system isn’t working properly, brought on by the hypothermia you suffered. Most likely, it’s temporary, due to the tremendous stress your body was under and you continue to have due to the disappearance of your family.”
“Doc, I’m not following.” Hunt felt out of his depth and he desperately wanted to know if Cyn was going to be okay and what he could do to help her.
“Basically, all your autonomic systems—breathing, heart rate, digestion, sight, smell, hearing, diaphragm, anything that your body does without you having to think about—is controlled by this system. When working, you feel like everything is fine. When it’s not, you feel the symptoms of whatever system is being affected. You were thirsty and dehydrated because your kidneys weren’t functioning properly. The headache is another symptom. Migraines are common. Dizziness. Lossof smell, hearing, eyesight when your system is overwhelmed.”
“Are you saying her autonomic system shut those things off because it got overwhelmed?” Hunt asked.
“Essentially, yes. Once her heart rate and blood pressure were regulated again, she regained them. Think of the body as a symphony. When one section isn’t playing, the song sounds close to the same but something is off. It’s not quite right.”
“Could this kill her?”
“People live with the more chronic condition, known as dysautonomia, and manage the symptoms. But I don’t think Cyn’s condition is permanent,” he rushed to assure them. “The hypothermia disrupted your body’s natural functions. While your body recovers, your system is trying to get back to working in harmony. You’ll want to take precautions, of course. Don’t stand too quickly. Drink more water than you think you need. Balance that with added salt in your diet to keep your electrolytes up. If you feel your heart slowing down, or you feel faint, then sit. If it doesn’t pass within a minute, call for help. If your heart is racing, take deep, slow breaths to regulate it again.”
“I did that in the car and my vision came back.”
The doctor nodded. “It’s the sudden shock to the system, however small it used to seem to you, like standing up quickly, that makes the autonomic system respond to what is most pressing. Pumping your blood versus being able to see, for example.”
“You’re sure this has nothing to do with her concussion, or something in her brain?” Hunt asked to be clear.
“The scans of her brain show the concussion is healing. No bleeds. The swelling the last scan showed has significantly decreased.”
“Okay. So she’s okay, but will have to manage her symptoms until, hopefully, they disappear, or she’ll have to learn to live with this and minimize it to the best of her ability.”
“Yes. I’d like to see you in two weeks to assess how you’re feeling. It would be helpful if you kept track of your symptoms and when and how they happen if you can.”
“Sure,” Cyn agreed.
“That will also help you determine what might be triggering a symptom and help you avoid it.”
“Can she drive? Go to work?” Hunt asked.
“I’d avoid driving the next few days while you rest and allow your body to recover so this will resolve itself more quickly. You need to avoid stress.” The doctor held Cyn’s gaze. “I caution you to be aware of how you’re feeling and to do what is necessary when you feel a symptom coming on to keep yourself safe. It is common for people with the condition to take a fall because of dizziness. Don’t rush yourself through a symptom like dizziness. Give your body time to fully recover before you attempt standing or moving again.”
“Does she need to stay in the hospital tonight?” Hunt asked.
The doctor shook his head. “Rest is the best medicine right now. And home is where she’ll get it. I’ve already signed the discharge. You’re free to go as soon as you finish the IV.”
Cyn sighed out her relief. “Thank you, Doctor. I’ll be sure to take precautions until I feel better.”
“If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call. Your discharge papers include an appointment time. If it doesn’t work for you, please contact my office to change it.”
“She’ll be there,” Hunt assured the doctor. He’d take her himself and make sure he knew what to do for her if things didn’t get better.
The doctor left them alone.
Hunt stood and kissed Cyn on the head, then looked down at her beautiful face. “I’m so sorry, sweetheart. I should have never let you go into that water.”
She gripped his hand in both of hers. “Hunt, baby, I’m going to be fine. This is not your fault. I was going in that water whether you liked it or not. You know that. You saw my determination. I had to know if they were in that car.”