Jan 13, 2011 14:03
I fainted this morning.
In the parking lot. In the snow. I experienced all the scary things like tunnel vision, nausea, disorientation, and insane hearing.
The worst part of it was that I couldn't think. Like I could remember how to use my keys or my cellphone to call for help. I got out of the snow and sat down long enough to figure out my phone and call for help. My mom thankfully talked me through what I needed to do. I have never been so scared. Outside, I thought I was having a heart attach!
My parents say it was a vasovagal response and, in reading the wikipedia article, I'm like "Absolutely, yes!"
We don't know why it happened. Between my mom and my dad, the following theories are presented.
- Hypoglycemia
- Birth Control
- Carbon Monoxide Exposure (from having my car running while I shoveled)
- Stress
- Strenuous Activity
- Cold Hands (my mom thinks these two are related, but she's not sure why)
Either way, my blood pressure decreased significantly, suddenly, and for a longer period of time than a casual "rush of blood to the head". I'm sorta terrified now because I've always been prone to "getting up too fast", but... I dunno. I'm scared this could happen again. If I have a vascular or cardiac issue, I'll be in good hands with my family, but... this whole experience was freaky. I don't want to endure it again.