I fainted

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So I went to give flu shots today 6 weeks into the new semester. It was only suppose to take 2 hours. I had a busy morning before I went to the hospital. I didnt eat much, didnt drink much, plus I have low BP to begin with. After standing almost motionless in a closet-sized room for 30 minutes, i fainted. I began feeling dizzy while administering a shot, but I wanted to power through it. I did, and then fell to the ground.

Ended up going to the ER for an EKG to rule out dysrhymmias, but after waiting 5 hours, I left AMA. Didnt even stick around for EKG results cause it woulda taken who knows how many more hours.

So ya, crappy day. Though I got a firsthand experience of how much it sucks to be an ER patient.

I called the hospital billing department and they say that once I get my statement, I can file a complaint with the ER and possibly get the bill voided.

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You said that you stood motionless for hours before you fainted. I know that locking your legs while standing cause you to faint. I seen it happen to the so many people in boot camp, locking your legs decrease venous return to the heart there for reduces blood to the brain. Now I just came up with that and I can't say that I am 100% sure, but I think that's what happens. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

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Not hours, 30 minutes. But my legs were locked because the room was practically a closet. In retrospect, all of my "near-fainting" episodes (ive had 3 in the past year including this one) involved me standing motionless prior. One was waiting in line at dennys, the other was waiting over a grill trying to melt a easter rabbit so i can make smores.

I also lost 45 pounds the first year of college (no freaken clue), so I wonder if the drastic weight loss may have affected my resting BP. I was 120/80 prior, and Ive had readings as low as 90/50 but mostly ~110/~65 since.

I think this is what your talkinga bout?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasovagal_syncope

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Specializes in Emergency/Cath Lab.

Could be. Last time I saw someone vagal they went asystole for about 10 seconds til we thumped him once and he came right back to it

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Eggs + Orange Juice ... EVERY clinical day is what I've learned. Too many of my peers dropping like flies.

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Fainting?

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

I'm a pretty big guy but quite often I don't eat breakfast before going to clinicals (I love sleep too much) and for the most part I'm fine but one day I came really close to colapsing when I was just walking down the hallway in the Med/Surg unit I'm on. It was kinda just all of a sudden and I felt dizzy and my vision got blurry. I happen to be near the break room so I quickly pushed the code to open the door and sat down to catch my breath, I took a few crackers and ginger ale and after like 10 minutes or so I was fine. But its taught me not to ever forget my breakfast. Good luck dude!

!Chris :specs:

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Got my awesome 700$ bill today. about 250$ for ER admission and 400$ for a "noninvasive cardiology" something.

Also ran a red - 400$.

What a ****** month.

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I have had similar experiences, but never fainted. I was dehydrated before in a patients room and had to rush out for a breath of fresh air and water. Just don't forget to get fluids in and eat breakfast!

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You said that you stood motionless for hours before you fainted. I know that locking your legs while standing cause you to faint. I seen it happen to the so many people in boot camp, locking your legs decrease venous return to the heart there for reduces blood to the brain. Now I just came up with that and I can't say that I am 100% sure, but I think that's what happens. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

That is correct; it has to do with venous return and not vasovagal syncope. When the legs are locked the muscles in the legs do not assist in the return of blood against gravity.

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So I should keep my legs slightly bent? Possibly run in place if not do squads?

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Not hours, 30 minutes. But my legs were locked because the room was practically a closet. In retrospect, all of my "near-fainting" episodes (ive had 3 in the past year including this one) involved me standing motionless prior. One was waiting in line at dennys, the other was waiting over a grill trying to melt a easter rabbit so i can make smores.

I also lost 45 pounds the first year of college (no freaken clue), so I wonder if the drastic weight loss may have affected my resting BP. I was 120/80 prior, and Ive had readings as low as 90/50 but mostly ~110/~65 since.

I think this is what your talkinga bout?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasovagal_syncope

I used to have vasovagal syncope BAD when I was in high school and college;standing in one place or in a line somewhere was a sure fire way to get me. Try drinking lots of fluids and eating something with salt before hand if you know you will be doing something like this; I tried shifting my weight, etc. but nothing really helped once it started except sitting down. Excuse yourself for a few minutes if you have to.If you keep having these episodes you really need to see your doctor;there are meds that will help. If it is any consolation I have pretty much outgrown it as I have gotten older.

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