LindsayI’m like one of those cows. You know the cows that can anticipate when earthquakes are coming and they start behaving erratically when they sense an earthquake. I’m like one of those cows.
At least that’s the only thing that explains all of the mooing lately.
We had an earthquake last week. It was a 5.0 and was centered over 100 miles away from where I am. Living on the west coast, earthquakes aren’t exactly a rare occurrence. Standard earthquake protocol (for the minor ones) dictates that locals glance at each other, give a knowing nod, and continue on their way. Eye contact shouldn’t exceed 2-3 seconds, but could be extended to 4 seconds, if, and only if, you give an annoyed eye roll to indicate that such earthquakes aren’t worth your time. Anything beyond that and you risk being mistaken for a tourist.
However, growing up in Arizona, I didn’t have to worry about things like earthquakes and daylight savings (don’t even get me started on that bullshit – you can’t just misplace an hour for half the year). Arizona doesn’t have natural disasters, so my first few earthquakes after moving to the west coast were certainly learning experiences. Apparently hiding under your desk in the fetal position or running out of the shower (and your apartment) half-naked and dripping wet are not appropriate responses for magnitudes under 5.0. I learned that the hard way.
But after a while, you get used to having the earth shake under your feet. We had a 7.1 magnitude quake here a few years ago on Easter, but other than that, they have all been minor. I don’t usually mind the quakes that are small enough to not cause any damage – it’s almost like a free ride.
Well, before dysautonomia I didn’t mind.
One of my postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) symptoms is a sensitivity to things like light, noise and vibrations. I feel even very subtle vibrations, and not only do I feel them, but my body reacts to them. The vibration activates my sympathetic nervous system which then overreacts and stimulates an exaggerated “fight-or-flight” response. In the case of a major earthquake, this response would be expected, even helpful. But being ready to punch the person next to me because my mobile is vibrating in my pocket isn’t helpful.
That’s the thing with vibration sensitivity – it applies to all vibrations (and, no, that’s not intended as sexual innuendo). I hate being on the 2nd floor of department stores at the mall because I feel every footstep of every person on that floor. And, when I mistake it for an earthquake and give the person next to me the “knowing nod” I described above, they tend to give me creepy looks and move far, far away.
But when an actual earthquake strikes, not only does my sympathetic nervous system overreact, it is difficult to get it to calm down again. It is now four days after the earthquake and I’m still having chest pains, palpitations, and bursts of unexplained adrenaline. It started seconds before the earthquake – perhaps there were minor tremors that I was able to feel before the actual quake started. Like those cows.
So – fair warning – if you hear me mooing, grab on tight or duck for cover.
Readers, Do you notice small vibrations? How do you react?
“It still holds true that man is most uniquely human when he turns obstacles into opportunities.” – Eric Hoffer
Smell ya later.
– Linds
Okay, so I live in Illinois where we do daylight savings time. I never realized everywhere didn’t do it, but I should have since I know it was created for farmers. Farming has come a long way, I think we could probably lose it.
I’m too brain fogged to wrap my head around this… Someone help? If the whole world doesn’t do it, does that mean there are two sets of timeline maps, one for each time of year? Does this mean we may be 11 hours behind a particular country half the year and 10 the other half?
Damn it! As proof of my brain fog, exhibit A ^^^ I hit enter before I was done.
Your posts always make me laugh out loud. Not that “LOL” people type as their face remains deadpan and they are just slightly amused, a good old chuckle that makes whoever is in the room with me look over questioningly.
Here in Illinois, we are more about tornadoes than earthquakes, but I’ve experienced two earthquakes I think (no more than 5.4). The first time I thought my house had been hit by a giant truck then I saw the hanging lights were swinging all over rather than stopping as you’d expect and thought hmm, strange…. and just went to bed never guessing it was an earthquake… the second time I slept through it. Both were prior to being sick!
I think only certain territories don’t observe daylight savings, not entire countries, but I could be wrong. I have family that is still in Arizona, and for half of the year they are in the same time zone as me, and for the other half, they are 1 hour ahead. I have to remember during the winter not to call over there too late. So confusing!
I’ve never seen a tornado, but i imagine the really big ones would scare me 🙂
Lindsay,
I have Pots as well. Feb, 2010 is when I dx. But I have a question. When u get the trembles what do u do to help them?? My specialists told me yoga. However, outside of that I was wondering if u have found anything. Enjoy reading the blog btw! I have a private practice and encourage my clients to blog, or journal often. It really is therapeutic!
~Mary
Hi Mary, thanks for your comment! Unfortunately I haven’t found anything that completely eliminates the trembles. Yoga and light exercise have helped a little. I was on an SSRI (commonly prescribed for POTS) and that helped some. I think what probably helps me the most is lying down with a blanket over me (even if i’m not cold) and concentrating on breathing slow or meditating.