puppylove Posted December 5, 2011 Report Share Posted December 5, 2011 When ever I take a shower I get super nauseous. I occasionally have to stop in the middle of showering and come out I feel so sick. It also makes me dizzy and the blood starts pooling in my arms and legs too. Does this happen to anyone else? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MomtoGiuliana Posted December 5, 2011 Report Share Posted December 5, 2011 Yes. This is a common response for POTS patients w low blood pressure on standing--the warm water tends to cause blood vessels to dilate (just like hot weather does) lowering blood pressure.I found showering in the evening helped as my symptoms were better in the evening (when I was sicker w POTS than I am now). Some people use shower stools for this reason. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tzipora Posted December 5, 2011 Report Share Posted December 5, 2011 I literally just got out of the shower about 20 minutes ago and yes, the same thing happens to me! And I only take very quick showers about once a week because it is so hard for me. I actually didn't know until yesterday what blood pooling even looked like but as soon as I saw a picture I knew that was what happens when I shower. Today I was looking at my skin and my toes were all swollen even. I'm super pale naturally too so it's pretty obvious.The best showers I've ever had were honestly in the hospital where I could sit down! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirsti Posted December 5, 2011 Report Share Posted December 5, 2011 It's ok to sit down while showering. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
micheller Posted December 5, 2011 Report Share Posted December 5, 2011 I have this happen all the time. I think mine is related to the heat. I have to stick my head outside the shower curtain for cooler air for a few minutes before I finish my shower. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ernie Posted December 5, 2011 Report Share Posted December 5, 2011 Yes, all the time. I take a sitting shower and sometime I still faint. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frugalmama Posted December 5, 2011 Report Share Posted December 5, 2011 Yup - that's why I only take baths! I've only had two showers in the last three years...after I gave birth to each of my sons, since there was only a shower at the hospital! Be careful if you're reacting in the shower - my sister randomly faints in them, and has been very fortunate thus far and hasn't been seriously hurt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rubytuesday Posted December 5, 2011 Report Share Posted December 5, 2011 I take showers sitting on shower stool too and only warm not hot showers anymore. Hot showers were one of my pain management tricks before this hit me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tautologist Posted December 5, 2011 Report Share Posted December 5, 2011 Hey, I'd just like to echo Kirsti and say there's nothing wrong with getting something to sit on in the shower - it can make a big difference! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
potsgirl Posted December 5, 2011 Report Share Posted December 5, 2011 I also take mostly baths, and shower only once or twice a week when I have to wash my hair. It's exhausting! I agree with other here - a shower stool can help out when you need to shower. I try to take quick showers, and I need my husband around while I'm showering in case I pass out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HopeSprings Posted December 5, 2011 Report Share Posted December 5, 2011 Yup, makes me dizzy too. I never thought about blood pressure - that's interesting. I'll have to check it next time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacquie802 Posted December 6, 2011 Report Share Posted December 6, 2011 I too take quick showers and always make sure someone (most often my mom) is in the house while I am showering. I get lightheaded and nauseas when I shower. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rachel Posted December 6, 2011 Report Share Posted December 6, 2011 Yes, that happens to me too. I always shower with a shower stool now, and this makes it much easier for me. When necessary, I run cold water on my legs and feet to help the veins constrict so that I don't get so dizzy.After a shower I usually have to lie down in bed for a little while to recover. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Libby Posted December 6, 2011 Report Share Posted December 6, 2011 I think it's a combination of the heat dilating your blood vessels and the prolonged standing - also raising your arms above your head puts pressure on a few arteries that supply blood to your brain, which is another reason why some people pass out while shampooing their hair.I've found that rinsing my legs with cold water for a minute after/in the middle of a shower will make me feel so much better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clairefmartin Posted December 6, 2011 Report Share Posted December 6, 2011 I just sit in the tub. I'm not much for standing at all these days anyways though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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