There must be something wrong with me? =/

L

Looking forward

New member
Ever since I turned 16 i have fainted quite often. In May, I started fainting about once a week, and I ignored it. It has slowly got worse and now I faint almost every day (about 6 times a week). Im usually "out" for about 3 to 4 minutes. I know when im about to faint about 5 minutes beforehand, so I leave whereever I am and go somewhere alone, which is how I have avoided family and freinds. I told one freind who checked my fingernails and eyes for purpleish colour?? But she never told me why... :confused:

Im very distant to all my family, and I feel that it isnt something i can tell them. I am so so scared to see anyone about it though. :(
I dont know the laws in england really... can the doctors tell your parents if you tell them not to? I have no idea.

Any advice appreciated. Thankies
 
Please do not go off alone when you feel a faint coming on. It is best to be around people in case you stop breathing, they would be able to revive you. If you are alone, that could be the end of your time on earth.

I understand some people feel distant to their family for various reasons, however, when it comes to your health your family will want the best for you.

If you are not financially independent, you need your family to support you financially for proper medical care.
 
Are you a vegetarian? Do you eat read meats? Are you eating fresh fruits and vegetables containing vitamin C? Do you have a heavy menstrual flow? All of these things can put you at risk for anemia...and anemia could explain the symptoms.

At any rate, given the frequency and severity of your symptoms, you need to see a doctor...since it is getting worse, you could faint and the wrong time and in the wrong place and it could be deadly.

Bethsheba
 
What has happened since you turned 16 - how long ago was this? Did you get your period or a change in it? Possibility of pregnancy?


If no to those questions - You need to ask your doctor for something called a tilt table test. This tests your sensitivity to orthostatic stress (being upright) and your autonomic nervous system (what's responsible for fainting). If you fail the tilt table test, and it's very likely you might, then there are other tests that can be done depending on your results. You should also have your blood sugar and thyroid checked to rule that out as possible causes.

The good thing is, if it's just fainting and there's nothing wrong with your heart - you'll be fine. There's the chance of injury when you fall but if you learn to recognize the symptoms you can sit or lay down, or even try the valsalva maneuver to prevent a faint. Generally once proper blood flow is returned to the brain (laying down) you do wake up.
I've never been seriously harmed though I did have a very bad fall before. I am lucky, though, that I rarely faint - I have near-faints that cause me to be unable to see, hear, feel, and remain standing. A minute laying on the floor or ground usually fixes everything and I get up and go about like nothing happened.

Look up vasovagal syncope - other names are neurocardiogenic syncope and neurally mediated hypotension. It's a fancy way of saying your autonomic nervous system has touchy breaks that can make you faint.

If this is what you have - as a teen you have a chance to outgrow this and there are medications that can help.
 
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