Passed out two nights ago! :-O

[krazyaboutkatz]

Kirsten, I'm so sorry that this happened but I also agree with the others in that you need to go have yourself checked by a doctor to make sure that there's nothing serious going on with you. Hopefully this won't ever happen again. Please take care. (((HUGS)))

[SWHouston]

Kristen,

I know this sounds silly and a lot of trouble, but...

You know they make those real light weight Bicycle Helmets. And until you clear up this issue about falling/fainting, would you consider wearing one of those when you can. A bump on the butt you probably can get over easily, but continuing strikes to your head....Ummm.

This forum is replete with people who care for you, and want to know you're as safe as you can be. How about it ?

[Kirsten]

Only a little update as I'm dealing with back pain tonight and want to go to bed... Called my doctor and I will see her tomorrow. Will keep you updated! :-)

[Karen]

Okay, feel better, and we will all look forward to what the doctor says tomorrow!

[Kirsten]

Back from the doctor. According to her, it's been a vasovagal syncope what I had, so Scooter's Mom was absolutely right about that. It's relatively rare, and obviously no one really knows the cause, so there isn't much you can do about it. Anyway, hope it won't happen again!

My doctor said I was really lucky that the fall didn't cause more injuries. As for a possible brain damage, I would have noticed the effects of it within the first 48 hours (a friend who's working as a nurse said the same), so I guess I'm okay. I'm feeling better today, much better than yesterday, so I hope the worst is over...

[Karen]

So is there nothing that can be done, other than encasing you in bubble wrap just in case? Or at least getting you a helmet to wear around the house?

[SWHouston]

I'm glad that at least there is a diagnosis, and maybe with some time and thought, you might be able to come up with some reason that triggered it.

However, hope it won't happen, isn't safe !
Won't you please consider "some" head protection. If a Helmet is to obtrusive, maybe one of those Head Bands would work. Some of those are kinda thick, and would give you some protection and not look so bad...

Please, don't just trust this to luck.

I would at least discuss Aspirin Therapy, or possibly a BP reducing medication with your Physician.

[Kirsten]

Thanks for your concern, but I know what "triggered" it, it has something to do with my messed up bowels (which is also, most likely, a vasovagal thing...), and I'm pretty sure it won't happen unless I go to the bathroom again while I have these really bad and painful cramps. My doctor said, even though it's rare, she has another patient with exactly the same symptoms. The next time I feel it coming I will lay down on the floor and not try to make it back to the bed. But I won't start wearing helmets or any other protections, that would make me feel even sicker than I actually am. I need to feel "normal", at least as much as possible with all the other restrictions due to various health problems. Please don't worry!

[SWHouston]

I understand, at least you have a plan

[Karen]

The next time I feel it coming I will lay down on the floor and not try to make it back to the bed.

Okay, at least you know the triggers and can be prepared! I guess we'll hold off on the bubble wrap brigade for now!

[Catty1]

Okay so Wikipedia is not the Mayo Clinic, but here is some info I found:

Causes
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasovagal_response#Cause

Treatment (interesting - as lying down is not recommended here! Ask your doctor)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasovag...onse#Treatment

[cassiesmom]

Kirsten,

...mainly I would like for you to regain your health and remain a vital part of this group.

Me too, me too, me too!

Could you have been dehydrated? I know you mentioned some very hot weather recently.

((((HUGS)))))

[mrspunkysmom]

Thanks for your concern, but I know what "triggered" it, it has something to do with my messed up bowels (which is also, most likely, a vasovagal thing...), and I'm pretty sure it won't happen unless I go to the bathroom again while I have these really bad and painful cramps. My doctor said, even though it's rare, she has another patient with exactly the same symptoms. The next time I feel it coming I will lay down on the floor and not try to make it back to the bed. But I won't start wearing helmets or any other protections, that would make me feel even sicker than I actually am. I need to feel "normal", at least as much as possible with all the other restrictions due to various health problems. Please don't worry!

Have you asked your doctor what effect diet has on your condition? Some foods are harder to digest than others.

[Bengalz]

Kirsten,

It is good to hear you are feeling better, have seen a doctor and have some idea about the cause of your episode. In the event that this sort of thing happens again is there any type of Medic Alert system available to you? My concern is you living alone ... in the event of an emergency, you should have a backup plan.

Feel better!

[Scooter's Mom]

Kirsten, it's kind of weird, but sometimes I can tell when I am about to have one of the "episodes". Sometimes I can manage to breathe my way out of it, just by focusing very very hard on my breaths. After the doctor witnessed me passing out, there was no doubt that is what was happening, so he taught me how to sort of watch for signs that it was going to happen - although it's not always possible to tell. Sometimes it just happens so fast there isn't any warning. Other times, I have just enough warning ahead of time to start focusing on my breathing... and a few times I have had just enough time to tell the person I was with to catch me! LOL

I haven't had one of these in a couple of years (3!) but do understand how frightening they can be when you have no idea what is going on. ((hugs)) to you! Glad you have Lily & Luna to help take care of you and make you feel better, mentally at least!