Thursday, January 21, 2010

Ummm, I think I'm just going to sit down for a second. And why I love my husband very much.

Fade to black. the next thing I heard was: Jenny - can you hear me, Jenny are you OK?

Yep - I suffered a Vasovagal episode yesterday - I fainted.

The great news - I was already at the doctors office.

I thought I was over my whole issue with needles many years ago - well, I guess mind over matter doesn't really work. My husband and I went in finally to get our H1N1 shots, and since I hadn't gotten my seasonal flu shot yet (ok, it was the first time I ever have), I decded to go with a two banger, one in each arm.

Honestly, I really wasn't stressed out about it. We were talking, laughing, getting our shots, then we stood up to leave and I felt that "oogie" sensation - light headed, need oxygen, need to get out of the doctors office feeling. I tried the good old swedish stubborn idea that I could think my way out of it. Got as far as the elevator bank when I saw a wheelchair and it was clear it was placed there for me to take a seat - I told my husband that he should let the elevator go...

Next thing I knew, I was coming to, there was a crowd around me of nurses, a few doctors, and my husband looking extremely worried (isn't he a sweetheart!)

There was pulse taking, eye checking, temeperature checking... then I went and "relaxed" in one of the exam rooms... and on the way I puked. Nice. By the way - they have these cooool pewking bags now.

Much better than those pink trays that you actually have to aim into. Must stock up on a few of these for home stomach flu use, better than having someone hover over a bowl - and the clean up is a snap!
So we hung out there for a while, and after about an hour, we decided my "episode" was over and I could go home. I'm proud to say I made it home to the couch without further incident!
When we got home, my husband gave me the play by play of what happened when I was out. It scared the crap out of him. Completely drained of color, eyes wide open but unconcious, labored breathing, and my body went stiff. No wonder it scared him. Could have been a seizure. He called out for help as soon as he figured out I wasn't ignoring him, and he sprang into action, taking care of me. Waited on me hand and foot, wouldn't let me leave the couch, and spent the night with a wqatchful eye over me. What a sweetheart.
So, the lesson is - if you are going to pass out like that - it's good to do it in a place with medical
professionals, handy equipment and a safe space to lie down in. And, marry someone who will call out for help when you need it.

2 comments:

  1. Glad everything is alright. When giving blood for addtl blood work analysis for the 'downs syndrome' scare triple screen came back 1/70 chnace vs the normal 1/250 chance... with Alex I fainted. It's an odd feeling but like you, I was in the doctors office. Quite embarassing it was.

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  2. Nothing like loosing complete control at a moment's notice. I think needles, stress, not having a nutritious lunch (Diet Mt. Dew and animal crackers), all did me in... Not the first time for me. Been there done that at least three times before -although none in the last 15 years. Just need to remember to breathe next time... oh well.

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