Passed out two nights ago! :-O

[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!

[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

[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!

[Kirsten]

Thanks everyone for your advice and support, and for your concern.

I'm a bit dizzy and weak today, wonder if these are still the effects of the concussion.


@cassiesmom: No, I don't think I was dehydrated, and I wasn't hungry either. It was a vasovagal reaction to pain.

@mrspunkysmom: I don't think it was a digestion thing... I'm already on a diet as there are many things I cannot eat (dairy products, grains, most fruits, ect.).

@Bengalz: well, yes, I think there is such a Medic Alert system, but I don't think that passing out one time will qualify me for that.

@Scooter's Mom: Wow, you seem to have these episodes a lot... that is scary! Do you know what triggers them?

[pomtzu]

.

@Bengalz: well, yes, I think there is such a Medic Alert system, but I don't think that passing out one time will qualify me for that.

Here in the States, a Medic Alert system is not something you have to qualify for. Anyone can have it - if you want to pay for it, then you get it. And it's not just for old people (like me ), or ones with medical conditions either. A lot of young and healthy people that live alone have them for security reasons. I got mine AFTER I had a BIG scare - I fell on ice in my driveway and fractured my femur. Thankfully it was still daylight and some men driving past the house heard me hollering for help and saw me laying there and unable to get up - they stopped and carried me into the house and called an ambulance for me. If it had been night time and the rest of the family was late in getting home, then I hate to think what could have happened with me laying there in the freezing rain for who knows how long. So after surgery and a week in the hospital, then 2 weeks in rehab and several months of physical therapy after that, I decided I needed an alert system - just in case. I've never had to use it, but it's there if I need it, and with my balance compromised from a previous issue, then falling is a great risk for me.

You really should check out a system for yourself - it would give you peace of mind - even if you never have to use it. And it would give all of us PT'ers peace of mind too!

[mrspunkysmom]

Thanks everyone for your advice and support, and for your concern. . . . . . .

@mrspunkysmom: I don't think it was a digestion thing... I'm already on a diet as there are many things I cannot eat (dairy products, grains, most fruits, ect.).

@Bengalz: well, yes, I think there is such a Medic Alert system, but I don't think that passing out one time will qualify me for that.

I can't imagine not being able to eat fruit. Grains are also in noodles. Starches are made from grains (and a few other things) and can also bother the gut.

If your doctor sees your wounds, she might differ with you. It doesn't hurt to check it out.