Thanks for the kind words. The whole thing was rather flukey. This is what caused the fall: "Vasovagal syncope Vasovagal syncope is one of the most common causes of fainting. In this situation, the balance between the chemicals adrenaline and acetylcholine is disrupted. Adrenaline stimulates the body, including making the heart beat faster and blood vessels narrower. Acetylcholine does the opposite. When the vagus nerve is stimulated, excess acetylcholine is released, the heart rate slows and the blood vessels dilate, making it harder for blood to defeat gravity and be pumped to the brain. This temporary decrease in blood flow to the brain causes the syncopal (fainting) episode. Pain can stimulate the vagus nerve and is a common cause of vasovagal syncope. Other noxious stimuli can do the same thing, including a situational stressor. It is common for medical and nursing students to faint when observing their first operation or autopsy. Some people pass out when they hear bad news; others pass-out when they experience the sight of blood or needles. Other situations commonly cause the heart rate to temporarily slow and cause a faint. Straining with urination, bowel movement, or coughing can cause a vagal response." I got up quick to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night(Tuesday night), felt dizzy, and passed out. The cardioligist says it is fairly common....especially those with slow beating, well conditioned hearts. If you feel light headed when getting up to urinate, it is best to sit on the stool (sorry to be so graphic). I was in the hospital for more than two days with a compressive vertable fracture (T11) and endured several tests on my heart, blood and bone density. Evererything checked out great. They were originally concerned that I may have osteoporosis given the break I received from such a short fall. I had a CT scan, MRI, and a bone density scan. Again, everything checked out. The doctors are all still puzzled as to how I could do so much damage from such a short fall at my age and physical condition. I came home about two hours ago and noticed that the rug in the bathroom slides on the floor too easily. I probably slipped on that rug as I was passing out and landed on my ass. When I woke up on the bathroom floor, I couldn't move. I had to be hauled out on a stretcher. As of today, the pain has subsided quite a bit and I'm able to get around fairly well. The doctor says I might have to use the brace for as long as 3 months, but he may just be trying to set reasonable expectations. Running is definitely going to be out of the question for at least 2-3 months I would guess. As soon as I get the green light, I'll use this as an opportunity to become a better swimmer. Jesse, I google searched your CoolRunning log because I remembered that you went through a similar situation a few years back when you hurt your knee. Reviewing your log was inspiring.
. Straining with a bowel movement can cause a vagal response."
John
Over the past few months, I've noticed this light-headed feeling when getting out of bed, so now I'm glad to know it's because my heart is well-conditioned. bdags, it's great that you've found a workout already
Recalculating...
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