And the doc says...

Thank you all who've checked on my health. Here's a quick update:

I did see the cardiologist last week, and there is nothing physically wrong with me. They call my reaction to pain a vasovagal response, and when it leads to fainting, it's vasovagal syncope. Certain things, called triggers, cause the vagus nerve to freak out, it causes my blood pressure to drop, and I pass out. Apparently this happens to quite a few people, and different folks have different triggers. Mine happens to be certain types of pain.

So anyway, thank you for your concern and prayers! The doc told me the best remedies when I feel this happening are to lay down with my feet up (pushes blood to the heart), and also to splash cold water on my face (weird but apparently helps). The folks at work keep asking if we can have a practice run...