Two weeks ago, I collapsed without warning in a crowded restaurant, and the experience shook me. I'm writing to begin processing what happened, and to calm myself as I set out in search for answers...
I hear your fear. I’ve seen a number of my podiatry patients faint and it’s scary for them, when they lay on their back, all recovered quickly. Almost all felt warm or burning in their faces or heads just before they fainted. If you feel it coming on, embarrassingly, lie down flat on your back.
What an awful experience. And the woman who liked your shoes! What an odd juxtaposition to the situation. Funny not funny how we make excuses for health related instances over the years. I was once on a long flight after visiting my kids in college and figuring out meds for depression. I took 2 Ativan and had two glasses of wine. For a “normal” person this would not be a big deal. I had a rare reaction. I remember snippets of the flight. I couldn’t understand why I was suddenly sitting in the back of the plane, how I got there and why the flight attendant told me to text my husband and have him meet me at the gate. I hard a hard time typing in the words. I couldn’t sit up. I needed help buckling in. The next think I remember is being wheeled off the plane first and EMTs and hubby at the gate. The cute EMT asked if I threw up on the plane and I couldn’t remember. After that, I recall driving up our driveway. Why am I telling you this story? I was later appalled that this happened in front of all those strangers. So embarrassing. Meanwhile, I hope you get some answers with this diagnosis. 🙏🙏🙏
Beautifully written, so clear and concise. I fainted in 2011 and again in 2012. It was from anemia due to cancer. I have a suggestion. Call your insurance member services and see if you request a care coordination to be a case manager. Long story short, I called to complain and find solutions for a problem with oncology that had gone on for 2 years. I fixed the problem (they listen to educated complainers). Suddenly, a woman called me. She had been assigned as a case manager to coordinate my care. I worked with her the last 6 months. Today we talked and finished up the case. Interesting, the timing of your request to have more than 8 minutes with someone who can actually help you figure out what you need to figure this out. I hope you keep breathing and keep being you. You're perfect as you are!
Oh golly, this sounds absolutely terrifying! I'm so sorry you're going through this. Sending strength. I know it feels there are sooooo many unanswered questions, but it sounds like you're on exactly the right kind of fact-finding mission, which is absolutely brilliant. Hugs from across the pond! 🙂
Hi Christine. Thank you for sharing this. I'm so glad you were in safe hands when this happened. I have learned that covid can dis-regulate the autonomous nervous system, so this may have exacerbated this condition. I am working with a practitioner now to re-regulate my system and it is all based on knowledge of the vagus nerve. I've spent years of my life in the sympathetic fight/flight state which has got worse with my post covid fatigue. My practitioner works with a system called the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP for short) which gradually programs the nervous system. It is not a quick fix. I'm at the beginning of the process and it is a bit de-stabilising at this point. I have to trust the process. Anyway - might be something to look into or chat about with your doctors. There is also an online program called The Gupta Program which does something similar. Take care of yourself. This episode could well be the gateway to better health and help you to navigate what is happening in your body. Lots of love xx
Hi Cali. Oh gosh, how interesting! Thank you for that info. I definitely want to check it all out. So glad you’re getting support. And SO happy to see you’re writing. I’ve missed you, so!
Hi Christine! I have had periods of dizziness lately, while just sitting at the kitchen table, or when I get up. I had an echo 3D and it came out fine. I normally have low blood pressure, like you. My ekg showed that I had something called sinus bradycardia. I think we are just aging. I haven’t had Covid, but I hate to say it, I wonder if this is vaccine related. Well, I’m still supporting vaccines anyway. I wish you the best, in any case, and am so glad this didn’t stop you from going away for the writing retreat. It looked amazing! Love you!
Love you, too, Connie! Thanks so much for reading. I sincerely think something about Covid — be it the infection itself (which I’ve had) or the vaccines themselves — play into something like this. We know Covid impacts the vascular system, and this episode was clearly impacted by a vascular-related event (drop in blood pressure). Super interesting. I’m on a mission to learn more. Sorry you’re having dizzy episodes, too. Ah, aging. Glad you got checked out and are okay. The world needs your positive light! Hope to see you soon! xo
I hear your fear. I’ve seen a number of my podiatry patients faint and it’s scary for them, when they lay on their back, all recovered quickly. Almost all felt warm or burning in their faces or heads just before they fainted. If you feel it coming on, embarrassingly, lie down flat on your back.
Hi Christine, I felt like I was right there experiencing it with you. How scary! I hope that you are back to normal soon.
OMG Chrissy... that’s some scary stuff. Hoping you’re ok and can find a way of dealing with this. Hang tough! Hugs!
What an awful experience. And the woman who liked your shoes! What an odd juxtaposition to the situation. Funny not funny how we make excuses for health related instances over the years. I was once on a long flight after visiting my kids in college and figuring out meds for depression. I took 2 Ativan and had two glasses of wine. For a “normal” person this would not be a big deal. I had a rare reaction. I remember snippets of the flight. I couldn’t understand why I was suddenly sitting in the back of the plane, how I got there and why the flight attendant told me to text my husband and have him meet me at the gate. I hard a hard time typing in the words. I couldn’t sit up. I needed help buckling in. The next think I remember is being wheeled off the plane first and EMTs and hubby at the gate. The cute EMT asked if I threw up on the plane and I couldn’t remember. After that, I recall driving up our driveway. Why am I telling you this story? I was later appalled that this happened in front of all those strangers. So embarrassing. Meanwhile, I hope you get some answers with this diagnosis. 🙏🙏🙏
Beautifully written, so clear and concise. I fainted in 2011 and again in 2012. It was from anemia due to cancer. I have a suggestion. Call your insurance member services and see if you request a care coordination to be a case manager. Long story short, I called to complain and find solutions for a problem with oncology that had gone on for 2 years. I fixed the problem (they listen to educated complainers). Suddenly, a woman called me. She had been assigned as a case manager to coordinate my care. I worked with her the last 6 months. Today we talked and finished up the case. Interesting, the timing of your request to have more than 8 minutes with someone who can actually help you figure out what you need to figure this out. I hope you keep breathing and keep being you. You're perfect as you are!
Oh golly, this sounds absolutely terrifying! I'm so sorry you're going through this. Sending strength. I know it feels there are sooooo many unanswered questions, but it sounds like you're on exactly the right kind of fact-finding mission, which is absolutely brilliant. Hugs from across the pond! 🙂
Hi Christine. Thank you for sharing this. I'm so glad you were in safe hands when this happened. I have learned that covid can dis-regulate the autonomous nervous system, so this may have exacerbated this condition. I am working with a practitioner now to re-regulate my system and it is all based on knowledge of the vagus nerve. I've spent years of my life in the sympathetic fight/flight state which has got worse with my post covid fatigue. My practitioner works with a system called the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP for short) which gradually programs the nervous system. It is not a quick fix. I'm at the beginning of the process and it is a bit de-stabilising at this point. I have to trust the process. Anyway - might be something to look into or chat about with your doctors. There is also an online program called The Gupta Program which does something similar. Take care of yourself. This episode could well be the gateway to better health and help you to navigate what is happening in your body. Lots of love xx
Hi Cali. Oh gosh, how interesting! Thank you for that info. I definitely want to check it all out. So glad you’re getting support. And SO happy to see you’re writing. I’ve missed you, so!
Thank you. I'm just seeing how it goes. My energy isn't great and things are a bit topsy-turvy. One step at a time
Hi Christine! I have had periods of dizziness lately, while just sitting at the kitchen table, or when I get up. I had an echo 3D and it came out fine. I normally have low blood pressure, like you. My ekg showed that I had something called sinus bradycardia. I think we are just aging. I haven’t had Covid, but I hate to say it, I wonder if this is vaccine related. Well, I’m still supporting vaccines anyway. I wish you the best, in any case, and am so glad this didn’t stop you from going away for the writing retreat. It looked amazing! Love you!
Love you, too, Connie! Thanks so much for reading. I sincerely think something about Covid — be it the infection itself (which I’ve had) or the vaccines themselves — play into something like this. We know Covid impacts the vascular system, and this episode was clearly impacted by a vascular-related event (drop in blood pressure). Super interesting. I’m on a mission to learn more. Sorry you’re having dizzy episodes, too. Ah, aging. Glad you got checked out and are okay. The world needs your positive light! Hope to see you soon! xo