Orthostatic hypotension is kicking my Butt!

[Elode 8,093]

@ I always comment before reading! I have to type while its fresh on my mind! Read later lol!!

[Elode 8,093]

@@KarenLoh That's what I worry about too because most days I'm home alone while the kids are at school and hubs is working. I have a feeling my little Jack Russell wouldn't be too helpful!

[Blue1213 122]

This has started happening to me and I'm almost 6 months post op. I figured it was due to low blood pressure. It is very annoying. I also had it happen years ago when I lost a bunch of weight and the doc wasn't concerned then. Howard Stern has talked on the air about how because he's so tall and has low blood pressure he has dizzy spells when standing up.

[Bndtoslv 292]

I know this can happen and boy is it happening. I'd say 80% of the time when I stand up my BP drops and I get light headed. I haven't passed out....yet but my vision has gone pretty dark. I'm just wondering how many others have had this as a side effect. It didn't start until around the 8th month post op. I'm 10 months now. It's annoying but I see my surgeon on the 17th so we will have to figure something out. I drink plenty and I eat fine. Anyone else dealing with this madness? I have to remind myself to get up slooooow.

This happened to me when I got near my goal weight. It went away with a few months of maintaining. Just be careful if you take a bath!

[jaxmom1974 53]

Same problem here! My Dr. said it's my body adjusting to the weight loss and subsequent drop in blood pressure. I was never on BP meds before surgery but was on the higher end of normal. Now, my BP is on the lower end of normal. I guess we really underestimate the power of the body to recalibrate after such a huge change. I'm only 3 months out post op and have only lost 50#. Hopefully the orthostatic hypotension will end soon!

[VSGAnn2014 12,992]

Elode, I know someone who died last week after falling and hitting his head on a table.

Boom!

Dead!

The potential of fainting / falling isn't a minor annoyance and shouldn't be ignored. But you're a nurse and already know that.

[Elode 8,093]

Thanks guys. I drank a bunch of Water yesterday and I didn't get dizzy. Maybe I am dehydrated between work and school I haven't spent enough time focusing on water. I got into a coffee trap!

[Babbs 14,680]

@@Elode

I have had it from about 4 months out off and on. I do notice it's worse on the days I don't drink enough fluids or eat less calories, so I try to be mindful of that.

[Nomorethickchick 13]

@@Elode that would suck to have to go ON blood pressure medication when you didn't have to before the surgery. I hope it resolves for you.

[Mandyctr 75]

The article mentions Iron and that's what I was thinking (outside hydration). I would get lightheaded all the time when my iron was low and my daughter actually passed out several times after getting up when she was anemic and she's totally fit. When did you last have blood drawn?

[Tootsietoes 84]

I have it intermittently, I go from lying down to twitching on the floor. My doc is nt concerned about it. I did some research on it, and the science behind it is quite patchy. It tends to happen in women much much more...

[zackly 13]

I've been experiencing this too but for me it's not low blood pressure. I have a home monitor. Nor is it low blood sugar. I spoke to my surgeons PA today and she said to check with my cardiologist when I see him @ the end of the month. I'd like to get a handle on this.

[Elode 8,093]

@@Babbs I'm making a conscious effort to stay hydrated. I get too busy and forget at times and for some reason coffee just fast better than water....it's a vicious cycle!

@@Nomorethickchick Tell me about it! I don't take any medications and I really don't want to start now.

[Elode 8,093]

My mother (a PICU RN) is making me drink 3 cups of Water after every cup of coffee.....coffee doesn't taste as good now, too much work!

[Elode 8,093]

@@Mandyctr I had my labs drawn about 3 months ago and all was wonderful. I will have him send orders down to draw it all again next week. Iron is one of those Vitamins that make me sick.

@@Tootsietoes Twitching as in before you pass out?