What is wrong with Mary (part 2)

The world may never know...and after thousands of dollars of tests, neither do the doctors.  So this is their best guess and it sounds plausible.  Allow me a little backstory...I have frequently passed out when I stood up too long.  When I am in pain, I get really sick, colds sweats, etc. And if I have something done (stitches, dental work, medical procedures) it causes the same type of symptoms.  I have a number of vivid memories of this...One time, I fell on the concrete steps going to the book fair in elementary school.  My knee hit the edge of the step and I ended up with cold sweats and puking in the bathroom.  Another time I almost passed out in 1st grade from standing too long.  A few months ago I had some moles removed on my back.  David was putting medicine on them and I passed out cold.  Scared him to death. 

So how does all of this relate to me almost passing out in Target?  It appears that I had a vasovagal episode or vasovagal response.  Meaning when something triggers my vagus nerve, I respond with the above symptoms. (That day it was a severe intestinal reaction to Truvia)  It is not a new problem (the fainting, not the Truvia), just one that seems to become more sensitive as I get older.  According to my allergist, this reaction is very similar to an allergic reaction to food.  Since I do not test positive to any specific foods and my reactions are random, this seems the logical conclusion. 

What have I learned from all of this?
1. Eat every 2 hrs to keep my blood sugar even
2. Do not stand up too quickly or stand too long because my blood pressure drops
3. If I am having any medical procedure, do not go alone
4. Carry an epi pen...just in case
5. Finally, call them (the allergist) if and when it happens again.


To learn more about this fascinating response click on either of the underlined words above.