Question:
Why did I almost black-out yesterday?

Last night, I was quite cold and took a fairly hot shower to warm up. When I was drying off, I suddenly became light headed, nauseated, and sat down. My heart began to palpitate, my limbs felt like rubber, my husband's voice was muffled to me, he said I turned ghostly-white and I thought I was going to black out. It lasted about 1-2 minutes and after deep breaths, I came out of it. My husband thinks that since my body is taking in less volume, that the "cold body to hot body" took place quickly and it couldn't keep up with me. I have been measuring my fluids and drinking enough ~ also 8 days post-op. No real problems except this. It really scared me. Did this ever happen to anyone or can someone tell me what may have happened?    — KristyKatt (posted on May 10, 2002)

May 10, 2002
I haven't had my Surgery yet....my date is June 14!!! But I remember something from being on a protein fast. The doctor told me not to take hot showers. It had something to do with the fact that I was only getting protein and the changes in my nutritions. If I were you, I'd try to tone that water down a bit.
   — Linda H.

May 10, 2002
Kristy, Hi. I just wanted to tell you that I am in my 3rd month post op and the 1st month I usually always got out of the shower and went straight to the bed to lie down. I always felt like I had no energy what so ever left to even dry off. I'm not going to try and guess why, but it did happen to me and eventually it will stop. I am feeling great now after showers and was very glad when that feeling finally went away. God Bless You on your new journy. Cara
   — Cara N.

May 10, 2002
Kristy, I really don't have an answer to your question, but wanted to say thanks for asking it because I feel the same way sometimes. Because I have a feeding tube and hate changing the bandage, I get a shower about every other day. By the time I'm finished with my shower, I'm way too exhausted to go anywhere. I'm 3 weeks post op. Thanks for asking the question and I'll be checking back for answers too. Good luck and congratulations on your surgery.
   — Tina P.

May 10, 2002
HI, I'LL BE A YEAR POST OP TOMORROW. IV'E EXPIERENCED THE SAME THINGS. THE TWO THINGS IV'E FOUND OUT IS IF YOUR BLOOD SUGAR DROPS YOU'LL EXPIERENCE THOSE FEELINGS. THIS IS DUE TO MORE CALORIE'S GOING OUT THAN YOUV'E PUT IN. ALSO NOT DRINKING OR EATING ENOUGH WILL TRIGGER THESE FEELINGS. I KNOW FIRST HAND IT'S NOT ALWAYS EASY TO EAT OR DRINK BUT IT'S VERY IMPORTANT TO DO. I HOPE THIS HELPS. ONE YEAR POST OP DOWN 111 POUNDS AND PASSED MY GOAL WEIGHT. CURRENT WEIGHT 123 POUNDS!!
   — LAURIE W.

May 10, 2002
My doctor told me these symptoms were of low blood pressure. He told me when I felt like to either put my head between my legs or lay down on the floor. He said it would get the blood flowing again and stop the symptoms.
   — Patty H.

May 10, 2002
Hi. I agree with the poster who said it might be caused by blood sugar dropping. Two years ago when I had my baby, I was breastfeeding and this happened to me several times. I'm sure it was due to more going out (in milk production) than what was coming in calorie-wise. It also happened a few times IN the shower. I had to hold onto something for fear I would black out and fall out of the tub! The first time I experienced this I freaked and started screaming for my husband to come and help me out of the shower! My suggestion would be to maybe eat a light snack to get your blood sugar up before taking your shower...? Don't know..hope this helps. Good luck!
   — Jeralyn Merideth

May 10, 2002
Hi Kristy. I am 1 yr post op and I used to get this all the time. I would take a really hot shower and feel faint and have to lie down for a while. Try luke warm showers. Also I still get dizzy and light headed when I stand up to fast. All my blood work is fine so I dont really know what it is. Well e-mail me if you want to talk.
   — lynbaby B.