I want to preface this by saying that I recognize that this is an extremely minor annoyance in the grand scheme of things, but it’s kind of turning into a pain in the butt.
So since last Thursday, I have been dizzy for, say, 90% of waking hours. This ranges from a mild feeling of just not being quite clear-headed (equivalent of, say, one medium-strength drink) to full on bed spins (equivalent of, say, 4 strong drinks in the post-college years). It’s bad enough that I don’t feel comfortable driving and I’m damn lucky that I can do my job from home. I felt the same way the last time around, even after it had died.
I’ve been consulting Dr. Google and I see things like one can feel dizzy occasionally, like right after you stand up or if you’ve been standing too long, but I can be dizzy when I’m lying in bed. I see that it can be related to low blood sugar or dehydration, but I’ve been eating small things regularly, including lots of protein, and drinking lots of water. I have no caffeine at all, except for the occasional piece of chocolate. I don’t think it’s anemia– apparently this is very rare and when they tested during the last pregnancy, was not an issue. So of course I thought the Prometrium could be the problem, since it causes dizziness in 15% of users, but it didn’t start until I’d already been on it for over a week, and it doesn’t wear off between doses. I did mention it to the doctor during the last pregnancy, but they didn’t seem to think much of it and then there were bigger issues to deal with.
I think I’ve stumped Dr. Google and I’m wondering is this something to be concerned about or just something I have to live with? Thoughts, anyone?
***
Update: The ear thing that so many of you suggested seemed worth a shot, so I went to see my GP. Unfortunately, my usual doctor (er, Dr. Russia? that’s creative, guess where she’s from!), who I love, is on vacation, so I got Dr. Concerned who always looks at me in this very worried way, as though she thinks I’m dying. I saw her looking through my file, reading the notes from the rheumatologist and she asked if I was taking baby aspirin. I did not want to hear another opinion on that one, so I nipped it quickly in the bud by saying no, I’d done my research (per Dr. ILIE, this could increase my risk of miscarriage) and made my choice. She looked… concerned.
But my blood pressure is normal and there is no ear infection. She took some blood to test for anemia just in case and for something autoimmune inflammation related (sedimentation rates?), which apparently Dr. Russia has been tracking. She thinks it’s just a reaction to the hormones. Which is what I figured. I am grateful not to have to take any drugs, but it sure would have been nice to have a simple answer.
Randomnly checking newly updated blogs and came upon yours. I’ve known folks who experienced what you described. It was related to an imbalance in the inner ear, often related to sinus conditions.
Randomnly checking newly updated blogs and came upon yours. I’ve known folks who experienced what you described. It was related to an imbalance in the inner ear, often related to sinus conditions.
BTW–cute cats. And one weights 21 pounds? Wow!
No answers. But I’m thinking about you.
No answers. But I’m thinking about you.
This might be COMPLETE assvice, but could it not be associated with the pregnancy? I was very dizzy a few months ago from an inner ear infection that didn’t have any other accompanying symptons. It sounds very much like what you’re describing. It might be worth checking out.
I was stumble down the hall, fall down drunk-ish dizzy for about a month, called my midwife in panic, as Matt began to exclaim loudly to anyone and everyone that I was internally bleeding (so embarassing, these men) and she proclaimed I needed to have a bowl of full-fat icecream or something equally sweet. When your blood sugar gets that low, protein can’t do a damn thing. So, I’m hoping this is a brilliant excuse to get some more goodies into the diet and a good sign that your blood volume is increasing rapidly.
And I’m hoping this isn’t assvice. And that it makes you horribly sick afterwards or something. Because I would feel awful. So, yeah, fingers crossed.
Also, as an aside, do you have photos of Hippo as a kitten? I’d like to compare him and Ben. I’ve never owned a tabby before (mostly black and white cats) and I think they’re just charming.
Hope you’re doing well otherwise!!
I was stumble down the hall, fall down drunk-ish dizzy for about a month, called my midwife in panic, as Matt began to exclaim loudly to anyone and everyone that I was internally bleeding (so embarassing, these men) and she proclaimed I needed to have a bowl of full-fat icecream or something equally sweet. When your blood sugar gets that low, protein can’t do a damn thing. So, I’m hoping this is a brilliant excuse to get some more goodies into the diet and a good sign that your blood volume is increasing rapidly.
And I’m hoping this isn’t assvice. And that it makes you horribly sick afterwards or something. Because I would feel awful. So, yeah, fingers crossed.
Also, as an aside, do you have photos of Hippo as a kitten? I’d like to compare him and Ben. I’ve never owned a tabby before (mostly black and white cats) and I think they’re just charming.
Hope you’re doing well otherwise!!
I was thoroughly dizzy in my last pregnancy. Crazy dizzy. So much that I didn’t dare attempt stairs. I was just told it was progesterone (which you naturally produce before the supplements anyhow.) In fact, there are some months when I’m not pregnant that I get dizzy during my luteal phase. Damn progesterone.
But it is worth checking into just to be sure.
Inner ear infection or sinus infection–call your doc and have it checked out! It probably will not get better on its own.
Because feeling lightheaded in pregnancy is relatively common, it sounds like your doctor is misunderstanding your concern. Dizziness, where you feel like you are spinning, or the room in spinning, is also called vertigo, and has several different causes, usually related to the inner ear. I would call your doctor’s office and make sure they understand that you are experiencing both lightheadedness and vertigo.
Lightheadedness that is caused by low blood sugar should respond to drinking juice or eating something sweet, like hard candy.
Lightheadedness during pregnancy is also often caused by dehydration, so be sure you are drinking lots of water.
Good luck!
ARGH. Apparently it’s too much to ask that some things occasionally have an EASY answer. I hope that it clears up on it’s own soon.
Cat,
Your doc is right- dizziness in early pregnancy comes from rapidly increasing hormones (namely, Progesterone). It can be annoying and even scary, but it’s a good sign your body is doing what it’s supposed to be doing.
Also, assvice: baby aspirin couldn’t hurt and is easy to take with little or no side effects.
Cat,
Your doc is right- dizziness in early pregnancy comes from rapidly increasing hormones (namely, Progesterone). It can be annoying and even scary, but it’s a good sign your body is doing what it’s supposed to be doing.
Also, assvice: baby aspirin couldn’t hurt and is easy to take with little or no side effects.
Cat,
Your doc is right- dizziness in early pregnancy comes from rapidly increasing hormones (namely, Progesterone). It can be annoying and even scary, but it’s a good sign your body is doing what it’s supposed to be doing.
Also, assvice: baby aspirin couldn’t hurt and is easy to take with little or no side effects.
That doesn’t sound like fun. I hope it gets better soon.
I have meniere’s disease (vertigo that comes on from nowhere but is related to fluid imbalance in inner ear). When I was pregnant for all of three seconds, I knew something was up because before I tested positive I was dizzy on and off. It’s just the hormones. It never got that bad, but do check in with your doctor.
Thinking of you.