Simon Downes, MD, PhD

Why does LBBB seem to resolve with stretching?

Left bundle branch block (LBBB) is a condition in which there is a delay or blockage in the electrical conduction through the left bundle branch of the heart’s conduction system. This causes the left ventricle to contract later than the right ventricle, resulting in an abnormal QRS complex on an ECG. While the exact mechanism…More

Treating symptomatic Left Bundle Branch Block (LBBB) with His bundle pacemaker

A His bundle pacemaker is another potential option for treating symptomatic Left Bundle Branch Block (LBBB) and heart failure, and it works differently from traditional pacemakers or biventricular pacemakers. The His bundle is part of the heart’s electrical conduction system, located near the center of the heart, and it is responsible for transmitting the electrical signal from…More

How to know if you are BIPOLAR

My best friend’s mom was diagnosed with bipolar disorder a few weeks ago. After knowing that, I realized my friend might also have a few symptoms and tendencies, but I’m not sure. She sometimes has very unusual shifts in mood.. but these ups and downs might not necessarily reflect bipolar disorder symptoms. How can I…More

Struggling with religion & my sexualiity

Hi. I’m struggling right now with my religion. I was raised in a Christian family. I went to church twice a week or more and went to a Christian school and university. I was highly involved in missionary work for years. However, I’m beginning to see many things going on in Christianity that I don’t…More

Hyperactive son – Is it ADHD?

My son is very hyperactive and also has strange behaviors. He likes banging on doors, kicking things and making loud noises to get our attention. We’re having a hard time now as he’s really difficult to control. His doctor says he might be having ADHD symptoms.. is this condition treatable? What options do we have?…More

Are my kidneys failing? I don’t trust doctors…

I’m having horrible anxiety lately and I can’t deal with it.I am pretty sure my kidneys are failing. I have a sharp pain in my kidney and if it’s a kidney stone, I’d rather have that than acute kidney failure. I am generally known for not drinking too much water- I am a small person…More

My daughter is bipolar

My daughter is 13 years old and was just recently diagnosed as having bipolar disorder. I am very very concerned because my mother had bipolar dis and I have no idea how to raise my daughter in this condition that she has right now. At this point I am asking anyone and everyone for their…More

Painful Left Bundle Branch (LBBB) Syndrome & Long COVID: What is the cure?

I was diagnosed with painful (symptomatic) left bundle branch syndrome in August 2023, about 4 months after contracting COVID 19. After 6 months of steadily worsening symptoms with exercise and at rest (anxiety-related), I develped atrial flutter, and received an ablation during an electrophysiology study – with excellent doctor …very satisfied with the service. (I…More

Coping with PMS mood swings

In the cases where my PMS symptoms cause me to feel sad and depressed, how can I better cope through the week or normalize my mood? I can feel myself as a grey cloud or a charging bull and the emotions are so significant that I can not drop anything. It sticks (arguments, my sensitivities).…More

Cats & Dogs for Autistic Children

My son was diagnosed as having autism. I really wanted to know if you know how effective keeping a pretty cat or dog might be in helping him develop and grow. I have read of its benefits but can you tell me what you know from the research? More