3wks post-op...now major dizziness

This one has me baffled. At about 3wks post-op I started noticing the room spinning when I would change positions. (no longer on pain meds). At 4wks post-op, I went to the mall after a dr visit, felt so dizzy while walking that I went back to the car. I drove a few miles, while calling my clinic, (said they couldn't get me in that day). It got so bad while driving, that I pulled into the nearest ER (happened to be where I had my surgery).
After several tests, (head CT etc) they found nothing wrong, but put me on meclazine, and valium. (DH and friends came and picked me up). The dr said I may have had a virus that led to a middle ear problem...but I haven't been sick!
When the meds wear off, I'm still dizzy. Anyone else have this problem after surgery? I'd love to hear any ideas you gals may have. I can't even roll over in bed without the room taking a twirl!
Help!!! LL

I've had vertigo a number of times over the years and it sounds the way you describe (room spinning especially when changing positions). Sometimes it would be after having cold so I could understand it had to do with a virus messing up the inner ear. Other times I had no cold or congestion, so I don't know where it came from. It would usually subside within a few hours or a day or two at most.

I haven't had this problem in years but I know it could come back anytime I get a virus that goes to my middle ears. When I get it, I can do nothing but stay in bed. Even walking to the bathroom is hard because I'm so dizzy that I have to hold onto the wall to keep from falling over. Nausea comes with it, too--very unpleasant.

I'm not sure in your case what is happening--could be from withdrawing from medicines or from a virus. The good news is that it will most likely be temporary, although that's not much comfort while you're going through it. I hope it goes away soon!

This is so strange!
That's just what happened to me yesterday, but today it has gone.
I described it as being like when you have a middle ear infection!

I decided it was caused by either -
- withdrawal from Tramadol
- having an infection somewhere, or
- doing too much and needing to rest more.

So last night I took a Tramadol, today I've rested more, and I still feel weak, but much better.

Miz

i havent had an exact dizzy spell but since the op it feels like ive got something vibrating at the back of my head, i mentioned it to my nurse at 1 week post op when i had my stiches out and she said it was the affect of the anesthetic, im going to mention it again at my post op exam next week.

I will be 4 weeks post op tomorrow, TAH. I am going through the same thing!!!! It just started last week. It happens sometimes when I stand up but also when I'm just sitting down! I thought it was just me! I haven't been sick at all! And other than motrin once in a while, not every day, I don't take anything. If you ever find out what it is, let me know! I'll be going to the dr on the 11th for my post op, so I'll ask my dr and see what he says. I'll let you know! Glad I'm not the only one!

I'm having the same thing as well, though not as severe. I'm TAH, 2 weeks post op. Yesterday everything went spinning while I was just sitting in bed reading! I'm not taking any medications except an antibiotic I started late last night, and the dizziness was before then. I'm wondering if It's just weakness from the sugery, and possibly a sign that we're overdoing it.

Please be careful! Don't drive if you feel even slightly dizzy, don't even walk around. I'm sure it will pass, but for now you need to rest and stay put!

Tracy

	Quote:
Originally Posted by StartingOverGal I'm having the same thing as well, though not as severe. I'm TAH, 2 weeks post op. Yesterday everything went spinning while I was just sitting in bed reading! I'm not taking any medications except an antibiotic I started late last night, and the dizziness was before then. I'm wondering if It's just weakness from the sugery, and possibly a sign that we're overdoing it. Please be careful! Don't drive if you feel even slightly dizzy, don't even walk around. I'm sure it will pass, but for now you need to rest and stay put! Tracy

Into week 3 with a vengeance, and the dizziness is happening to me, too--about once or twice a day, and but to scare me into not driving until I talk with my doctor. I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one.

Could be anything from an inner ear infection to withdrawal symptoms of pain meds/anesthesia.
Inner ear disturbances dont always/necessarily cause other symptoms; dizziness could be the only noticeable symptom.


diana

Do call your primary care dr.

I will say that I suffered from dizziness for a couple of reasons after my hyst, blood pressure and low sugar. I was not eating well so my sugar levels were very low and would cause dizziness. I was under the care of my gyn, primary care, cardiologist, and a neurologist.

Dizziness should not be taken lightly, especially if it is hitting you all sudden. I was not allowed to be left without adult supervision, I could not drive, could not exercise, was not to stand up quickly, a whole list of things.

So please, be careful and see your dr. Do not stop or start any meds without talking to your dr as well.

Best wishes! It is not fun, I know!

I had the exact same thing at 3 weeks post-op. I was never on any pain meds so it wasn't attributed to that. It was very similar to an inner ear infection even though I felt fine. You can pick up a virus (especially after surgery when your immune system is compromised) that can affect your inner ear without showing any outward signs of being sick. They usually last about the same length of time as a cold. Mine went away completely last week (7 day mark).