anyone ever faint?

[laundry_queen]

73. A few times for various reasons, but

First I'll start with my brother. He fainted at work. Turns out he was extremely hypothyroid AND has some kind of heart 'issue'. We still don't know what it is, but he had an abnormal ECG and is currently undergoing continuous heart monitoring.

My SIL is a cop, and during training or any kind of ceremony that requires extended standing she always faints. Every time. She has low blood pressure generally so that's likely the issue. She says it's darn right embarrassing, she can't participate in any ceremonies because of it.

I used to get dizzy and lightheaded all the time as a teen when I would get up quickly. I had very low blood pressure at the time - so low when we were learning how to take BP in class the teacher was ready to call the hospital because mine was so low, lol. She redid it like 10 times and kept asking me if I felt OK.

The first time I actually lost consciousness, and this is so silly, is when I was getting my first tattoo. I was late for the appointment so skipped breakfast (NO one told me how big of a no-no this is). I fainted about 10 times until someone got me some juice and then I was fine. I was pretty sure it was low blood sugar.

The next few times were due to low blood sugar as well. Once I slipped on ice and fell, bending my elbow backwards on the way to a restaurant to have dinner. I hadn't eaten all day and I was certain I had broken my elbow. My now-ex took me to the hospital because I kept passing out. At the hospital I had X-rays and all was fine. The doctor said I probably whacked my head. I didn't think I had, but accepted it at the time. Then I fainted at home when I cut myself chopping up veggies for supper. Yes, I was famished then as well. Some juice and a short nap on the couch and I was fine, but it was scary because I think it was the blood that did it. Now I'm so nervous when I see blood!

I passed out after having a C-section with my last baby. I had never passed out after a C-section before, but I have a feeling the blood pressure drop from the epidural was too much for me, even though my BP was technically 'low-normal' it was so low compared to my pregnancy BP I think my body thought it was going into shock (well, and I lost quite a bit of blood compared to my other births, so that contributed).

Now, I understand you have recently lost your husband, and I read your post upthread regarding chills & hot flashes. First I will tell you that it's important to get everything checked out by a doctor (there's my disclaimer.)

I would guess that it's possible some of your symptoms are stress and grief. Sometimes you don't even realize how stressed you are. When my ex left me, I started having all kinds of panic attacks (which often don't feel like panic, you just get hot all over, or cold all over, or dizzy, or faint...or you feel like you are going to die, or your stomach starts 'sinking', or you feel like you can't breathe, or you want to vomit...or ALL of it at the same time) I had a few 'black out' episodes from the sheer stress and grief (he didn't die but it felt like the person I thought I knew never existed - he was living a double life - so I grieved as if that person I had loved was gone...) It took me nearly 2 years to stop having constant panicky feelings. Then I recently had a relapse. I won't try medication because I was actually ON anti-depressants when this all started and it made it worse (I put up with my ex's nasty behavior because I was numb thanks to the meds). Anti-anxiety exercises have made a world of difference, as has cutting out all caffeine. If I have a coffee, it's like setting myself up for a massive panic attack later in the day. I've come close to passing out at school (I had to go back to get a degree) and that makes it worse - then I get anxious that I WILL pass out - and the downward spiral starts. So caffeine is a no-no.

I know for me I'm sure cognitive behavioral therapy would help, but I just don't have the time or money at the moment. I'm sure that if your feelings are because of extreme stress causing panic attacks CBT would be of enormous help. I know it must be hard - do you have the amount of human contact that you desire? I know when I was at my most stressed, I craved human interaction and being alone for more than a day at a time drove me into a giant panic/teary meltdown. However, others want to isolate themselves. Everyone deals differently. It may be worth it to be proactive about what works best for you, even if it does take enormous energy in the beginning.

Just want to send hugs to you, and I hope your health is okay and that this was just a one-time episode. Take care of yourself.