Fainting after eating: I recovered from... - Heart Rhythm Diso...

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Fainting after eating

everreadyeddie profile image
6 Replies

I recovered from M.E. about five years ago but ever since then I have been fainting after I eat. I also have unstable blood sugar. I faint at least once every day. My assumption was that the problem was adrenal and so I changed my entire life to do all the things we know about. However still, to keep working I have to have a totally liquid diet and consume every hour or so. The fatigue while working is excruciating and really it's not something I can’t continue even though so little is asked of me. After taking months off work recently it appears that no amount of rest will stop me fainting if I eat anything close to solid food.

After finding this forum I'm wondering now if the problem is cardio/nerve related, more so because of the nature of my fainting. It is very much on off on off. Often after I eat I might faint for a second, a minute later, 5 seconds etc. it might then build up to 30 minutes and then the same thing in reverse happens back down to a second. Drinking with food will guarantee unconsciousness for 5 hours. Drinking a cold drink means 1 hour. I am usually brought around with my heart thumping out my chest.

Has anybody ever heard of anything like this before? I have had all the standard NHS tests done, they have no idea. Having just found this forum I'm now trying to figure out what specialist I should ask my GP for a referral to. I’m guessing a cardiologist would be a first start? I am thankful for any help or direction anyone can give.

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everreadyeddie profile image
everreadyeddie
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6 Replies
LaurenNat1 profile image
LaurenNat1

Hi there, I am not medical just a retired nurse but I would say Cardiologist and have a heart monitor fitted for at least 24hours, preferably 7days. It could be to do with your vagus nerve which affects both heart and digestive system. Good luck with everything.

cyrilbarnes profile image
cyrilbarnes

Hi eddie, your symptoms sound a bit like this lady’s. Have you ever had your heart monitored during your episodes? stars-us.org/case-studies/s...

everreadyeddie profile image
everreadyeddie in reply to cyrilbarnes

Yes, identical symptoms!!!!

Bulver profile image
Bulver

I concur with Lauren and Cyril, a 7 day monitor would help to eliminate or confirm whether you have a cardiac condition. I suffer with a similar condition, which debilitates me particularly after eating. I am also investigating whether the Vagus nerve is the culprit although my electrophysiologist is of the opinion that is not the case. I wish you luck and hope that you are able to find a resolution to this awful condition

everreadyeddie profile image
everreadyeddie

Thank you so much for your posts. I'm a 48 year old male but I still cried like a baby when it hit home that I wasn't alone in this and there may even be a cure. I think I may have been wrestling with this for nearer 25 years in fact when I look back.

everreadyeddie profile image
everreadyeddie

Next up, heart monitor...

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