Last night, I fainted in my dearest love’s arms. My 14-year-old-self would have been very, very pleased to know that would be in store for her one day. However, my 32-year-old-self found it a little less enjoyable. Predominantly from the thought of what the heck I could have gotten another concussion.
But getting back to it- it happened as I got out of bed- Matt randomly walked up and hugged me and that very second I fainted. Convenient, eh? Unfortunately, while my 14-year-old-self would have imagined me, the heroine, wiping back her golden locks from her languid eyes as she slowly regained her consciousness in the most fabulous feminine manner possible while also wearing a magnificent dress, I’m pretty sure I just looked like a frightened squirrel. I didn’t know where I was, how I got there or if I was actually just in a dream. I was panicking really, but just for a few seconds as my mind began to clear up a bit, The I was just very, very relieved that Matt had been there.
For the next 18 hours I basically played “the floor is lava” from how little I got up- I was terrified of falling and hitting my head. Anyway. The doctor. I went to the doctor today, who, by the way, casually asked me if I was doing marijuana (?!?!? I wasn’t even wearing my hippie clothes! [don’t hate her, she’s great]) who tentatively diagnosed me with orthostatic hypotension. She further explained (I had already visited Dr. Google and had diagnosed myself with the same condition, so I already knew what it meant) that when I sit or lie down, the blood pools in my legs and doesn’t quite make it quickly enough to my brain when I stand up, thus causing lightheadedness and potentially fainting. (I am so grossed out by the term “pooling blood” that I’m considering having my legs removed.)
I’ve actually had the problem of getting lightheaded and my vision blacking out when standing for years- it has just recently been getting progressively stronger. So, I have to stand very slowly now and count to five before moving, ten if I was lying down, super fun.
In addition, it actually could have happened from my “super healthy diet” whereof I’ve spurned all added sugars, grains and processed foods. My doctor pointed out that I probably wasn’t getting enough salt with my kale.
I’m also seeing a cardiologist and my neurologist and have had quite a lot of blood work done to rule out anything else.
Drama just follows me
About the Author: Rebekah Bethany
How frightening but a lot of people when getting up quickly after being asleep/resting have the same thing happen but you were fortunate enough to have someone catch you.
I think this calls for some French fries.
Oh yes!
I have had the problem of actually having to consciously increase my salt intake. I am not fond of salty foods in general and since I eat almost nothing processed (and don’t make use of the salt shaker) it just “doesn’t happen.” Fortunately it doesn’t take adding too much to get to “enough”.
Think of it as “venous stasis” instead. Because a double lower extremity amputation might get in the way of your photography. 😉
I’m not really into salty foods either- I do like it in cucumbers though and have been eating lots of them in lieu of removing my legs 😆
Which suddenly made me think of Larry the Cucumber who has no limbs whatsoever. My brain is weird.
I agree with Katharine!!! :) French Fries! :) or a few potato chips (the kettle cooked ones maybe!)… I wish I was closer…I would bring you some… :) praying for you!
I’ve been eating Trader Joe’s corn chips- they are so good!
Love you! I laughed so much, ha ha! Glad you’re okay, and that you were able to get looked at. So glad your hubs was right there to prevent your fall. I’ve had a similar issue, off and on, since I was a teenager, and always attributed it to being anemic, but now am having circulation issues in my old(er) age, so maybe it’s a bit of both? Getting up slowly really does help a lot. Awhile back I thought I heard someone at the front door and leapt from the couch to answer it. Got all the way to the door before collapsing dramatically onto the front porch. There wasn’t anyone there, which is probably a good thing, ha ha. Continued prayers for you!
Thank you! According to my cardiologist, it is related to circulation. Thankfully, I haven’t had any dramatic moments since last Sunday! :)
Hello, I just found your blog again after loosing all my bookmarks to a computer issue.
I would highly suggest looking into adrenal insufficiency/HPA axis dysregulation. Dizziness and fainting are pretty common with the condition. It also would be worth checking thoroughly (a full thyroid blood panel, not just TSH, which isn’t even a thyroid hormone) for thyroid issues (typically hypothyroid/Hashimoto’s thyroiditis).
I had a similar experience with fainting, after a long history of dizziness upon standing. It was many years before a doctor ran adrenal tests (the same one who diagnosed thyroid issues, which generally go hand in hand). I also experienced increased dizziness after the same sort of diet change combined with increased liquid intake. Adding some sea salt or other “clean” salt to the food you’re cooking can help. Tulsi tea is also beneficial for adrenal issues (and stress in general).
I also experienced concussions. And know the routine with the cardiologist, getting hooked up to all the leads, and having to wear the holter monitors.
Just want to give you some encouragement and let you know you can get through it all. Long experience has taught me that you must research, advocate, and take responsibility for your own health to make any real progress. You know your body better than anyone else, and don’t give up if you’re told they aren’t sure what’s wrong with you or don’t have any other suggestions of what to to do.
Dee
Thank you very much!
You are very welcome. I find it strange to make these sort of comments on the internet (especially when I don’t think I’ve ever commented before), but if I can help someone and perhaps avoid years of ill health with no diagnosis ,as I experienced, it is worth it.
Yes! For sure!