Dizzy!

[CrohnsCrony]

The summer heat and humidity has left me dehyrated and my blood pressure low enough to be constantly dizzy. When it is really bad, I am too dizzy to drive. My specialist says it's not his problem and I don't really want to see my physician for yet another pill. How do you stay hydrated? How do you keep your blood pressure at a healthy level?

 

[Jennifer]

Usually sports drinks with electrolytes are made for athletes since they are constantly sweating but with cases where people simply don't absorb liquids and nutrients well they can also be beneficial. So its something to try for now.

One thing that would also be a good idea if your specialist is willing or a regular doctor is to have blood work done and check all of your vitamin levels like B12, Iron, Vit D, A, C, Calcium, D, folic acid, potassium etc. to make sure you aren't low in any of them and if you are then you can try supplementing them then have it tested again (maybe a month or more later) to see if the supplements are working. Even if you aren't deficient you can still feel the affects of a deficiency if you are low. Normal range is best. Being low or deficient can make you feel dizzy, tired, faint along with a plethora of other undesirable symptoms.

While you're seeing your regular doctor you can have them run tests to see if there's any other underlying cause for the low blood pressure in case it isn't just the heat and humidity. For me I have heart problems and I tend to have a lower blood pressure and do take a beta blocker to keep it from dropping too low. Hopefully its just a hydration issue though. Do your best and keep us posted.

 

[beenthere]

Pediolite(spelling). A couple of liters. Grapes not too bad. Safe enough for a babies-safe for me.

 

[Rebecca85]

Eating a moderate amount of salt can help increase blood pressure (I think the health agencies say no more than 5g of salt a day, so aim for 5g). If you're feeling dizzy, then eat a salty snack and wash it down with a drink. But I agree, you need testing to check for any underlying problems.

 

[CrohnsCrony]

Thank you for all the advice and support My doctor gave me a hydration solution to drink daily: 4 cups water, 3 Tbsp sugar, 1/2 t salt, 1/2 t baking soda. It seems to be helpful, but just not enough when it is hot and humid. I am new here and I can keep you all posted if you can tell me how to return to this post in the future ;-)

 

[Trysha]

I also find slices of watermelon very helpful in addition to carrying water.
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Hugs and best wishes
Trysha

 

[hlmurray99]

I was told to make sure to increase your salt intake while increasing fluid intake. Gatorade seems to be easy for me to get down when I can't drink water anymore. I've also read really good stuff about drinking coconut water but can't say I've had a ton of experience with it.

 

[Grumbletum]

Coconut water is great I lived in Sri Lanka for 3 years, and it's so good for hydration, they give it to hospital patients. It's the smooth skinned coconuts, not the milk from the hairy ones!! ( Shouldn't say this really, but it's very good for hangovers ........)

 

[CrohnsCrony]

I very much agree, my specialist should have tested for vitamin deficiencies as he ordered so many blood draws as it was. As I mentioned before, he actually had the nerve to say to me out loud that ITS NOT HIS PROBLEM! He and I don't get along very well, but he is supposed to be one of the most knowledgeable in my local area. I drink a boost protein shake every morning and a multi-vitamin every night, but I wonder how much I am really absorbing. It is cold and rainy today and I don't feel quite as dizzy today, who knows?!

I have tried sports drinks, my hydration solution, water, and am happy to say that I can eat fresh fruit these days without any problems. Now that I am off the prednizone, I have added salt back to my diet, but I haven't been keeping track of how much, good idea. I will look for pedialite, if it is good for babies... what a wonderful thought! I have been hearing good things about coconut water myself, but haven't seen it at the store, but I will keep looking.

Thanks again for all the advice, it is comforting to know I am not alone in this discomfort!

 

[Trysha]

In my opinion your specialist is failing in his duty to ignore any of your symptoms.
Very arrogant to say it is not his problem!
You may have been reacting to the heat but he should have checked out other possible causes and especially your electrolyte status.
Perhaps you should take a look around for another more caring and competent GI.
It is very important for you to be able to relate comfortably with your specialist.
Feel better soon
Hugs
Trysha

 

[Jennifer]

Indeed. No harm in GI shopping.

Even if you were feeling alright today you may not the next or another day and if you aren't comfortable with your specialist then just have your general practitioner do the blood work for your vitamins and all that. Get a copy of it when you get the results and hand them to your GI next time you see him so he can have it on file.

For me I hardly absorb my multivitamin and have to take 650mg of Iron (will be doing blood work soon to see it that's doing anything or if I need more or should try infusions), vit D drops (trying out 5,000 IU daily since mine was pretty low) and have to get a B12 shot every other month. Everyone is different so please try to get that blood work done so you can know for sure.

 

[Trevor]

Another huge vote for coconut water. That stuff is fantastic.

 

[CrohnsCrony]

I hear that my GI is one of the most knowledgeable in my local area, but he is a total jerk jerk jerk!!! My treatment seems to rely on his mood for the day.
I saw the nurse practioner as my new physician was on vacation and she thinks I am drinking so much water, I am making myself dehydrated. Blood tests show that all my levels are good, but my blood pressure drops when I stand up. I saw the physical therapist today and I did not test positive for vertigo, so I will see her again thursday for more tests. She thinks that I could be having a problem with my eyes or heart. Frustrating!!! I am too young to be having all these medical problems all at once!??!

 

[Jennifer]

Maybe the cardiologist will help shed some light. I get dizzy spells and I'm told its heart related. I have PVCs and Tachycardia. The med sort of helps but I still have some dizzy spells and palpitations. I was diagnosed with those when I was around 26 or so (I'm 30 now). Unfortunately everything doctors thought were old people illnesses affect more and more young people.