Yesterday morning, I fainted… again. This happens once every few years. The symptoms/causes are usually similar. Last time, I was waiting in line at the school pharmacy. When I came to, there were several nurses and doctors from the student health center hovering over me. I remember one complimenting my purple flats, but mainly I was just embarrassed and my butt hurt from the fall.
This time, I was sitting. Yeah, it’s possible to faint while sitting.
When I hit the floor of the bathroom (I was on the toilet), Sean heard the noise and came in to help me.
“Cindy!” It sounded like he was yelling, I’m sure he wasn’t. His eyes were big and worried. I knew I had fainted, but I was confused why he was there. I had broken in to a cold sweat and my shirt felt damp. My head and knee hurt a bit from the fall.
It was a lucky coincidence that Sean was home. He’d left five minutes earlier to go the gym. Halfway down the block, he realized he’d forgotten his phone and returned. He came in, grabbed his phone and was almost out the door when he heard a loud thud in the bathroom.
When I was ready to go out of the bathroom, Sean helped me get back in to bed. I was still sweaty and dizzy. I immediately fell asleep.
I woke up a few hours later. My head hurt, but it wasn’t horrible. My neck felt worse. I couldn’t tilt it nor turn much to the right. The dizziness and other symptoms went away after my nap, but I still felt very tired. I rested throughout the day, drank a lot of water and Gatorade, and took a short walk to get some fresh air.
I didn’t go to the doctor until this morning. She checked me out for a concussion and gave me a muscle relaxer for my neck. I was cleared on the concussion. We talked about why I fainted (stress, dehydration, cramps, gastrointestinal issues). I mentioned running a half marathon on Sunday. She didn’t think it was a good idea, and I didn’t argue.
My neck feels better today than yesterday, but I still don’t have full range of motion. I’m a little bummed about backing out of my first race, but only because of the race fee. I knew I was far from doing my best on Sunday, but would’ve still ran the race out of stubbornness. Now, my body is saying it needs more rest. I’ll listen.
Lotería Chicana 
I had never heard of someone who would occasionally faint for no apparent reason. Is this some condition that some people have? Sorry, I’m just curious, if the doctors say it is kind of normal and if it is something that does not require more analysis or a thoroughly physical examination.
Sorry to hear that you won’t be running the half marathon, but I’m sure there are more ahead.
Saludos y mis mejores deseos.
Flor
Hey Cindy,
I’m sorry to hear about your fainting episode, thank god Sean came back and was able to help you out. Fainting suddenly like that is a scary thing, especially when you don’t know when it’s going to happen. Not to mention that so many factors could trigger a fainting spell. I think you’re doing the right thing by listening to your body and resting this weekend, your body will thank you for it. Feel better!
I used to faint like that. The last time was about a year ago at work. (So embarrassing.) I’m glad you got everything checked out.
I think skipping the half is a good idea. Rest up, eat well, and get plenty of fluids this weekend. Watch some movies and relax.
I hope you’re feeling better. I am glad Sean was home when that happened.
I used to faint a lot, from all different situations. Turns out I had some disorder that I had to take medication for, but it totally helped and eventually I outgrew it. But ever since I’ve developed major anxiety about being in any of the situations that caused me to faint back in the day so I’m just waiting for the day I keel over in Church or after a long run and completely embarrass myself.
That’s scary! I’m glad you had help, even if by chance. I don’t know if being on the floor that long is ever a good thing. Maybe I should leave my restroom door unlocked…
I would have definitely skipped out on the race it it happened to me… it was a warm day, and I don’t think it would have helped. I hope you get the rest you need and maybe get to the bottom of this issue…
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