Symptoms Get Worse When Talking??

[DatDudue55]

Does anyone else have this problem where they will be out socializing and their symptoms flare up?

It's weird because I will be talking and I start to feel very light-headed, my face will get tingly, my sinuses get congested, my body feels really stiff and warm but no fever and it's hard to concentrate. I almost feel like I'm tipsy..... I'm sure this has a little bit to do with social stress, but I was wondering if anyone else has this happen to them when they talk a lot as well and if it's normal. 

Thank you!

[jklass44]

Hi there. Yes I do know what you’re talking about! Whether I’m socializing with people or just out by myself trying to get some errands done I can get very lightheaded, congested, flushed, etc. and then I totally start to space out (which can make driving an issue for me).

I think you’re right in that social stress probably plays some factor, but it sounds like you have a very hypersensitive response to that sort of stimuli. A lot of people on this forum have hypertensive reactions to their environment - large groups of people, talking, sounds, lights - so you’re not alone!!

[Pistol]

Hello @DatDudue55 - yep, I have this. When I go to someone's house or to a restaurant or any social event or even just talk on the phone … it is a major stressor. I always contributed it to the sheer amount of concentration it takes to function in that environment as well as all of the stimuli ( noise, having to react fast, different conversations etc ).  I unfortunately have to avoid these gatherings for the most part b/c to me it is not always worth the many days it takes to recover. If I do have to attend ( i.e. funerals etc ) then I rest ahead of the event and then cancel everything for a few days after. My biggest problem is that when out in public I am not easily able to retreat as soon as needed … and that can be detrimental to the symptoms of POTS. A flare is so terrible that it has to be a major event for me to risk it. So - yes, you are well understood!!!!! 

[DatDudue55]

2 hours ago, jklass44 said:

Hi there. Yes I do know what you’re talking about! Whether I’m socializing with people or just out by myself trying to get some errands done I can get very lightheaded, congested, flushed, etc. and then I totally start to space out (which can make driving an issue for me).

I think you’re right in that social stress probably plays some factor, but it sounds like you have a very hypersensitive response to that sort of stimuli. A lot of people on this forum have hypertensive reactions to their environment - large groups of people, talking, sounds, lights - so you’re not alone!!

Ah! Thank you for your response. I was afraid I was alone in this. For some reason, I do notice that the driving and stimulating events do take some energy out of me. I think part is stress (because I partly know how it will make me feel after). But thank you again! I don't feel so alone with this now. 

[DatDudue55]

45 minutes ago, Pistol said:

Hello @DatDudue55 - yep, I have this. When I go to someone's house or to a restaurant or any social event or even just talk on the phone … it is a major stressor. I always contributed it to the sheer amount of concentration it takes to function in that environment as well as all of the stimuli ( noise, having to react fast, different conversations etc ).  I unfortunately have to avoid these gatherings for the most part b/c to me it is not always worth the many days it takes to recover. If I do have to attend ( i.e. funerals etc ) then I rest ahead of the event and then cancel everything for a few days after. My biggest problem is that when out in public I am not easily able to retreat as soon as needed … and that can be detrimental to the symptoms of POTS. A flare is so terrible that it has to be a major event for me to risk it. So - yes, you are well understood!!!!! 

Thank you so much for your response! I'm really glad I'm not the only one who experiences this. I do notice that I have to plan out before and after if I'm trying to plan something out that's a little more "inclusive" as well. Thank you again for your response. I'm somewhat new to this thread and just got a diagnosis a couple weeks ago so I'm still trying to familiarize myself with everything. Everyone here has been very kind in their responses.

[JimL]

I've had that weirdness before pots, like an adrenaline rush. 

[yogini]

It’s probably that you are getting out of breath,

[Hen's Teeth]

I've decided that I am an incandescent light bulb. I waste a lot of energy by producing unwanted heat. 

I get those symptoms whenever I use energy. It's amazing how many things require a lot of energy. Standing is a big one. I get hot and tingly after a couple of minutes of standing.

Thinking and talking also requires a lot of energy. Conversations often give me a problem. I need to take mental rests during a conversation to keep from feeling like I am about to faint.

[Pistol]

@Hen's Teeth - diddo!!!!

[yogini]

 A normal person would get winded when running and talking at the same time. With dysautonomia our bodies are often operating as if we are running even when we are sitting or lying down, so this isn't an unusual symptom.

[MomtoGiuliana]

I agree w Yogini.  I used to (and still sometimes do) get lightheaded and feel like I am not getting enough breath with extended talking.  I don't think it has anything to do (in my case) with anxiety/stress.  I remember first noticing it happening when I was reading aloud to my infant.

[p8d]

I still limit phone calls and interacting with people.  Before I was diagnosed, and for several years afterwards, I really struggled with it.  In fact, when I was trying to work from home what finally made me realize even that was impossible was a conference call.  I very suddenly got extremely unwell, I now know it was norepinephrine dumping.  I was diagnosed after this.  I am better 5 years later with decent hyperadrengic control but it’s not something I enjoy doing, I still get sympathetic overdrive if I talk on the phone or in person too long.  Too long varies by day/hour.