Fainting
I fainted on the stairs today. (I fell up and not down luckily)
Scary, don't recommend that.
TW: descriptions of injuries to follow.
I probably should've known better than to be on the stairs anyway, I knew my blood pressure had been pretty low today (yay pots), but I really wanted to snuggle my cat for a bit so I did stairs anyway.
When I fell I landed wrong on my leg, not enough that it would leave more than a bruise on most people, but because I have weak joints, I dislocated my right hip and knee. Thank you Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.
Fun fact: because my connective tissue is so weird, it doesn't really hurt to dislocate and relocate a joint. It's more just super uncomfortable like something is digging into the muscle. Mostly because your bone is. But it didn't really hurt to put them back until after when I had to walk on them to get back to my room and they tried to dislocate again.
Anyone who has joint stability problems has likely or will likely try tape and braces at some point. For me personally KT tape works better for me than a brace, but I own both. So I taped my joints, grabbed some electrolytes, and checked my blood pressure.
Here are the things I did wrong leading to the fainting:
- I hadn't had enough electrolytes
- I wasn't wearing my compression socks
- I waited longer then usual between meals
- And I didn't give myself about time to adjust to standing before climbing the stairs.
My first thoughts aren't always going to be my disabilities, I have only been aware or them and how to treat them for a year now, and I'm still getting used to the new routine. I forget to take my cane with me, I forget to drink enough water even. I
f you are struggling with the same issues be patient with yourself. It's a learning curve, and it's hard to stay on top of it all of the time, especially when you are still trying to wrap your head around the realities of it.
Just maybe try not to faint on the stairs while home alone, I definitely don't recommend that.
#lemon8diary #ehlersdanlossyndrome #ehlersdanlos #pots #potsawareness #spoonielife #disabilityawareness #fainting #kt tape
Fainting can be a frightening experience, often leaving individuals feeling vulnerable and confused. It’s important to understand the conditions that can lead to fainting, particularly for those with health issues like POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Individuals with these conditions can experience low blood pressure or blood pooling in the lower extremities, making them more susceptible to fainting. In managing fainting spells, hydration is crucial; drinking electrolytes and wearing compression garments can help improve circulation and provide necessary support. It's also essential to listen to your body—take breaks when necessary and allow time for adjustments when moving from sitting to standing. For many, adapting everyday activities to accommodate their health needs involves trial and error, so don’t be hard on yourself as you navigate these challenges. Many find that maintaining a routine around meals, hydration, and physical support helps. Also, observe how external factors, like stress or heat, might influence your symptoms. Support networks, both online and offline, can be invaluable for sharing experiences and coping strategies. Consider connecting with communities related to Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, POTS awareness, and disability advocacy. Remember, while these conditions can be limiting, they don’t define you, and with the right strategies, many individuals lead fulfilling lives despite these challenges.