Fainting/Falling Sensation

[Worrier01]

Hi there. I am new to this site and hoping I can get some advice. I have started getting a feeling that I am about to faint but I never do. Research on the web better describes my feeling as more of a ‘I think I am about to fall’ sensation.

I have a pacemaker fitted andthought it was relatedto my heart condition of left heart block, but a day in casualty yesterday ruled out any issues with my heart, pacemaker or associations. I have a further appointment with my cardiolist (invloved in yesterdays proceedings) to tryand lookinto this further. However I am now wondering if this feeling/sensation is anxiety related.

The sensation occurs approximately twice a day and seems to come on more in this extreme heat. The sensation makes me grap for support or go to ground for safety as I thinkI am going to faint or fall, i guess.

It is starting make me go throughthe what if this happens... secenarios to the point that I am reluctant to leave the house. If I lie down I never get the sensations, only walking and at times sitting. The sensations last from 1 to 3 seconds.

So I am trying to find out if it may be anxietyrelated so I can discuss this with my cardiologist so I don’t steer him in a wrong direction. If it may be anxiety related who would you suggest is the first point of call for me to have a talk to.

Thanks again for listening as it wasn’t easy making a decison to write tjis but I guess this where to start. I cant deal with these ongoing sensations so need some help from someone if it is anxietyrelated.

I have recently retired from a highly stressful (positive) job and am now leading a more sedentry lifestyle but have the usual stresses I guess of that change, finances, living with spouse fulltime etc.

Thank you for your time.

[jess334]

Hi Worrier,

Welcome to the forums.

I know that feeling you have described. I have had it a few times myself the last few days due to this heat wave.

Although I have had similar symptoms while having a panic attack, if I have this feeling on its own (without any anxious thoughts or feelings) then I put it down to low blood pressure / heat.

I get it most of the time when I am standing from a bent or low position, or hanging out washing. Especially on hot days.

Do you feel anxious or are you having anxious thoughts when you have this feeling? Thoughts that could be bringing on this feeling rather than reacting to it? Do you have any other anxiety symptoms at the same time? Like racing pulse, shortness of breath, overwhelming doom?

Because of your heart condition I think its heat that you are following up on this with your cardiologist. He is in the best position to get to the bottom of it.

Kind thoughts, Jess

[amlo]

Hi there worrier01,

I agree with Jess your Cardiologist is your best option. However, certainly do not be afraid to goto Emergency at hospital if these symptoms worsen and worry you. You cannot second guess a heart condition. Let the Cardiologist do his thorough investigation as he will know if you have any sinister heart condition that causes these feelings after all such tests are complete. If nothing further shows up and symptoms are unanswered for it may be Anxiety (panic) related. Let the Cardiologist review all possibilities and determine if you may need additional professional healthcare as he would have dealt with other patients who have similar issues presenting as a heart condition that may be some other problem. When you've been given all clear then get a referral from your GP for a Psycologist as it seems you may likely benefit. If you are having actual anxiety or feeling very stressed then there's no reason that you can't get a referral now. Start building a relationship with your Psycologist and you will start feeling much better even after your first session or two.

You may also benefit from learning correct deep breathing techniques. Make sure though you have read information on it from a trustworthy source such as beyondblue or see your GP about it. Keep up your fluids like water intake, eat a healthy diet. Rest and if you have been given the ok to exersize do some light walking. Check with Cardiologist before carrying out any major exersize changes.

Hope this helps.

All the best!

amlo

[Worrier01]

Thank you Jess. Your comments are very reassuring and i do suspecttgeheat and low BP may be involved. Ill continue with the cardiologost. Thank you again as your comments are helpful. Keep weel.

[Worrier01]

Thank you. Amio. Your comments havereassured me and have been vey helpful.Aswith Jess comments ill contine to follow up with my cadiologist. i have an apointment in two weeks. Thank you again.