Fainting

This spring I fainted for the first time in my life. I was at work in the kitchen, running around, a little frantic, as I was preparing a meal for 200 people. I cut myself, nothing serious, have done far worst in the past, and I fainted while I was trying to clean the cut. And I fainted almost immediately for the second time, because being embarrassed I tried to get up right away. I got checked medically and everything was ok, so I carried on as normal.

A month later I was working out with a friend of mine. We were on the treadmills, side by side. I was doing intervals, but was still able to carry a conversation with my friend. All of a sudden I felt like I needed to sit, and well, I passed out again. Right on the treadmill and I woke up in front of the exercise bikes behind me and everyone standing above me. Again I went to get checked medically and had more test done. Nothing seemed to be wrong and was told that when/if it happens again that more invasive tests would be done.

That was May and I have not been back to the gym since. I was so proud this spring because I had finally reached my goal weight, but I have gained almost 20 lbs back by my near sedentary lifestyle and know that I need to get back to the gym.

Fear is keeping me away. I don't want to put myself in a position that I may faint again. It was both scary and embarrassing. And without knowing a reason as to why it has happened I have been very cautious in everything I do. I have not fainted again since May. But have felt dizzy or a little out of sorts at times a I quickly squat down and get my head to my knees till it passes.

Has anyone experienced something like this? Have any insight to why it has happened? Any recommendations on how to get back to exercising like I was, cardio near daily at a moderate/high for 30 - 45 min a week and weight training 30 mins 3 - 4 times per week. Oh and yes I did eat both days I fainted and no, not pregnant.

Original Post by trayceebee:

 Oh and yes I did eat both days I fainted and no, not pregnant.

Did you eat enough, tho? And drinking enough water? When I was younger, I fainted a few times because of dehydration.

What about a stress test at your local hospital - let them hook you up to monitors and put you on a treadmill --- see if it happens again, and maybe find out the cause at the same time. Your Dr should have no problem setting that up for you, especially since it's happened twice in the past, you are gaining weight back, and you are afraid to work out.

low blood sugar maybe?  Even if you ate that day, maybe your body would do better with small meals throughout the day to keep your blood sugar up and stable, instead of 3 main meals.  I have mild hypoglycemia and I have to eat that way, constantly snacking (healthy snacks of course) or I will get irritable and light headed.  I just keep some granola bars, fruit snacks or electrolyte chews on hand to keep my blood sugar up. Though I think some people just faint when their blood pressure drops suddenly.  Like if you are squatting and then stand quickly and get that "head rush". 

But the stress tests at the doctor sounds like a great idea.  And blood tests for stuff like hypoglycemia, anemia, and celiac (gluten allergy).

I fainted for the first time in my life a couple of years ago.  Twice in one day!  It was followed by a year of bad dizzy spells, although I never actually passed out again, I came very close several times [sitting down in the middle of a store!] .  I was never officially diagnosed, but I'm pretty certain it was due to very bad sinus problems.  Even though I wasn't feeling congested on the day I fainted, I had been having sinus infections that were getting progressively worse.

Since I've gotten my sinuses cleared up and gotten on good meds, the dizzyness has completely gone away.  Might be coincidence, but I'm pretty sure they were related.

This may not apply to you at all, but it's worth checking!

*edited to complete sentance*

I'm on the same page as amethystgirl. Do you have low blood pressure? I do and when I'm dehydrated and I'm rushing around, standing up too quickly and particularly exercising I get black spots in front of my eyes and feel like I'm going to faint. I have yet to faint but I've come really close. The cure for me is to drink more water everyday and have water while exercising. As long as I have enough water, it doesn't happen anymore.

Original Post by amethystgirl:

Did you eat enough, tho?

+1

Not only just eating enough for your activity level, but eating the right things.  I was in the first third of P90X when I experienced dizzy spells for the first time.

I wasn't getting enough carbohydrates in my diet to account for the extra activity plus the frenetic pace of work at the time.  I was shocked that it was such a simple solution.

I did have water with me the day on the treadmill. I was also wearing my HRM. My HR was high, but it was normal for the workout I was doing.

I am a constant eater... I like to say I eat like a hobbit. Breakfast... second breakfast... lunch... second lunch...

As for the tests done, the paramedic did test my blood sugar, immediately after the first incident with fainting which was normal (my co-workers called an ambulance that time). Later after the second time I went to see my medical professional I had blood work done and a EKG, which showed nothing.

Along the lines of low blood pressure, the water is important but if you're doing intense exercise and going for a fairly long workout, you'll need electrolyte replacement as well.  I drink water constantly during my cardio sessions but if I'm doing any sessions over 1 hour, then I try to get a small amount of gatorade in me as well.  I've gotten a little bit dizzy and weak before but getting a little salt in me helped a lot.  But I agree with the other posters that you really need to work with your doctor to ensure you don't have any other more serious problems.