Re: Faint when I am not lying down

[Guest guest]

Feeling faint when upright, is possbly a symptom of low blood

volume. Low blood volume is common in CFS/FMS/ME.

Due to low metabolism, less CO2 production causes blood to go too

alkaline. When blood is too alkaline, kidneys excrete water from the

blood trying to correct the pH; As a result, low blood volume and

hypercoagulation issues. The blood vessels can compensate for low

blood volume to some degree through vasoconstriction. It sounds like

you may be to a point where even vasoconstriction may be having a

difficult time getting blood to the brain. Or, if blood pressure is

being maintained by vasoconstriction then any dilation would lower

blood pressure. One other thing is that the heart may not be pumping

blood as efficiently due to mitral valve prolapse.

Drinking lots of water does not really accomplish bringing up blood

volume. The key I believe is to increase production of CO2 by

increasing metabolism. Correct the blood pH and the kidneys may not

need to dump water. Also, include more foods in the diet that will

supply electrolytes, spinach, celery, sweet dairy whey, okra...

All the best,

Jim

> I have felt faint continuosly for a couple of months, except when I

> am lying down. Is this common for people with ME?

>

> Regards,

> .

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Yes, it's very common. For some, it is Neurally Mediated Hypotension. Related

is Postural Orthostatic Intolerance. They are of the Autonomic Nervous System.

The broad category is Dysautonomia. Normally, getting upright causes a rise in

Blood Pressure. In NMH the brain/heart message says opposite...drop in BP, blood

pooling in legs.

Some things to try:

Extra salt (1 teaspoon a day) + High volume fluid. You could experiment with

this first.

Electrolytes...GatorAid or better...Gookinaid which some of us use, reccommended

by Dr. Cheney.

Also some take Florinef. This enabled me to stand up and hold a conversation!

But God only knows what long term effects there are. I have spoken to

Pharmacists and MDs. Their opinions range widely, from harmless to same long

range effect of Prednisone.

s Hopkins found NMH in some CFIDS people and have protocols with Florinef

and others.

Some physicans prescribe caffeine. like before rising in AM.

Some people take salt tablets, or salt in water

If you can move/fidget as soon as you feel faint it may help.

Massaging ankles/calves may help

Crossing feet when standing

Sitting Knees to chest, like propped on a stool or when in low chair

You could try some of these things on your own, see if they help.

Also, standing still in heat or eating large meal can plummet BP.

A chair in shower can help.

Icy drinks

Sometimes I can do a bunch quickly, then lie down.

Hope this helps,

Katrina

I have done all of above (except salt pills) and all have helped!

> I have felt faint continuosly for a couple of months, except when I

> am lying down. Is this common for people with ME?

>

> Regards,

> .

[Guest guest]

>>>>Sometimes I can do a bunch quickly, then lie down. <<<<

I meant activity, move around, then lie down etc.---

In , " kattemayo " <kattemayo@y...> wrote:

> Hi ,

> Yes, it's very common. For some, it