Getting light headed, is it normal?

[Ree 215]

Lately I have been getting very light headed when I go to stand up. Especially when I get out of the tub. I cant even get dressed, I end up having to get to my room to lay down on the bed for a few minutes. I feel like if I don't get to the couch or to the bed in time I'll just black out.

What is the cause of this? It this common/normal after surgery? I'm almost 7 weeks out from having surgery and have been feeling great otherwise.

[sweetjam69 20]

I feel like that also! Have you check your BP lately? I feel tired all the time.....people ask have I start exercising yet? No...I have no energy, and I'm dizzy all the time! I was sooooo hoping to have energy to climb out of my old shell, but nooooo not yet! I go my Dr tomorrow hopefully I will have some news.

[Christian Zaccone 243]

YES> Low sugar from well not eating sugar. Its very normal.. get up slow.

Chris

[Christian Zaccone 243]

Oh yeah. also.. if you are on blood pressure medicines probably means your BP is running very low and you should have it checked.. You probably dont need them anymore.. That happened to me within 4-6 weeks after surgery

Chris

[FishingNurse 1,211]

this is called orthostatic hypotension....google it! When you go from a lying or sitting position to standing quickly your blood pressure can drop dramatically, and usually your heart rate will go up. it is common after significant weight loss. I'm an RN in a inpatient eating disorders unit, (patients with anorexia and BN suffer from this frequently as well) I have picked up patients off of the shower floor more than you'd guess.

Let your MD know this is happening, and take your time going from a lying postion to a standing position. that will help.

Edited February 2, 2014 by Sleeve of Steel

[MichiganChic 3,262]

I'm also an RN - and Sleeve of Steel is spot on. To go a step further, even though it is common, it's not normal. Definitely have that checked, and in addition to slow position changes, make sure you are getting in adequate fluids, since a little dehydration can aggravate that. A little extra salt might also help raise your blood pressure. If you are on any sort of diuretic, your doc will probably want to get you off of them.

[danielledalton 8]

I am 7 weeks out and I get this too sometimes. Thanks for the explanations.

[JeanZ_RN 378]

I'm with the other RNs - orthostatic hypotension. The reason it happens so often during a shower or after a bath is that the warm Water dilates the blood vessels, and gravity causes the blood to pool in the legs, leaving less of it available to the brain.

[Ree 215]

Thanks everyone! I see the NUT tomorrow and I'll bring it up then. I'm not on high blood pressure medications but I am on medication for hypothyroidism, heartburn and asthma.