Was it heatstroke?

[whiskeysheri]

When I was away in Cuba in December, I had a bit of an 'episode' while sunbathing. I think we were out in the sun from between 8 in the morning until 1 in the afternoon. I'd fallen asleep for a few hours in that time and had only drank one glass of water.

When I stood up to put my clothes on for lunch, I started to feel very light headed and had to hold onto my boyfriend for support. My eyesight went completely and I couldn't see anything, then I couldn't hear anything. After that, I passed out.

When I came round, I was sitting up but still couldn't see (it was terrifying- I thought I was blind), there was a nurse helping to drink water. My sight gradually started to come back after about 10 minutes and I was very shaky but fine.

I was just wondering what you thought it might be. I looked up heatstroke, etc but I've seen nothing about it affecting eyesight.

Does anyone have any ideas what it was or has had a similar thing happen to them?

Thanks in advance WS x

[Misky]

I had a similar problem last year on the first day of my holiday - although I had been sunbathing all day (as you do!) then after a shower and a meal, it was about 10 o'clock at night, when I felt exactly like you describe here! There's not much more terrifying than thinking you've gone blind is there?! Not that I've yet had to deal with anyway... But after a few dry heaves over a loo, lots of water and a good night's sleep, I was fine, and ready to face the next day!

[gammaray]

are you sure you hadn't been smoking some of the Cuban "special reserve"...??

I've never had heat stroke (I can't abide sitting in the sun) so I don't know what it's like....surely your doctor has some dea......you have told your doctor haven't you??

[smudge]

Way back in the 70's, I fell asleep on a beautiful beach in Cornwall. I woke up feeling a little sore & went back to our chalet. The next morning, I was hardly able to move as my back, arms, legs & neck was burnt to a crisp. I was also sick several times & it caused me to have a period in the middle of the month, something that had never happened before. My husband called the local doctor who came & told me I had sun stroke!

I spent the next three days of our holiday in bed, but at least the very nice Doctor popped back to see how I was.

Thankfully, my husband quite enjoyed making sand castles with the girls & they brought me back some nice buckets of shrimps & limpets from the rock pools - as get well Mummy presents! I didn't eat them though!

[undercovers]

heat stroke is quite a serious thing, and even tho this was prob horrible it does just sound like you fainted as not enough blood was getting to your brain after you stood up - made worse by the lack of water and heat. Just before you pass out your eye sight will generally become tunnel or go completely and it often takes a while to return - i wouldn't worry about it everyone faints at some point in their lives, obviously if it happens a lot a trip to the doc would be in order

[netibiza]

If it happens again (to anyone) it's best to drink water with lemon, pinch salt and sugar. It rehydrates the body.

[smudge]

Thank you Neti - because I'd fallen asleep in the sun for so long & because I couldn't keep any fluids down during the first night, I was so dehydrated by the time the Doc came. He was even considering carting me off to hospital, but thankfully decided to keep a close eye on me instead!

I've been a very sensible bather ever since & have still managed to come home with a lovely sun tan each time!

[Jennykins]

Heat stroke SUCKS.. I live on a island and we are very out doorsy active people.. and it has happend to me ..

This is how it feels::: You are very HOT to touch.. but you shiver and you want a blanket.. even if it is very warm out.. You may have a burn on the top of your head if you had no hat on.. You also might feel like your going to puke.. and you just might puke.. It will last about a day.. You need to drink water and lots of it.. If you feel even worse than that and your not getting better.. GET TO THE DR.

JEN

[smudge]

Yep, I was also shivering uncontrollably & being sick at the same time too! Not nice at all JEN!

[Jennykins]

No its not smude..haha... I hope your all better now...

[whiskeysheri]

Thanks for all your replies, I feel a bit better now I know I'm not the only one. I'll ask my GP about it when I go next week. Thanks again! x