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Fainting 3 times in one hour
Fainting 3 times in one hour last Friday. I went dinner and afterwards (within one hour) I felt horrible. I started to feel like I was going to throw up. I ended up fainting 3 times in one hour and went to the ER. They did a CT scan and monitored my heart for about an hour. Nothing was abnormal on those. My white cell count was moderately elevated. They called me yesterday (Sunday) saying my hemoglobin was low and that I needed to get a follow up with a doctor. They said it wasn't right that I had fainted that many times in such a short time. I had felt bad the entire week before this happened.
I realize anemia alone can cause fainting. The thing is what is causing the anemia and white cell elevation?
I realize anemia alone can cause fainting. The thing is what is causing the anemia and white cell elevation?
You have been told and have already figured out that a low hematocrit was a contributing factor. Probably a bit of dehydration as well. Square two is to identify the reason for the low hematocrit, and differentiate between a problem creating new blood cells, bleeding, or a simple iron deficiency anemia. Among other things I would recommend a consult with a hematologist, who will examine your blood cells under a microscope. I would urge you to purchase the book "A Second Opinion" by Dr. Jerome Groopman, a hematologist.
White cell elevation means that your white cells are fighting some bugs whatever they may be.
If your iron levels are very low, that will mean there is not enough red corpuscles in your body to carry oxygen to the brain and that could have caused you to have fainted.
As you felt like "throwing up" after your meal, you may also have had a reaction to something you ate.
Make an urgent appointment with your doctor so that he can direct you for further investigation with regard to the white blood cells being elevated and whether you need a prescription for a course of iron supplements. No doubt the hospital would have given you a transfusion if the red blood corpuscles were dangerously low.
In the meantime, make sure that you eat a healthy and well balanced diet with lots of fresh fruit and veg, fish, meat. You probably won't have much of an appetite as you are anaemic, but do make sure you try to eat some healthy foods and ensure that you drink plenty of fluids (not alcohol) so that you do not get dehydrated. Fruit juices, soups and milky drinks (if you are OK with dairy). Also ensure that you get plenty of sleep (no doubt you will be feeling unwell and tired).
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
If your iron levels are very low, that will mean there is not enough red corpuscles in your body to carry oxygen to the brain and that could have caused you to have fainted.
As you felt like "throwing up" after your meal, you may also have had a reaction to something you ate.
Make an urgent appointment with your doctor so that he can direct you for further investigation with regard to the white blood cells being elevated and whether you need a prescription for a course of iron supplements. No doubt the hospital would have given you a transfusion if the red blood corpuscles were dangerously low.
In the meantime, make sure that you eat a healthy and well balanced diet with lots of fresh fruit and veg, fish, meat. You probably won't have much of an appetite as you are anaemic, but do make sure you try to eat some healthy foods and ensure that you drink plenty of fluids (not alcohol) so that you do not get dehydrated. Fruit juices, soups and milky drinks (if you are OK with dairy). Also ensure that you get plenty of sleep (no doubt you will be feeling unwell and tired).
Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Hi SnowNorth.
Moderate WBC elevation has low diagnostic value, likely indicating some inflammation or infection.
A complete physical would be helpful, along with a stress test, a tilt table test, a 48 hour Holter ECG along with other tests you doctor may suggest.
The cause of your low hemoglobin should be investigated, as this alone could provide some important clues.
Let us know how this unfolds.
Best wishes
Moderate WBC elevation has low diagnostic value, likely indicating some inflammation or infection.
A complete physical would be helpful, along with a stress test, a tilt table test, a 48 hour Holter ECG along with other tests you doctor may suggest.
The cause of your low hemoglobin should be investigated, as this alone could provide some important clues.
Let us know how this unfolds.
Best wishes
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