I got up Monday, went to see the very special Dr. McDuffie.* Came home, had breakfast, got to work and about one that afternoon, had a dizzy spell the likes of which I have never had. Never. (Back in the '90s I had some ear/nose/throat tests at Vanderbilt because I was working for a company spread out on several floors of one building, and on occasion I'd get off the elevator intent on taking care of business and … get a little woozy. But nothing ever came of it, although I had a lot of tests, and I've been fine since.)
This spell lasted about three hours, then I felt fine, but by then it was late afternoon and I just took it easy. When the alarm went off the next morning, I was once again dizzy, which once again lasted about three hours … and I've been fine ever since.
Of course, I've asked plenty of questions. Potential TMI, but this is exactly how I work everything out "on paper." This was an interesting (and kinda scary!) list … but a careful read of the article indicates:
1. Postural hypotension: I did feel it when I stood up yesterday, but it was a "normal" stand up. I go from my office to the bathroom several times a day. I haven't yet tried a lying BP test.
2. Circulatory problems: I don't think this is it. I had my biannual with the hematologist early (8am) yesterday morning with full bloodwork (2 tubes!), blood pressure, and so on. All normal. The dizzy came on around 1:30pm.
3. Neurological conditions (MS, stroke, brain tumor): Is a meningioma considered a brain tumor? In 2019 I was diagnosed with one and the neurologist (as G reminded me, since I was too shocked to hear any of this) used the word benign five times and the phrase don't worry several times too.
4. Stress, anxiety, and depression: Well, what do you think? Yes I'm stressed and anxious and angry, day in, day out. But I don't think this is it.
5. Cervical spine problems: I don't think so … but at my age I have all sorts of aches and pains.
6. Migraines: I haven't had headaches since I had hormones.
7. Medications: Nope.
8. Hypoglycemia: I do take diabetic meds, though my numbers are well below the line. I am consistent with my medication; I drink alcohol about once a year, my hydration is good and trust me when I say I am not engaging in excessive exercise.
9. Breathing disorders: Again, I had a complete, deep, detailed workup yesterday. However, that post-COVID comment is interesting. My only post-complaint has been foods I once loved no longer taste good, but maybe?
10. Vestibular dysfunction: If I were a betting woman, I'd bet on ear issues.
I'm still puzzled by the onset of upset/nausea when I start the dizzy feeling (maybe just my body's reaction to the dizzy?). At this moment—two hours into it—I'm feeling somewhat better (altho a little dizzy still); drinking cream abates the nausea. But I am moving slowly to keep the worst of it calm.
*He's a hematologist/oncologist. He replaced the very special Dr. Barton, who had retired, but years before had talked me off a ledge about my likelihood of getting breast cancer just because my sister did.
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