Question:
Feels like an adrenaline rush.

I get this feeling like a sudden adrenaline rush followed by weakness in my legs. Anyone else have this problem? I am almost 2 years post op from open RNY. I can't really tell if it is at all related to this surgery or if it is an endocrine problem. Thank you! Ana Villa, RN    — nursevilla (posted on December 30, 2009)

December 30, 2009
I wouldn't think it is related to the RNY surgery... sounds more stress-related. I got the same symptoms 25 years ago when I first began working with computers. I'd have this adrenaline rush, with spots in front of my eyes, shakiness in my hands and arms, palpitations, and feeling faint. Turned out that I had originally been really stressed about working with the computers, so I was having a "fight or flight" reaction... but then, even after I became comfortable working with them, my body had become addicted to the adrenaline, and was manufacturing it on its own, so that it could have the rush. They had to medicate me enough to knock me out for almost two days to make my body stop making the adrenaline. Crazy....
   — Erica Alikchihoo

December 30, 2009
do you feel really shakey, then maybe sweat? maybe reactive hypoglycemia, which is common for us, this started for me after about 15 mo. out. To stop it from happening, you have to consume a lasting sugar, such as peanut butter or yogurt.
   — marksgirl

December 30, 2009
It does sound similar to hypoglycemia. I had it for decades before eventually becoming diabetic. I got what I described as a shaky feeling starting in my midsection that seemed to spread to my arms & hands and then pretty much all over, along with a racing heartbeat. Sometimes, if I didn't treat it quickly enough with a protein snack like cheese, a small piece of meat or peanut butter, I would get dizzy and/or nauseous and risked passing out. I was told to only use a sugary snack if it was the absolute only thing available as elevating the blood sugar that way is very temporary; 30 minutes or less later and you're right back in the same boat. Protein is a better stabilizer. Irregardless this symptom is important enough to see your doctor, and soon. Since you're a nurse, perhaps you can access a glucose monitor so you can test your sugar when these episodes happen. It would only help your doctor in finding a diagnosis for you. Do keep something to snack on with you at all times. You wouldn't want to be behind the wheel and have this come over you.
   — Arkin10

December 31, 2009
I have had those sypmtoms for about the last 5 years and after being to more than one doctor concerning this matter I have been diagnosed as having panic attacks. I am 55 years young. And I had these symptoms going on BEFORE I had my VSG surgery. Sometimes they are worse than others. But I have been out shopping before and have it hit me and feel like my legs are going to go out from under me. But, I've also had these feelings hit me after I lay down at night to go to bed. And it's like this warm rush will come over me first then I start feeling dizzy and my breathing feels strange. The symptoms vary and are sometimes mild and sometimes severe. It's even been bad enough in times past that I was afraid I was having a heart attack or something cause I felt so strange. My doctor assured me that there is nothing actually physically wrong with me. The symptoms are very real but nothing is going to happen to me physically. I am a perfectionist and am obsessive compulsive about everything in my life so I create my own stress. How silly is that???? I have learned when I feel the symptoms coming on to stop what I am doing take several deep breaths and tell myself to relax, calm down everything is okay...and this does seem to help a great deal. I'm like in my head telling myself all day hurry..hurry...get this done, get that done, I'm a list maker and when my list gets messy, I write another list. I go to bed thinking about all the things on my list that I didn't get done today and will need to do tomorrow. I've tried to retrain my thinking but quite often, more times than not, fall into my old habits. Telling your doctor would be to your advantage since these symptoms fit so many things. It's better to be sure that it isn't something medical going on are some vitamin deficiency or something with low blood pressure. Let your doctor determine what may be going on. At least if you check everything out medically first then you will feel confident that physically you are just fine and it may just be stress related. God Bless!!!
   — Jodi L.

December 31, 2009
What is reactive hypoglycemia? Do you really think your problem has something to do with your surgery? I am 13 mos out RNY and just started having the same symptons-hot/cold shaking then sometimes it goes away by itself and others I have to drink or eat something. The sweats are the worst, sometimes it just starts pouring off me as if someone poured a glass of water over my head. So embarrassing when out and about when it happens. So far tests show no diabetes or anythnig. I am healthy as a horse. I need advice on this one. Have lost 165 lbs in 13 mos and have 60lbs more to go. Had hair fall out - its finally growing back in but now this shaky, hot/cold thing going on. All info will be appreciated. Happy New Year to all! Thanks, Tina
   — Tina B.

January 5, 2010
I had this same thing happen quite a bit before my rny. Diabetes runs in my family so I am checked often. My levels are always where they should be, however, my dr told me that I even though I'm in the right range, I could be at the very top and then plummet to the very bottom and that's when the shakes and stuff hits. All still in the "normal" range. The thing that worked for me at that point was bread and crackers. After eating those, within about 15 min I was back to normal. I have found that these episodes went away when I got thinner. Now it's sounding like they'll reappear? Yikes, I was hoping it was all weight related! I am 13 days p/o for rny. Keep us posted on what you find out. Kristin
   — taylork25