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Wow. I didn’t expect to get so many replies. I so appreciate all of the support and advice offered
.
I woke up this morning feeling rather miserable. I had chest pain and a headache along with shakiness and a faint feeling. And, so I called my doctor’s office once again. Thankfully, my favorite nurse was there and she took it upon herself to page my doctor (she is out of the office) and request that she call me back as soon as possible. And, I just got off the phone with my doctor in the last 10 minutes.
My doctor is concerned. She feels that while I’ve had episodes of fainting in the past, this is abnormal for me. In fact, I had to tell my doctor that I fainted while sitting on the sofa this morning. I had been sitting for approximately 45 minutes when I passed out. All I remember is coming to and being a little confused as to why I was laying down. The fainting was preceded by some dizziness, but nothing more. And, it scared me. After hearing about that, my doctor was able to finagle an appointment for me for tomorrow morning with one of her associates. But, if I experience anything similar again before tomorrow or if I feel worse, I am to get to the ER immediately. While this can be as simple as orthostatic hypotension or low blood sugar, the fear is that this could be as severe as a cardiac issue or stroke. I’d be lying if I said that I wasn’t afraid, but I am grateful that I at least got to speak with my doctor.
So, for now, I am trying to prevent another fainting spell. I ate both breakfast and lunch (I haven’t been eating well over the last couple of weeks due to the headaches and nausea) and have really made an effort to push fluids. I’ve been drinking either Propel or Gatorade all day and am trying to just keep quiet. But, I am still feeling nauseous and shaky. I’m hoping that I can make it through to tomorrow morning without having another “episode” but I don’t know how realistic that is. I’ve accepted (and committed) that I will go directly to the emergency room if I start to feel worse or if I faint again. And, since my roommate is not home, I am willing to call 911 if necessary. I am just praying it doesn’t come to that.
Someone asked me whether I have an eating disorder. And, the truth is that I do. However, I have been in recovery for some time now (4 years yesterday, in fact
). I still struggle from time to time and have periods where I restrict my intake or use other behaviors, but I know that health-wise, my eating disorder is not the primary cause for what I’m going through now. My resting heart rate tends to be high rather than low and I have very distinct symptoms when dealing with consequences from my eating disorder. My doctor, however, is very much aware of my history (she has been with me through it all -- from my sickest to my healthiest) and also doesn’t feel this is a byproduct of the eating disorder. But, it is a good point and will certainly be something I mention if I have to go to the hospital.
I just appreciate all of your support and kindness
. As long as I am not hospitalized, I will continue to update everyone on my condition. I hope this is just a blip in the road and that, if anything, a simple medication can fix the issue. But, regardless of the outcome, I know now that everything will be okay. I think I needed the reassurance from my doctor and the kindness that everyone here has offered. If nothing else, it has helped me deal with this situation with more grace and compassion toward myself…
I woke up this morning feeling rather miserable. I had chest pain and a headache along with shakiness and a faint feeling. And, so I called my doctor’s office once again. Thankfully, my favorite nurse was there and she took it upon herself to page my doctor (she is out of the office) and request that she call me back as soon as possible. And, I just got off the phone with my doctor in the last 10 minutes.
My doctor is concerned. She feels that while I’ve had episodes of fainting in the past, this is abnormal for me. In fact, I had to tell my doctor that I fainted while sitting on the sofa this morning. I had been sitting for approximately 45 minutes when I passed out. All I remember is coming to and being a little confused as to why I was laying down. The fainting was preceded by some dizziness, but nothing more. And, it scared me. After hearing about that, my doctor was able to finagle an appointment for me for tomorrow morning with one of her associates. But, if I experience anything similar again before tomorrow or if I feel worse, I am to get to the ER immediately. While this can be as simple as orthostatic hypotension or low blood sugar, the fear is that this could be as severe as a cardiac issue or stroke. I’d be lying if I said that I wasn’t afraid, but I am grateful that I at least got to speak with my doctor.
So, for now, I am trying to prevent another fainting spell. I ate both breakfast and lunch (I haven’t been eating well over the last couple of weeks due to the headaches and nausea) and have really made an effort to push fluids. I’ve been drinking either Propel or Gatorade all day and am trying to just keep quiet. But, I am still feeling nauseous and shaky. I’m hoping that I can make it through to tomorrow morning without having another “episode” but I don’t know how realistic that is. I’ve accepted (and committed) that I will go directly to the emergency room if I start to feel worse or if I faint again. And, since my roommate is not home, I am willing to call 911 if necessary. I am just praying it doesn’t come to that.
Someone asked me whether I have an eating disorder. And, the truth is that I do. However, I have been in recovery for some time now (4 years yesterday, in fact
I just appreciate all of your support and kindness