What triggers your episodes?

[shortcake48]

I have had 3 syncope episodes while flying on a commerical airline this past year. My PCP and cardiologist feel there is no correlation to NCS and being in a pressurized cabin.  Is there anyone here on the board who has had a similar experience as a passenger?

[Gina2Westies]

Hi Stacey - the doc told me that if I ever feel lightheated or like I'm about to faint lie down immediately so that the blood flows to your brain.  It will eleviate the sympotoms faster if you can even elevate your legs up in the air while you are laying down - like propping them against a wall.  This will get the blood flowing even faster. If you are in a situation where it's impossible to lie down - in a sitting position for example you can lower your head in between your knees.  Because your head in this case will be lower than your heart the blood will flow back to your brain.  It is very scary indeed but hopefully you can prevent fainting when you get the warning signs.  

[stacey555]

I have never fainted I just find it almost impossible to get my breath to where it hurts and feels like the vessels are constricted in my chest.  The closest I ever came to fainting was in cancun when it was hot,very very scary.  What are you supposed to do when this happens?

[Gina2Westies]

For me an episode is increased heart rate, dizziness, sweaty palms.  It can be brought on by anxiety/nerves from thinking about feeling that way when getting on a plane for fear it will happen while Im on the plane.  Usually tends to happen in hot places like waiting on a long line in a store or walking through a crowded mall.  For some reason, I notice that the overhead fluroescent lights in a dept store or grocery store seem to bother me also.  My actual sycope (fainting) happened twice this year and both were in a hot shower.

PS
Were you on the plane or in the airport when you fainted and what happened?  Im curious

[stacey555]

Oh my god, I cant fly anymore either and the doctors look at me like Im crazy when I say this.  What is this caused from?

[halbashes]

The dry air on an airplane can cause dehydration, and dehydration is a trigger for NCS symptoms.  Getting up too quickly after sitting for hours on a long flight may also cause fainting episodes.  Have you tried compression stockings?

[GoodnessGoddess]

I read in the dysautonomia handbook on the ndrf.org site that flying is particularly hard for many ppl with dysautonomia.  Walking brings my symptoms on.  Being in a public place can be overstimulating for me sometimes.  Getting upset brings my symptoms on.  Bending down and then standing up (like unloading the dishwasher or picking up toys) is brutal.  Even talking can bring on my symptoms.