Heat stroke: The damaging effects of heat stroke

Patsy Brown Posted 02/08/2008

I had heat stroke last Monday after cutting my grass and I suffered a stroke last year. I can't seem to bounce back and I feel so tired all the time. I can't stand the heat, when I get hot I get a headache.

Monica Posted 18/09/2008

I think I may have had a heat stroke while mowing grass couple days ago. I got very hot. Felt like I was going to faint. Bad Throbbing headache. Very weak. Next day vomited. For past few days i've ached all over & have had no energy. Is this signs of heat stroke?

Padmavathy Posted 19/11/2008

My son aged 14, had sun stroke ( as informed by a doctor)few months back. Now I feel he has become dull in studies. How to improve him?

Abby Posted 20/11/2008

Monica, that's heat exhaustion. It's less severe.

Alyn Flowers Posted 28/11/2008

When I was 17 I suffered from heat stroke. i am now 48 and wonder if the problems i am having now could be related to the heat stroke i had 31 years ago. Doing research in college for a term paper I learned that a heat stroke can effect many organs in the body including the hypothalamus in the brain which controls body temperature. Now I am having problems with my pancreas. Is there a connection?

Scott McRae Posted 30/11/2008

While in Iraq I suffered from really bad heat exhaustion. The army docters dismissed it because people get in trouble when you get heat injuries. They gave me an IV and sent me on my way. Now six months later I still have dizzy spells, and feel weak all the time. If I get even a little dehydrated I feel like I'm going to pass out. I also had to give up caffeine for the same reasons. I had a physical exam and all my blood work came back normal. I'm not sure what to do. Any ideas?

Marcus Rambo Posted 18/12/2008

Scott, I have the exact same issues, Tikrit, 2003.

Marcus Rambo Posted 19/12/2008

You should file a claim with the VA. How long ago did this happen to you? (the heat exhaustion I mean)

Thomas Posted 09/01/2009

I had a head stroke 7 years ago. I am hot in the winter, cold in the summer. If I get too hot I get head aches. My heart rate is ridiculous; pulses per minute is that of an infant (im 27). I've noticed my blood pressure tends to be through the roof sometimes. I feel like my body can't maintain a constant temperature. Now after reading all of this that has been posted, what else is to be expected the rest of my life?

george McLain Posted 07/03/2009

After my first experience with heat exhaustion it became easier and easier to over do. I get headaches, feel weak, and tired. Sometimes it only takes an hour to effect me for a couple days. Is there a way to restore my system?

Amanda Posted 09/03/2009

My son is 5 and had severe overheating problems without sweating. His temperature got between 103-105. He's not had a spell in 2 years but now he has vision problems. He can't process black and white writing on paper. Could the heat spells be why? Any ideas would be great

Geoff Phelan Posted 03/04/2009

I survived an exertionary heatstroke in October 2006. Since then, I experience difficulty with regulating body temperatures i.e I am either too hot or too cold. I also find that my blood pressure and heart rate seems to increase uncontrollably at times. I wonder if these symptoms are a result of the stroke. After the stroke a doctor told me I'm 50 per cent more likely to have another stroke. This scares me, and I have trouble dealing with this fear. Any suggestions?

Kirsten Posted 14/04/2009

I suffered either heat stroke or severe heat exhaustion when I was 15. I was in Mexico on a mission trip, so I was not able to get medical attention at the time, and it went undiagnosed. I was disoriented and had a fever well over 102 that only subsided when I laid down in an air conditioned room. As soon as I left the air conditioning my fever would immediately spike. This went on for a few days. When I returned to the states, I started training for cross country (long-distance running), and immediately developed problems breathing, and was generally exhausted all the time. Also, for the following 6 months I had the flu several times, strep throat several times, and developed mono. This was highly unusual for me, as I was rarely sick before this. I was later diagnosed with exercise-induced asthma, and still have problems breathing in high temperatures 15 years later. Over the years I have become better acclimated to high temperatures, but I still become exhausted, dizzy, and short of breath fairly quickly (within an hour), especially when hiking, walking, working out, etc. Are there any other possible long-term health conditions I should be aware of?

Tara Posted 20/04/2009

Last summer I suffered a severe heat exhaustion. Ever since I have had to limit my sun exposure or the similiar symptons start to come back within an hour. I live in Arizona and am concerned about how the heat is going to affect me long term and what to do about this.

Tim Posted 11/05/2009

I suffered a severe heat stroke in the summer of 1990 while in basic. My temperature was 106.7 and they had to revive me twice. I was in the hospital for a week. My stroke occurred two days after my final vaccinations given for fast track deployment to Operation Desert Shield. My orders were canceled because DOD decided not used reserves at that time. I was fine for about three months then my life changed. I began to overheat due to my inability to sweat. Then my normal temperature for the next two years was 101. My neurologist said I suffered damage to my hypothalamus. My life has never been the same. I have a severe sleep disorder and rely on a trach breath at night. My blood pressure is uncontrollable and my hormones are out of wack and not treatable. I can deal with all of this but the fact that 70 pages out of my medical record were lost and they say I have no claim for VA benefits is hard. I go to work everyday just to pay for my medical bills so I can make it to the next day. I have lost my house and all my savings. I fear that soon I will lose what keeps me going, my PRIDE My advice to those who suffer from heat stroke. Remember your limits and control your pride, don't let your pride control you.

USA Ret Sgt Mike P Posted 17/05/2009

Tim, I also was in the military around the same time and also suffered my 1st heat stroke during Desert Shield which set me up for many more... There is a lot more to the story but one of the reasons I am writing this is because of your problems fighting with the military and with VA which can be next to impossible to get anywhere if you don’t know how to do it. If you would like to contact me I am willing to try to help you and others that are having problems getting disability compensation from the VA. Mike

Jennie Posted 31/05/2009

OMG, it is like reading a story of my own life at my last OSW in 99. I was at a bazaar with the boys from work. I forgot my camel pack and on the way back, my skin turned bright read, I stopped sweating, I felt ice cold and started shaking, but they guys said I was burning up, I started to black out, and I was having trouble breathing. When we got back to the dorms, they forced me to drink a bottle of luke warm water, took me to one of the dorm rooms, turned the AC on full blast, and covered me in cool towels. I came back around after about an hour. I was never taken to the hospital for fear of reprimand. Since then, I get over heated very easy if the temp is above 75 degrees, I either sweat too much or hardly at all, I have trouble catching my breath when I get hot, I end up becoming ill and lose control of my emotions when I am in the heat for more than half an hour, and the list just keeps going on and one. Since nothing is documented in my med records (except multiples of "non related" symptoms) I kept being pushed aside and make to feel like it was all in my head. Now I am fighting to just get the actually documented occurances recognized by the VA (like my irregular heart rate and murmur that was found after the heat stroke in SA). This has affected my time with my family and even takes a toll on my marriage. Mike, if you or anyone else has any advice, please contact me at jenger88@yahoo.com

alejandra zamora Posted 11/06/2009

This is a cool report. Thank you.

Gerard Posted 17/06/2009

Scott, I'm a disabled veteran. I was in special operations, suffered heat stroke, they gave me ivs and I was running a fever for a good week following. After I got out the va gave me 30% disabled for a stomach condition they determined was caused by the heat stroke. Also my medical record never reported the heat stroke for the same reason. Just make sure your record shows the dehydration/iv treatments and any other medical problems you have later. I have to take medicine for the rest of my life as a result of my condition, which I dismissed while in active duty. I can't stress this enough, make sure any issues you have are documented in your medical record, even if they ignore or downplay the cause or the label they give it. Things can get worse over time and you will really want VA medical coverage when that happens. Not to scare you, just be prepared.

shelia Posted 29/06/2009

My husband, josh, just suffered a heat stoke yesterday while on a patrol in Afghanistan. They got him air lifted to the main camp and are monitoring him for the next few days. I wasn't even informed of the situation. I found out from him the next morning after he had been there for a day, so I already know they aren't going to take this seriously. I know the military will underplay the severity of medical conditions, and I was wondering what symptoms he should be looking out for after they release him back to duty.

amy billings Posted 29/06/2009

I had 2 severe heat strokes while working for the Post Office. Since then I am intolerant of heat above 78 degrees Fahrenheit as well as direct sunlight. I live in Texas and have 3 children and cannot get out to work and have received no compensation. I have been to many doctors. One said I have Hypothalamic deregulation, another put me on Atropine which hasn’t worked and now he wants me to get my autonomic nervous system checked. I get a fever 3 – 4 days of the week. One minute I am cold and the next cold. Does anyone have any advise for me? I would appreciate it immensely.

Amanda Posted 09/07/2009

I have experienced heat stroke twice and 3 times heat exhaustion all within the past 4 years and I'm 18 years old. I've had serious health issues since my last experience with heat stroke and I've gone to doctor after doctor. The problem has been that I don't have the symptoms when I go because I've gotten heat stroke and exhaustion while on trips away from my family. I didn't recieve any medical attention during those trips. I have breathing problems, stomach problems, chest problems, headaches, get lightheaded extremely easy, nausea, black out, will zone out and won't respond to anyone, pass out, shake uncontrollably, get sick extremely easy when I hardly ever got sick before, etc. I haven't gotten any answers from any doctors, they've all said they don't know. I've just dealth with it for the past few years but if you have any answers, that would be wonderful. I hate getting heat stroke/exhaustion but I get it extremely easy after my first experience. I want to be able to do the things I want to do without getting ill afterwards.

marne Posted 10/07/2009

I was left in a hot car as an infant (once), and then a few years later (I remember this; I was about 3 yrs old), left repeatedly for hours (probably 4-5 hrs at a time) in a hot car, and realized years later that I have probably been suffering the after effects of heatstroke. The entire time I was growing up, I used to blush a lot. I was also involved in competitive swimming, and my body would turn red as a lobster. Both were very embarrassing. If left to your own devices (either because of lack of health insurance, or because the solutions that conventional Western medicine are not helping), try exploring complementary medicine that can help you. I also carry passionflower tincture with me, and take some drops of that if I am out in hot weather. It may be good for hot flashes, and lower blood pressure, as well. I've heard of an Australian herb called Mulla mulla, but have not tried that. But that does possibly point at solutions that are used by people/cultures that live in hot climates, that could be exposed to higher temperatures on a regular basis--what do they do? What herbs, foods, etc. do they use? I am still discovering the after effects of heatstroke. I've also heard that heatstroke can affect the pituitary glands? I will read about Hypothalmic deregulation - thanks for that info - as I have also heard that the hypothalamus can be affected by heatstroke. Whatever you find/think helpful, you may want to stick with it and give it a chance for awhile. You should find practitioners that can help you, and not "dabble" too much in things that you do not understand. Educating yourself should be ongoing. Having the Internet helps a lot. And, there is almost always a solution for everything. You're on a journey to find it - my opinion, anyway. Thank you everyone for sharing.

chris Posted 12/07/2009

I suffered heat stroke in 2001, whilst participating in a police selection course in the Northern Territory (Aust). I collapsed at the end of a run not aware of anything that was happening to me. 5 Days later I woke up in a hospital ward. Apparently I was in a coma and placed on life support. My core tempreture on addmittion was reported as 43 degress and rising. I was subsequently pack in 27 bags of ice had my stomach and bladder drained and pumped full of ice water continuously for 4 to 5 hours. Just happy to be alive thanks to the staff of the hospital on addmission.

Since then, about a year ago, I found out that I have cognative problems and short term memmory loss. I also have a chronic lung infections and have been diagnosed with Bronchiectasis. Also I now dont have any sense of smell and break out in skin lesions from time to time. I have had my imune system checked and it is damaged and compromised. Sweating for me is still an issue - any sort of exercise and I sweat proffusely... Haven't had the doctors work that one out yet.

I am still in the 'discovery phase' with the doctors. The common reply from my doctors is they don't get to deal with many patients after getting that hot. I have had brain scans and a ton of blood test. My only suggestion to you guys is to surround yourself with a good support group and ask for more answers from your doctors. Cheers chris

joey Posted 05/08/2009

I suffered a heat stroke 2 months ago at Walmart. They told me it was just dehydration at first and to get some sleep and drink some water and go to work the next day. I was amazed at what the nurse was saying considering what felt like the experiance of having my heart squeezed by for like five hours in the ER. I didnt go to work but I suffered near attacks the next day and after that. The air condition in the ER is what helped I think. I was doing ok but then after going outside too many times after feeling ok, I cannot even tolerate heat anymore. I've been indoors this whole time. I went to the ER and Family doctor 6 times before someone mentioned heatstroke . I'm just wondering if I could have caused more damage to myself by going outside or if the damage was already made? It doesn't help that I live in Texas either.

star Posted 02/09/2009

So what can we do about it, after the fact?

(I have constant heart palpitations, insane thirst, very little energy and difficulty sleeping after my SECOND heat stroke experience this summer.) Is there any kind of rehabilitative therapy or other treatment that might improve things/ decrease our odds of organ failure?

John Doe Posted 04/09/2009

I had heat stroke while I was in the Army in 1987. Temp was 106.5 when admitted to hospital. I have 2 long term effects: slightly low kidney function and I have problems overheating. I have come to recognize heat exhaustion as it hits and I make myself stop whatever I'm doing, get lots of liquids and try to cool down. The dizzy feeling goes away pretty quickly but sometimes it takes hours for my temperature to come back down. If I'm doing something like kickboxing I'm the guy who looks like he just climbed out of a pool. Strangely enough my normal body is just under 97.

MaryKaren Posted 13/09/2009

I have long wondered if heat stroke left untreated could cause "hardening of the lungs" and congestive heart failure? My broter-in-law died at age 41, with an autopsy showing these results. His family doctor, who was out of town at the time of death, couldn't believe these results. Steve was in good shape and in training for a marathon. The day before he suddenly died, he had been out for a training run, but had to stop near the end due to extream heat and humidity. He had not been treated and had gone about his normal activities. He was slim, didn't smoke or drink and had no known health problems. What are your opinions?

Marne Posted 16/09/2009

MaryKaren, was your brother-in-law perchance on any medication that contains pseudoephedrine, such as Sudafed or Claritin D or cough syrup? I know someone who had a spontaneous dissection of the right coronary artery, from being on Sudafed. Apparently, it can cause one's blood pressure to shoot up rapidly, like they've been given a shot of adrenalin. I have heard that most people die from this type of heart attack, and that most the information they have about this is post-mortem.

Gabe Posted 22/09/2009

It was 2001 and I was in training at Officer Candidate School for the Marines in Quantico... It was there I had a heat stroke. The Corps Man later told me initially on the PT field my temp was 108.6 but I have it on medical records form the hospital at 107.9.... I stopped breathing for 15 seconds and during the ordeal my heart did stop at one point. Now, I sweat - getting soaked - with any physical activity, have headaches, nasuea, and can't stop vommitting once I start. Its made me gain weight, I have lost my short term memory, and tons of other problems form this. As of this date I've gotten nothing from the military. At this point my health has gradually gotten worst over the years and many times I've been hospitalized since then. I'm at the point now that if I try to keep working outside jobs its going to kill me. I've applied for VA benifits but so far nothing... How is it that a country so great does so little for us??? And ya, I used to be uber smart and I'm still smart enough to reconigize how mych of that I've lost...

JIM Posted 23/10/2009

In my early teens, while baling hay, I believe I had severe heat exhaustion. I have the symtoms of not being able to take heat especially with humidity, get a headache, sweat heavy, get sick to may stomach, feel very overheated. If I cool down quickly by getting out of the sun and stop any activity, drink water, the effect is very temporary. I started having seizures in my late thirties along with high blood pressure in my early forties, whether these are related to the heat exhaustion is up for debate. Both conditions are controlled by medication. But I still wonder if these were caused , at least somewhat, by my heat exhaustion. I have not read anything in these comments about anyone having seizure problems from a previous heat event. If anyone had developed this type of condition please post your experience. My neuro Dr said it may be possible.

Frank Posted 14/11/2009

I had a heat stroke during military training, 108.5F, in August 1982. I had to go to the hospital. I have had extreme intolerance to heat but I never went to a docotr to complain. How can I get evaluated for it or is there a test that can indicate that I once had such a heat incident and that it still affects me? I have the medical documentation from that day but I am trying to receive compensation for this medical issue but so far no one in authority seems to care. Any reputable advice would be appreciated.