Vaso-Vagal Discussion

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living with Vasa Vagal - You are not alone

From: Glenda Wright

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My attacks started when I was 9 or 10. Pain would bring them on. Later on in life my menstruation pains would trigger the blackouts. The intense pain every month put me into cold sweats, doubled over I was lucky if I managed to be in a private place when the blackout happened, in that sate all you can do is lay there totally helpless and wait it out - (and pray the people around you just leave you to be and not try to move you) It does not last too long and usually I am up and about after 15 minutes. For the past few years now I have not had them as frequently – maybe 1 a year. But now, when they do happen they last longer and the sensation is absolutely horrendous. With no more monthly pains to contend with I am only too aware of my body’s reaction when I hurt myself. Usually I can tell immediately if I am going to pass out and always look for a place to sit. You will always see me scanning the room right after I have hurt myself, looking for the best place to retreat to. Today I bumped my arm the door handle, nothing huge but immediately knew I was in trouble. I lay on the floor my last recollection was looking at the open front door thinking “You should have closed the door” I heard little explosions going off in my head this time and my teeth chattered – this is new. I have also been told that my blood pressure drops to barely traceable and that it is my body’s way of coping with shock. I have also been told I go into what is called a "clonic state".


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Last changed: June 22, 2007