Experiencing Fainting Episodes
Female, 17 years old, weighing 130 pounds at a height of 5 feet 2 inches, currently prescribed fluoxetine at a dosage of 40 mg and azstarys at 39.2 mg. **Symptoms:** I frequently experience episodes of lightheadedness and dizziness, particularly during physical activity, leading to occasional fainting spells. My joints are unstable due to a condition characterized by hypermobility, causing my knees to slip out of place and occasionally dislocate. I also notice that my vision may become blurry or dark when I change positions, such as standing or walking, and there's a persistent state of fatigue. I consulted my doctor about these episodes, and she considered the possibility of hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS), recommending that I see a genetic specialist for further evaluation. I also reported my fainting spells, to which she advised increasing my water intake and ensuring I consumed more food prior to exercise. At one point, my weight was higher, approximately 160 pounds, and the geneticist indicated that my joint problems could be related to my weight. Following this advice, I made changes by losing weight, eating a more substantial meal before workouts, and hydrating better, yet my symptoms persist unchanged. **Medical Background:** - Early onset puberty - History of bulimia - Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) **Family Medical History:** My mother has been diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and multiple sclerosis (MS).
Answers (1)
9/12/2025, 5:10:58 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing concerning and challenging symptoms, including fainting episodes, lightheadedness, and joint instability, which may be related to your hypermobility and possibly hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS). Managing these symptoms effectively is essential for improving your quality of life. Here are the key points to consider and actions to take.
Summary of Key Points:
- Symptoms: Fainting, lightheadedness, dizziness, and persistent fatigue can be linked to issues such as blood flow, hydration, and possible disorders like POTS.
- Joint Instability: Your hypermobility can contribute to both physical instability and fatigue, which may exacerbate your other symptoms.
- Management Strategies: Increasing hydration and nutritional intake are important, but may require more comprehensive adjustments.
Explanation:
Fainting spells, especially when combined with symptoms like dizziness and blurred vision upon changing positions, might indicate issues with blood pressure regulation, such as orthostatic hypotension or potentially POTS (given your family history). Your joint instability due to hypermobility might also contribute to your symptoms.
Since you've already implemented some changes (like increasing food and hydration), it's vital to ensure these strategies are as effective as possible. Additionally, the symptoms you're experiencing may warrant a review of your current medications and how they interact with your condition and other health issues.
Actionable Steps:
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Track Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, noting when they occur, what activities you were doing, and how you were feeling beforehand. This can help identify patterns and triggers for your doctor.
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Adjust Hydration: Continue to increase your water intake, but consider electrolyte-rich drinks (like sports drinks) if your doctor agrees. Dehydration can significantly contribute to lightheadedness and fainting.
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Nutritional Support: Ensure that you’re eating balanced meals with sufficient carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to support your energy needs and strength, especially before physical activities.
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Physical Management: As part of managing your hypermobility, engage in physical therapy focused on stability and strength training. This can reinforce muscles around joints and help prevent dislocations.
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Monitor Orthostatic Changes: Practice standing up slowly from sitting or lying down, and consider testing your blood pressure while changing positions. If you notice larger drops, it’s worth following up more specifically with your doctor.
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Follow-up Plans: Be sure to follow through with the genetic specialist for evaluation of hEDS and any potential related conditions. You may also revisit your healthcare provider to discuss medication adjustments or additional tests if symptoms persist.
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Communication with Family: Share your symptoms and any observations about potential POTS connections with your healthcare provider, especially given your family history.
By following these steps, you can take proactive measures to manage your symptoms and have informed discussions with your healthcare providers about your ongoing concerns. Remember, this is about finding the right combination of support that works for you, and asking for help when you need it is crucial.
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