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From: Stephanie in London
I have come on line after what I thought was an unprovoked Nausea and fainting episode at work. Someone suggested Vasovagal attack and I am amazed to find it fits so many of the symptoms I have had for years. I am 41 and I have always just lived with them. I and am lucky that I have never been severely affected outside of my home until yesterday! I have low blood pressure and a low heart rate but never thought much of that. My mother had similar problems with fainting so I thought it ran in the family. If I have vomiting or diarrhoea for any reason I pass out. I've done this since childhood and have learnt practical strategies to stop myself having a head injury in the bathroom. It distresses my family and friends more than me! I stopped giving blood as even the smallest lowering of blood volume would give me an attack. I work in a hospital so i'm not bothered by blood but I have problems standing for too long eg. ward rounds and in the operating theatre. I've ended up on the bed next to a patient before now. Especially when getting up in the middle of the night to see an emergency - rather embarassing. Of more interest to me is people's experiences with needing salt, and dehydration. I have a low salt diet generally but get cravings for saltiness usually when I get abdominal symptoms. I always search out salty snacks to ward off the stomach pains It usually works. It also helped during my pregnancy when symptoms were worse. If anyone has any other tips for reducing the symptoms I would be grateful but it helps just having more information. Thanks Stephanie