Does anyone else pass out/faint during flair-up?
I have had IBS almost my entire adult life, and although the flair-ups are less frequent than they used to be (largely due to becoming vegetarian 20 years ago), the episodes are still miserable when they do happen. I take Hyoscyamine at first sign of cramping, but there are still rare times when the pain is pretty intense.
Last night, I had a sudden attack and felt like I was going to faint while toileting. This has happened to me in the past, and in fact I have actually passed out a few times over the years in the midst of an IBS episode. It can be frightening.
Has anyone else here experienced this? Do you know what causes it or how to prevent it?
Thanks!
I have come close to passing out. Very lightheaded. I just figured it was from hyperventilating because of my breathing thru the pain. Plus, I’ve read when the gut acts up it can put pressure on the vagus nerve and that can cause it, also. It is miserable. Maybe try to control your breathing when it happens or put your head down between your knees. You’re not alone in this. 🙌🏻
I used to take hyoscyamine, too, and didn’t have side effects, but dizziness/lightheadedness is a possible side effect of the medication. You should talk to your doctor.
The pain itself or even straining to pass a bowel movement can trigger a vasovagal response and cause fainting. It’s called defecation syncope.
Good luck to you on getting answers for this.Thank you for the responses. It's not the medication, because I was having issues with fainting for years before I got put on hyoscyamine, but that was a good thought.
I do try to put my head between my legs when it happens, and also use cold wet rags on my face or neck, but it is a scary sensation and I have actually fainted several times---once was in a public place as I was running down the hall to get to a restroom.
Thank you again for your responses!
This is a horrible feeling! Strangely enough that it happens with diarrhea when I’m not really straining, it may be the sheer amount and frequency which triggers that response. Good idea to keep a washrag on hand to put on my face when I feel like passing out, I never thought of that.
