Fainting in the morning while passing urine

[Zhaka]

I have a very disturbing episodes: time to time I can pass out in the morning while passing the urine just after I wake up. (yesterday even given myself a black eye when found myself right on the tiled floor in the bathroom). I am now very worried to go to the bathroom in the morning as it scares me that I might pass out. Must say that I had a feeling of being sick in my stomach just before.. and then i throw up about half an hour after passing out. Doctors can not put the finger onwhat the problem is.. Some say that I get up very fast and my blood has not enough time to travel to my brain (why dont I pass out while I am on my way to the toilet then?) others say that while urinating first thing in the morning the water ballance in the body dropps (I can not understand the issue.. Does someone have the same? Does anyone knows what to do (not to do?) I have to mention that I have MS, which is a neuroligical condition.. Guess it can contribute as well.. and I am 31.
Thank you in advance !

[Bheath21]

I have all of the symptoms except I don't feel faint in the brain its my heart that seems to slow down and beat irregularly. Also it seems I can't stop peeing to slow down the symptoms and after I do finish urinating my heart rate rises this has been going on for years and happens in random sprees. Anyone have any suggestions on what this might be?or does anyone have the same symptoms?

[ku111]

What you describe sure can happen and everyone above has given you great advice.  I am an L&D RN and I had a patient the other day ask me why I have to be in the room when she goes to the bathroom (patient was 16) 3 times and then can go on her own.  She asked if we just like to watch people go the bathroom.  All I could do is laugh...  I said, "of course not, we really do this for a purpose".  We do it because of "micturition syncope"-a vagal response.  It can be caused by dehydration, hunger, fatigue etc...  The posts above are correct.  Sit at the side of the bed, move your legs around, drink fluids, stand at the bedside for a few moments, go slowly from one position to the other.  It's not all that common but it can happen.  I've caught several over the years.  It doesn't have to be from just giving birth, it can happen to anyone.  Make sure and tell you dr. that you are having these symtoms.  It can be caused by other things also and if this is a change, then please call them.  Make sure you are well hydrated so you might want to increase your fluid intake if you can.  Sure is scary when it happens.  I think you got great advice above.  Goodluck!

[Sidesteps]

Be sure to mention this change (with starting Tysabri) to your Neuro. It may be an adverse side affect; either way, they will want to know.

Let us know how you do with these subtle changes...

I wish you well.

[Zhaka]

Dear All,
Thank you so so so much for your comments!! It is really a releave to know that it is not something so unique that nobody can diagnoze!
Really, Thank you!
Will sit on the bed and dangle my feet, have an orange juice by the bed side and will take it easy. I guess I will need to watch the diet better as lately was quite naseous, so will try to keep the food in.
MS is doing not bad, thank you for asking, just joined Tysabri infusions last month, so it might well be my body reacting to a new mwdication as well, extremely tired thaou, and my 15 month old son will not take it easier :)
Thank you again, so there is a hope !!
Regards
Zhaka

[sllowe]

Zhaka,

Hi there -adding on a welcome to you! I don't have more good advice to give -Bren covered so much of it if it is indeed syncope they mention (i.e., blood flow to the brain) they could be talking about neurocardiogenetic syncope and it's true about getting up too quickly, stopping and bending down quickly, etc.
If that's it, you have to learn the triggers, and when you feel it coming on lay flat. Blood flows faster to your brain when you are flat. It's actually in improper response  - instead of your heart rate pumping faster when you are getting up and down (doing things and get hurt, etc) for example, it actually drops off/low, and literally drops you. It's your body defense mechanism to get that blood where it needs to be.

However, they can give you a tilt table test for that to know for sure. Sometimes It can be managed with diet, i.e., don't miss meals, drink plenty of water, andkeep  salt in your body (keeps your bp up).Since it's happening in the a.m. get out of bed slowly

Hope some changes help. Ask anything, my daughter has it too.
How are you doing with your MS?
Thanks for joining us.

[rendean]

Hi,
Sorry to hear about your fainting spells. Have had my share as well. Beema's autonomic dysfunction is a good suggestion as to what may be happening.

I do know for a fact that you getting up to urinate since it stimulates the vagal nerve in more than one area (heart, bladder, etc.) and can  cause fainting spells. You do need to sit on the side of bed and let your feet dangle  a few minutes to help your body adjust.

Dangling of the the legs and feet will help regulate the blood pressure and help (hopeful) make less work for the vagus nerve.

Do you have all the dangerous items on your way to the bathroom from the bedroom removed? Are all rugs removed from your path in the bathroom? Do you have a cane? If so, use it!

I hope they have an answer soon. In the meantime, please take my suggestions about getting up. They have worked for me since I have the same history of falls that have been  practically negated in the bathroom!

Take and be care!

Ren

[beema36]

Oh I also meamt to add that most likely your vagal nerve is being stimulated when you urinate resulting in fainting. Many people also do that with bowel movements or laughing for example. Its called neurocardiogenic syncope.  You night ask your dr about that.

[beema36]

I have had fainting spells. I was duagnosed with autonomic dysfunction. My neuroligist says its secondary to my ms.