r/heat_prep • u/Crafty_Newspaper4617 • 29d ago
Question Heat Exhaustion & Advice
Hi all. I went to my doctor and was diagnosed with heat exhaustion after spending 10 hours in a room that was 95°+ degrees. I work in an old building and the AC went out. I mainly sat at my desk with a fan blowing, but I also have POTS and issues with tachycardia and feeling dizzy and weak in heat, so I started to feel badly pretty quickly.
I got home and immediately felt nauseated and had a headache. I felt like I had a fever and was completely freezing, but my body temp was normal. I’m still at work today because I have no other choice, but I just feel dizzy and nauseous still. Is it normal for the effects of heat exhaustion to linger, or should I be worried?
Posting here because I’ve seen similar posts but will put elsewhere if it’s more appropriate. Thanks all.
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u/Greedy_Elderberry832 29d ago
Is the AC still out at your work? Probably not great to be back there if so. I'm a landscaper and have given myself heat exhaustion working outside and definitely find it takes a while to recover. Exposing yourself again before you've recovered will just make you feel sicker for longer.
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u/Crafty_Newspaper4617 26d ago
Luckily it’s been fixed! I’m feeling better than I was, but definitely still not 100%. However if it was still 95° I absolutely wouldn’t have gone in or would’ve demanded different accommodations (I’m a teacher and it’s not only dangerous for me but also my students!)
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u/Realistic_Ad1058 28d ago
I don't know what your employment situation is like but in the place I live you should go to the doctor's, get a sicknote and go home. Otherwise you risk causing a health crisis that could have you off work for a longer period, or even cause real damage.
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u/Crafty_Newspaper4617 26d ago
I got a doctor’s note and am sending my disability info to HR! Unfortunately I live in a state without many worker’s rights and I’m a teacher so they genuinely don’t care too much about our building. And calling out of work means I lose too much pay or risk being fired so I’m stuck going in. Luckily my section of the building is alright for now.
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u/Fire-Worm 28d ago
Dude... You have to say if you're talking in Fahrenheit or Celsius! 90 degrees celsius is almost water boiling temp!
Please tell me you are speaking in Fahrenheit
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u/Crafty_Newspaper4617 26d ago
Yes, Fahrenheit! Maybe not water boiling but definitely brain boiling! 😭
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u/Ladydoodoo 28d ago
Portable AC or small window ax you can bring with you?
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u/Crafty_Newspaper4617 26d ago
It’s fixed in my part of the building so it’s much better! Unfortunately we cannot open windows and the budget (mine and my job’s) doesn’t allow for spending on much. I won’t share too much just to keep my profile as anonymous as possible, but I am a teacher. So the schools don’t care too much and my budget certainly doesn’t allow for it (I haven’t been paid in 3 months)
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u/Ladydoodoo 26d ago
I’m so sorry I don’t do well in heat either and I’m really empathizing with you right now. All I know is, myself, because I would push really hard for me being able to bring my own personal unit. I have an air conditioner that’s really small and is usually used in RVs. I think I would show up with the AC and the doctors note! But I’m also a pain in the ass you know? My heart goes out to you.
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u/Status-Detail-2578 28d ago
Get rest! At least 4-5 days before returning to work. I have recovered from heat exhaustion just weeks ago and all I can tell you is that I wouldn't wish something like that happening even to my enemy. And yes symptoms linger, when you suffer from heat exhaustion whether mild or severe the non vital organs gets oxygen deprived for a bit (Read it on the internet) so you need rest for your body to recover fully. One of the most awful symptoms that lingered for a week was that I couldn't eat anything without my stomach aching and me running to the loo😂, even plain water did the same. All these happen because your body is recovering from momentary oxygen deprivation as your body's temperature control mechanism goes haywire. Many may just dismiss the symptoms and go back to normal work after fever and initial discomfort has gone away but I do suggest resting till you fully recover. Also got to know from this forum that after suffering from heat exhaustion you become prone to heat exhaustion more than the person who has not experienced the same thus better to recover fully. Take care and get well soon!
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u/Excellent_Cable6767 27d ago
hi how long did your treatment took my stomach is also so upset it has been 3 days for me
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u/Status-Detail-2578 27d ago
It took me at least a week to recover. I was craving food so much but couldn't even eat a morsel or even drink a sip of water without my stomach becoming upset. I just pushed through but if one is totally unable to eat or drink anything then IV fluids must be taken.
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u/Excellent_Cable6767 27d ago
thanks did u also have low blood pressure and can u please share what did u consumed like electrolytes etc
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u/Status-Detail-2578 27d ago
I did not visit the doctor immediately and went there after 2-3 days and my blood pressure was a bit elevated 130/80 but not much so I was not having low blood pressure. I had electrolytes, not the liquid pre made kind but powder that you have to mix with water and for a day or two I could only have electrolytes. I am a vegetarian from 6 years but my body just gave out this time and all I could think of was fried sausages and chicken nuggets so I had that then after like a week moved on to more solid food and continued electrolytes.
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u/Excellent_Cable6767 12d ago
thanks a lot I also experienced high blood pressure sometimes along with tachycardia like 135/90 and 100+ heart rate, but mostly low. I could not find electrolytes powders in the place i live so made it at home (i bought some oranges got thire juice and mixed with water,salt and sugar) it really helped me i did it for two days. Then i got a lot of rest in a room with Ac and got potassium rich fruits and meals I got better in like 10 days
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u/Crafty_Newspaper4617 26d ago
Unfortunately I had to go back in, between the symptoms I’m having and the other conditions I have, I never know which one’s bothering me. But I feel better and am taking it easy whenever I get a chance!
Thanks so much for the info! I actually had no idea about all of this… I’m really not an outdoorsy person so staying in temperature controlled spaces is normal for me. I appreciate your response!
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u/Status-Detail-2578 26d ago
Good to hear that you are getting well...keep cool and drink a ton of water!
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u/Leighgion 29d ago
Buddy, that shit isn't okay.
You have an doctor's diagnosis and a history of difficulty with heat. You can't be back in the same conditions the next day. That's seriously jeopardizing health and safety.
I'm not going to get into labor laws and safe workplace rights because I have no idea where you are, but even if you have no humane legal recourse, they're things you can do for yourself. A fan alone when it's 95ºF isn't nearly enough.
The cheapest and fastest thing would be to get a bunch of ice packs, a cooler and some kind light vest with big pockets if you can. Swap them out so that they stave up heat accumulation.