The Dizziness Group: For those who are floating, boating, falling or flying

[[La...]]

Okay, so I've just read the NYTimes article, and the author certainly corroborates what I've seen in many of the studies, i.e. the difficulty in getting a proper diagnosis, the over-emphasis on a possible psychological reason for dizziness when the tests come back "normal", the medications that don't actually address dizziness and that could even cause it, etc. I also noticed that he used a couple of "middle-aged" or "older" women as examples, which made me think of a possible hormonal connection to their dizziness, as per the most recent study I posted. Thank goodness the research continues. We need more answers.

 

Thanks again for posting this article, NYCWaverider. I wouldn't have been able to read it otherwise.

[[Ne...]]

Thx NYC Waverider! ❤️ Im experiencing terrible dizziness. Not sure if it’s from my electrolyte imbalance, my thyroid or my estrogen/progesterone. It’s really been contributing to my anxiety lately.

Im so glad I found this thread so I can help reassure myself. I keep praying that we’re all on the way to getting past all these symptoms and enjoying life!

❤️❤️

New Girl

[[La...]]

Thx NYC Waverider! ❤️ Im experiencing terrible dizziness. Not sure if it’s from my electrolyte imbalance, my thyroid or my estrogen/progesterone. It’s really been contributing to my anxiety lately.

Im so glad I found this thread so I can help reassure myself. I keep praying that we’re all on the way to getting past all these symptoms and enjoying life!

❤️❤️

New Girl

 

Hi New Girl,

Have you had a blood test recently? All of those things can be checked via the blood. If any of them are low or high, your doctor could help you take appropriate steps to normalize them.

[[NY...]]

Thx NYC Waverider! ❤️ Im experiencing terrible dizziness. Not sure if it’s from my electrolyte imbalance, my thyroid or my estrogen/progesterone. It’s really been contributing to my anxiety lately.

Im so glad I found this thread so I can help reassure myself. I keep praying that we’re all on the way to getting past all these symptoms and enjoying life!

❤️❤️

New Girl

 

Sorry to hear it, NG :'(

 

I had a bout of it during my last wave, and it's so debilitating.  It vanished in the blink of an eye after hanging around for a few weeks.  I hope the same for you.

 

I think Lapis' suggestion is a good one, so you don't have to worry/wonder.  I actually should get my hormones checked as well.  I've been in denial, but I'm clearly perimenopausal.  I'm terrified of taking hormones (well, terrified of all medication), but I will consider it if it helps with quality of life.  I'm still unsure (as you are), what symptoms are from protracted w/d stuff, and what's from hormonal issues . 

 

BIG hugs,

WR

[[La...]]

Thx NYC Waverider! ❤️ Im experiencing terrible dizziness. Not sure if it’s from my electrolyte imbalance, my thyroid or my estrogen/progesterone. It’s really been contributing to my anxiety lately.

Im so glad I found this thread so I can help reassure myself. I keep praying that we’re all on the way to getting past all these symptoms and enjoying life!

❤️❤️

New Girl

 

Sorry to hear it, NG :'(

 

I had a bout of it during my last wave, and it's so debilitating.  It vanished in the blink of an eye after hanging around for a few weeks.  I hope the same for you.

 

I think Lapis' suggestion is a good one, so you don't have to worry/wonder.  I actually should get my hormones checked as well.  I've been in denial, but I'm clearly perimenopausal.  I'm terrified of taking hormones (well, terrified of all medication), but I will consider it if it helps with quality of life.  I'm still unsure (as you are), what symptoms are from protracted w/d stuff, and what's from hormonal issues . 

 

BIG hugs,

WR

 

Yes, I had mine checked, and they're low (but everything else on the test was normal). I'm in perimenopause too, so this literature that connects balance issues with perimenopausal and menopausal hormone changes is of particular interest to me. It's definitely worth doing the blood test just to see where things are at.

[[NY...]]

Thx NYC Waverider! ❤️ Im experiencing terrible dizziness. Not sure if it’s from my electrolyte imbalance, my thyroid or my estrogen/progesterone. It’s really been contributing to my anxiety lately.

Im so glad I found this thread so I can help reassure myself. I keep praying that we’re all on the way to getting past all these symptoms and enjoying life!

❤️❤️

New Girl

 

Sorry to hear it, NG :'(

 

I had a bout of it during my last wave, and it's so debilitating.  It vanished in the blink of an eye after hanging around for a few weeks.  I hope the same for you.

 

I think Lapis' suggestion is a good one, so you don't have to worry/wonder.  I actually should get my hormones checked as well.  I've been in denial, but I'm clearly perimenopausal.  I'm terrified of taking hormones (well, terrified of all medication), but I will consider it if it helps with quality of life.  I'm still unsure (as you are), what symptoms are from protracted w/d stuff, and what's from hormonal issues . 

 

BIG hugs,

WR

 

Yes, I had mine checked, and they're low (but everything else on the test was normal). I'm in perimenopause too, so this literature that connects balance issues with perimenopausal and menopausal hormone changes is of particular interest to me. It's definitely worth doing the blood test just to see where things are at.

 

Good morning, Lapis.  Did you get your test w/your primary care doc, or did you need to see a specialist?  I just had a full physical, and unfortunately she didn't mention it.  I'm 46, and this past year my cycle has been really irregular, hot flashes at night, 24/7 PMS-y feelings, etc.  Maybe we should start a menopause group here on BB. Being protracted, and dealing with this simultaneously is certainly a challenge. 

 

 

[[La...]]

Thx NYC Waverider! ❤️ Im experiencing terrible dizziness. Not sure if it’s from my electrolyte imbalance, my thyroid or my estrogen/progesterone. It’s really been contributing to my anxiety lately.

Im so glad I found this thread so I can help reassure myself. I keep praying that we’re all on the way to getting past all these symptoms and enjoying life!

❤️❤️

New Girl

 

Sorry to hear it, NG :'(

 

I had a bout of it during my last wave, and it's so debilitating.  It vanished in the blink of an eye after hanging around for a few weeks.  I hope the same for you.

 

I think Lapis' suggestion is a good one, so you don't have to worry/wonder.  I actually should get my hormones checked as well.  I've been in denial, but I'm clearly perimenopausal.  I'm terrified of taking hormones (well, terrified of all medication), but I will consider it if it helps with quality of life.  I'm still unsure (as you are), what symptoms are from protracted w/d stuff, and what's from hormonal issues . 

 

BIG hugs,

WR

 

Yes, I had mine checked, and they're low (but everything else on the test was normal). I'm in perimenopause too, so this literature that connects balance issues with perimenopausal and menopausal hormone changes is of particular interest to me. It's definitely worth doing the blood test just to see where things are at.

 

Good morning, Lapis.  Did you get your test w/your primary care doc, or did you need to see a specialist?  I just had a full physical, and unfortunately she didn't mention it.  I'm 46, and this past year my cycle has been really irregular, hot flashes at night, 24/7 PMS-y feelings, etc.  Maybe we should start a menopause group here on BB. Being protracted, and dealing with this simultaneously is certainly a challenge.

 

Hi NYCWaverider,

It was my family doctor (which, I think, is the same as "primary care doctor" for you) who ordered the blood test, but I had been quite vocal about what I wanted. I had quite a few things checked, including complete blood count (CBC), electrolytes, estrogen, progesterone, C-Reactive Protein (for inflammation), etc. I've had my hormone levels checked before (including FSH and LH), just to see where things were at, because the blood test is really only a snapshot, and I wanted to be able to compare things over time. Perimenopause lasts a number of years -- four to eight, or even more, depending on which information source you look at. It can happen anytime between your early 40s and your late 50s, so the changes take place over a period of time. During perimenopause, the hormonal levels can fluctuate a lot, and you can experience all kinds of symptoms, including the ones you've mentioned.

 

I've done lots of online researches and read a couple of books on this topic (still have a couple more on my list!), and I've certainly come across lots of mentions of dizziness during perimenopause. One woman, Amanda Thebe (whose book is called "Menopocalypse") mentioned in a video on this topic that dizziness was her first perimenopausal symptom, and she was in her early 40s. It took a couple of years for her to get the answers and to find out that it was perimenopause that was at the root of what she was experiencing.

 

Everyone has a unique situation, so it's best to talk to your doctor about it. Maybe she's knowledgeable about perimenopause and menopause, or maybe you need to see a specialist in order to get your questions answered. In the meantime, there are soooooo many online resources on this topic, and of course, books. Talk to your mom and/or your aunts or any women you know who have already gone through it, since they might be able to share what they experienced. My doctor said that, for years (he's in his 60s, so he's been at this for a long time), most women went on HRT, but then things changed (not necessarily for the right reasons). Now the pendulum is swinging back. HRT comes in so many forms, so it's not all about pills. It can be patches or gels too.

 

Anyway, suffice to say, it's a huge topic, and well worth exploring. I'm pretty sure there's a BB support group on it, but I'm going to stick to my own research for now. I've got more books and videos that I want to check out.

[[NY...]]

Thanks so much, Lapis.  Blood tests seem like a good place for me to start.  My Mom and sister both had their last periods at 50-51.  They were both Rxed hormones a couple of years prior, and said all symptoms vanished.  I think no matter what, I'll wait to evaluate hormone replacement options until I'm recovered a bit more from w/d. 

 

My symptom pattern for w/d thankfully gives me some insight into what may be w/d symptoms, and what may be from an underlying issue, as I get a cluster of symptoms that come and go like a switch.

 

Okay, I'll stop taking this thread over with menopause chatter now 

 

WR

[[La...]]

Hi NYCWaverider,

Sounds good! I'm really glad you can talk to your family members about this, since it sounds like they had good experiences with HRT. From what I've learned, it can be extremely helpful in settling down symptoms, but also in terms of long-term health, e.g. bone health, cognitive issues (yes, even Alzheimers), heart disease, etc. I hadn't known about those things before.

 

Anyway, in terms of dizziness, this most recent study that connects "vestibular migraine" with low hormone levels reflects the fact that there's both interest in the topic and research going on. I know a couple of other women around my age (mid-50s) who have experienced dizziness during perimenopause, and that just adds to my curiosity about the possible link between balance issues and hormones.

 

The medications I took (both benzos and antidepressants) are both known for causing dizziness too, so in my case, at least, there may be multiple things going on. Suffice to say, I'll continue to delve into these topics and share info that may be of interest to others around here.

 

 

[[La...]]

I just came across another study that I wanted to share here. It's the first I've seen on the topic of musculoskeletal pain associated with long-term dizziness. Very interesting! It's good that someone is actually studying it.

 

I'm guessing I might not be the only one with intense pain due to constantly trying not to fall. Muscles (e.g. legs and feet) tense up as a result of that, and if the dizziness goes on (and on and on....), then those muscles can be in a state of constant tension. Not good. Not comfortable. Not functional.

 

Anyway, here's the study:

 

"Association between musculoskeletal function and postural balance in patients with long-lasting dizziness. A cross-sectional study"

 

 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34036699/ 

 

Abstract

 

Background and purpose: Reduced balance and musculoskeletal pain are frequently reported among patients with long-lasting dizziness. However, the association between musculoskeletal function and postural sway among these patients has not been examined. The objective of this study was to examine if there is an association between aspects of musculoskeletal function and postural balance in patients with long-lasting dizziness.

 

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, using data of 105 outpatients with long-lasting dizziness. Aspects of musculoskeletal function was assessed by examining body flexibility, grip strength, preferred and fast walking speed, in addition to musculoskeletal pain. Musculoskeletal pain was evaluated using the Subjective Health Complaints questionnaire. Postural balance was assessed by path length of postural sway by using a balance platform on both firm and soft surfaces, with eyes open and closed. The association between musculoskeletal function and postural sway was assessed using linear regression analyses.

 

Results: When adjusting for age and gender we found that on a firm surface, there was an association between increased musculoskeletal pain and increased postural sway measured with eyes open (p = 0.038). In addition, there was an association between decreased body flexibility and decreased postural sway with eyes open (p = 0.025). On a soft surface, decreased fast walking speed was associated with increased postural sway with eyes open (p = 0.027). In addition, decreased grip strength was associated with increased postural sway on a soft surface with eyes closed (p = 0.015).

 

Discussion: The findings from this study imply that musculoskeletal function may associate with postural sway in patients with long-lasting dizziness, although the associations were weak.

 

 

 

 

[[Je...]]

Hi there Lapis and others,

I've been dizziness-free for two weeks! 

Turns out it was my glasses which were overcompensating - for the accomodation trouble I had in May but no longer have!

I had to put on my old glasses for several days in a row in order to understand, because just switching to them or even wearing them for an entire day would make no difference.

[[La...]]

Hi Jelonek,

That's fantastic news! I'm so pleased you've sorted that out. 

 

Vision plays a huge role in balance, since it's one of the three factors involved (vision, vestibular system, proprioception). When I first became dizzy, I had numerous vision checks, including those by an optometrist, opthalmologist and neuro-opthalmologist. I really encourage everyone who's dizzy to ensure that they've had the appropriate vision check-ups to make sure that things are A-OK on that front.

[[La...]]

Jelonek that’s great news! I must say I’m a bit jealous Lol

I’m still boaty in varying degrees throughout the day and night. I’m waiting on it to go for good. That would be awesome!

My pulling sensation is better ( not as intense). I’ve been ready for that to leave. If it wasn’t for those two symptoms I’d be doing quite well. My other few symptoms are just little annoying. They pop in and out for short periods.

[[La...]]

Lapis I made it today to my new apartment! Hopper sure did help me to calm my fears and go for it! I’m so grateful for that.

After I arrived I was more boaty and vibrating a bit but it was bearable. I hope you had something good happen to you today too

[[La...]]

Good for you, LadyDen! I'm glad you conquered that one. 

[[Ho...]]

Glad it all worked out OK LadyDen!  Or as good as can be expected. 😊

[[He...]]

I’m so glad I found you guys, I’m a little more than halfway through my taper. I originally took 4mg of lorazepam for 2 months. Then started tapering, currently at 1.75mg and this taper has really messed me up. Uptick in morning anxiety and today I got so dizzy and nauseous I had to sit down. I’m really scared but seeing that other people have gone through this makes me feel not so alone. Definitely need to hold this taper for longer which I didn’t want to do/:

[[La...]]

I’m so glad I found you guys, I’m a little more than halfway through my taper. I originally took 4mg of lorazepam for 2 months. Then started tapering, currently at 1.75mg and this taper has really messed me up. Uptick in morning anxiety and today I got so dizzy and nauseous I had to sit down. I’m really scared but seeing that other people have gone through this makes me feel not so alone. Definitely need to hold this taper for longer which I didn’t want to do/:

 

Hi HealthFighter,

I'm certainly no expert in tapers, but you might want to get a bit more info on it in the BB section where people are discussing those things. I just followed the Ashton Manual, which suggested cuts every two weeks, as well as a switchover to diazepam. Lorazepam is a shorter-acting benzo, so that could affect your taper. Do you have any medical support during this taper? If so, did they suggest that schedule of decreases? It seems fast to me, but I haven't thought about tapers much since I finishing my own. I know there are different ways of doing it that I hadn't known about or considered.

 

Dizziness is a really common side effect of taking benzos, as well as a common withdrawal and post-withdrawal effect. People do need to be careful, since there's obviously a risk of falling. Even if you go more slowly with your taper, you can still experience dizziness. It's all part of the mix of possible symptoms that accompany withdrawal from benzodiazepines.

 

Maybe others around here can weigh in on tapers.....

[[La...]]

Glad it all worked out OK LadyDen!  Or as good as can be expected. 😊

Hopper I just can't thank you enough for helping me to get there!!!! So far I'm doing ok. I've adjusted well. I had some uptick of boatiness for a short few hours after I arrived plus felt like I was still moving/ mild vibrating for a short while. Other than that it's been my usual waves and windows pattern. I'm praying you're doing well today.

Love and hugs!

[[La...]]

I’m so glad I found you guys, I’m a little more than halfway through my taper. I originally took 4mg of lorazepam for 2 months. Then started tapering, currently at 1.75mg and this taper has really messed me up. Uptick in morning anxiety and today I got so dizzy and nauseous I had to sit down. I’m really scared but seeing that other people have gone through this makes me feel not so alone. Definitely need to hold this taper for longer which I didn’t want to do/:

Hello Health! I agree with Lapis that dizzy, unbalanced, and other vestibular issues are very common. Please be careful when you're moving around. Hope you feel better soon. Take one day at a time. Don't let it scare you. You must go through it to heal it. Take care. 

[[La...]]

If you're checking back in here, HealthFighter, I just read this Success Story, and the person did a slow, daily taper using Xanax and seems to be doing very well three months after finishing the last bit. And that's after 25 years of use. Like Lorazepam (aka Ativan), Xanax is also a short-acting benzo, which is why I thought you might be interested in reading this story. Have a look here:

 

http://www.benzobuddies.org/forum/index.php?topic=259411.0 

 

 

[[He...]]

Hi! Thank you, this gives me hope. I’m only 5 weeks into my taper so maybe I should take it slower. I think the medication itself (WD or not) makes you more prone to get dizzy so I just have to be careful and not over do it. It’s just a very unpleasant feeling because when I get dizzy I get nausea that can last a couple of hours. I’m 24 and have never been a person who got dizzy before but I’ll have to adjust, thankfully I only had that one episode and I’m being careful moving forward

[[La...]]

Hi! Thank you, this gives me hope. I’m only 5 weeks into my taper so maybe I should take it slower. I think the medication itself (WD or not) makes you more prone to get dizzy so I just have to be careful and not over do it. It’s just a very unpleasant feeling because when I get dizzy I get nausea that can last a couple of hours. I’m 24 and have never been a person who got dizzy before but I’ll have to adjust, thankfully I only had that one episode and I’m being careful moving forward

 

Absolutely. Dizziness is one of the top side effects listed for all benzodiazepines. People have falls, fractures and motor vehicle accidents at increased rates when taking them.  They're not meant to be taken when someone is going to be driving or operating machinery. It's in all the medical literature, and the studies on that topic are numerous.

 

Anyway, yes, please be careful.

[[La...]]

Hugs Lapis and everyone. Hoping your dizziness and boatiness is better each day. Still unpacking in my new place, getting settled, etc wanted to say quick hello. 

[[Ka...]]

Hi healthfighter,

 

I used Ativan 1mg for only 5 weeks daily, then tapered 4 weeks, jumped from 0.125 on Jan 1, 2021.

 

I thought 1mg was a small dose, however the doctors said it wasn’t, that’s why they recommended tapering. You are tapering from 4mg, which is considered a high dose, just be careful to take it slowly, and also about your activities when u r dizzy.

 

I am 8 months post jump and still get lightheaded and boaty and anxious few times per week…

 

Isn’t it sad that u only took the medicine for 2 months, however because of the high dosage, u need to taper longer than the time u were on?

 

Wish u a fast healing,

Karla