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From: ucpgnoajs@aol.com
Date: 2/15/00
Time: 7:36:20 AM
Remote Name: 205.188.199.203
Back in October I was standing in the French Quarter listening to a band play. After standing for about an hour, I got very hot all of a sudden. My hearing seemed to go out and things were almost in slow motion. I knew I was going to faint. Luckly I was with my physician, my father, who sat with me and monitored my pulse. He said I was very pale and my lips had turned white/blue. I was out for about 3 minutes. After I woke up, I felt fine. I was sweating, but my color returned and we continue on our day. He bought me ice cream just in case it was low blood sugar. I went to get some blood tests, but everything came back normal. The second fainting spell happened a month later. Again, I was on my feet giving a training for about an hour. Following the training, my hearing seemed to go out - visually I was in slow motion - and was out for about 2 minutes. I chalked it up to stress and not eating properly. Things seemed to be normal until a couple of days ago. I went to a restaurant with a friend and had to wait at the bar for a table. I was standing for about 20 minutes when an "episode" occurred. My hearing seemed to dimenish and things went in slow motion. I guess I am getting good at recognizing when I am going to faint because I could almost prolong it until I was ready. I was able to tell my friend I was going to faint, got to a sitting position, and then relaxed until it happened. When I came around, I was tired this time - but okay. I lost a bit of weight before the first fainting spell occurred (126 to 110) and have been under a great deal of stress. I thought by now my body would have adjusted if it is a weight loss issue. I haven't had any other symptoms such as nausea - but I do sleep with a month guard because of me clinching my teeth (how I hold stress). I am scheduled for the tilt test next week and curious on any information. Thanks. ~ Ashley (age 29)
From: Kelly in Australia
Hi, I have suffered from VV since the age of 4. When I was 14 I also broke my nose after fainting following a TB injection. I feel for you, and have some words of advice. Most VV sufferers feel a warning before they faint. I would describe it as a buzzing feeling in the head. I also break into a cold sweat before I pass out. There have been many instances where I have hurt myself since, including a fainting period after a bowel movement. I was siting on the toilet, and woke up jammed in between the toilet bowl and the wall. My neck was twisted and the bump on my head was fairly painful. I was alone at the time, and I am probably lucky that I didn't hurt myself more than this ( I could have broken my neck). My advice is to NEVER feel embarrassed about having this condition. As soon as you feel the buzzing feeling prior to fainting, or break into a cold sweat, lie down on the ground. You should then have a moment to explain that you have VV to anyone who is witnessing (and tell them not to call an ambulance). Tell them you will be back from unconsciousness in a few minutes, and not to panic. People who witness your faint may be quite frightened by it, especially if you, like me, suffer from convulsions whilst unconscious. All the best to you, Kelly.
From: Stephanie
I think I too have vaso-vagal syncope. I pass out when I throw up. A few months ago I got a stomach virus and nearly bit my lower lip off when I pass out using the bathroom. Every doctor that I mention this to is not concerned. I guess because it is not happening to them. It is very scary. Email me at stephnie13@hotmail.com. Who diagnosed you? Is there treatment???