Feeling dizzy

[jedimasterlincoln]

Since my first 12 hour day at work since ablation (which was last Wednesday), I've been feeling really dizzy.

I thought at first it was because I wasn't drinking enough when at work, so tried my best over the weekend to increase my fluid intake - it hasn't changed anything.

I also thought it might be because I swapped my glasses to my indoor "none-reactions lenses" pair because it was dull and I wasn't going outside anywhere - I swapped back but it persisted.

It seems to be when I bend down, stand up, move my head from side to side a little fast. And even with a lie in I'm still feeling like I can fall asleep at 2/3pm again - just like I was post ablation.

I'm not sure if it's because I'm still on 10mg Bisoprolol, or something else going on. If it carries on towards the end of the week, I'm going to have to try and get in at the GP. It does seem like a blood pressure related issue cos I've had low BP before when unstable. The heart is at an average resting rate of 70s.

Any dizzy posters able to offer some potential advice?

[meadfoot]

I have a cousin taking same dose of bisoprolol as you for his afib and he is constantly dizzy. He is seeing his GP this week to see if he agrees it's the drug. He can sleep for hours too and has to fight to stay awake. It's sounds similar to what you are experiencing. Best wishes.

[Ianp66]

I'm on 2.5 dose since last April when I had that bug then afib bout, they started on 5mg and I had those symptoms, and felt wiped out after Lunch, still the 2.5 makes me a little lethargic but I push through it, moneys on it being bisoprolol from what I've read it's not very well tolerated by many mate and 10mg is a hefty dose I think.

[Dawsonmackay]

I hate to rain on your parade but you CANNOT go to work, four days after an ablation. And expect to work 12 hours! You are not superman. Most reliable EP's say, 2 weeks before going back to work after an ablation. What's wrong with this world of workaholics? AS much as you think of yourself as a workaholic, you're not. You have Afib.

[jedimasterlincoln in reply to Dawsonmackay]

I should clarify, my ablation was in January, my last shift at work was 4 days ago and it's since then I've been having the dizzy spells.

[Dawsonmackay in reply to Dawsonmackay]

Thank you for the clarification; however, you make some good points on too much meds. Are you free of Afib though?

[jedimasterlincoln in reply to Dawsonmackay]

Not had any AF since something like 5 weeks post ablation, I was back at work after 8.... the episode I had in that time was flutter which I was warned I may get due to "unfinished business" in the ablation (my 5th)..... so after 13 weeks I'd like to think I'm stable, so I think it may be time to reduce the meds!

[Dawsonmackay in reply to jedimasterlincoln]

Probably so, now that your heart is much stronger.

[Finvola]

Jedi - could it be something like labyrinthitis? Apart from the tiredness, the symptoms you describe could be caused by viral labyrinthitis or BPPV. Awful misery, hope you can get an answer from your GP.

[jedimasterlincoln]

Not been feeling under the weather apart from this though, apart from habitually tired since my shift and it wasn't anything abnormally busy for the most part. It's been a bad fortnight at home with half term holidays and the other half working nights so i've been in single dad mode for a lot of it.

The bisoprolol dose is also not unusual, I've been on it for months when stable and unstable. I don't remember feeling this "hungover" on it when it was commenced and I'd have ecxpected to build up a tolerance to the symtoms after 5 years not be struggling......

The only thing I can think of is perhaps I'm feeling "well" now... something like 12/13 weeks since ablation that the high dose isn't needed and it's causing me to feel worse cos it's not actually preventing anything so just lowering my HR and blood pressure too much.

[jeanjeannie50]

I reckon it's the Bisoprolol, the amount you take is quite a hefty dose. Why would you need to take that now anyway if your heart is in normal rhythm? I know I would be wanting to reduce it ASAP.

Have you been able to check your pulse and BP when feeling dizzy?

Jean

[jedimasterlincoln in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Only my pulse and that's been the normal 65-70. I'm reducing the dose from today. I was told it was up to me when I stopped it and I wanted to give myself the maximum amount of protection given the fact ablations hasn't been particularly successful for me previously.

In previous instances I've been told to stop it immediately which I wasn't prepared to do .... so I think weaning myself off over the next two months leading up to my follow-up on the 19th of June is probably the way to go ...

however if the dizziness continues despite the weaning I'll obviously have to get it checked out.

The last time I was told to stop it immediately I queried this with my GP and they agreed I should titrate it down adjusting the dose every few weeks until it was at the Bare minimum and then discontinue completely so ill follow that regime again.

I genuinely feel like I've had three or 4 pints every day.

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to jedimasterlincoln]

Three of four pints a day, you have the feeling but not the joy - how unfair is that! Lol.

I'm glad to hear you're going to reduce your Bisoprolol and will be interested to hear how you get on.

[Hidden]

If it isn’t postural hypotension due perhaps to the betablocker, then getting dizzy with head movement might suggest inner ear problems (vestibular) though you are perhaps a little young for that.

[jedimasterlincoln in reply to Hidden]

Yesterday evening I couldn't even shake my head at the dinner table to say no (cos I don't talk with my mouthful) not exactly a violent shake just a sideways nod and I went woozy!

[bushy2016]

Hi..Im in the same boat 4 ablations and now paced and ablated...still have dizzy episodes and can sleep for England

[Hidden]

I was dizzy & exhausted on 1.25mg Bisoprolol. Reducing your dose sounds sensible to me. Take the medics advice & doit gradually though.

Pat x

[Gilli54]

I think the bisoprolol might be the culprit. I have been on 10mg for some time and it caused dizziness and that wipeout feeling. It was one of the reasons, added to stress, that I had to give up my teaching career before I wanted to. (Aged 63 instead of 66) The meds just didn’t allow me to spend the hours prepping and marking as I couldn’t stay awake. Once I was put on 10mg and digoxin after an AFib episode, I had to really push myself to do anything. Now on flecainide and been able to reduce digoxin and then stop and reduce bisoprolol gradually to 5mg. I would advise going to 7.5 and then 5 and so on under medical advice. Not too quick. I feel much better on 5. Hope you feel better soon. Gillian

[jedimasterlincoln in reply to Gilli54]

It's strange because initially when starting it I was dizzy/lightheaded for 20 mins after taking it, but this settled after a month.... and been on it years and never had this before this week!

[Gilli54 in reply to jedimasterlincoln]

I think it’s when your underlying problem is improved. When I needed the meds when I was in AF it was not as bad. But once back in NSR it was really bad. To be honest, I think it can be lots of factors for each individual. Maybe duet, activity level play a part too. It’s tryingvto find what works for you and it’s all a bit trial and error. Hope you feel better soon anyway. G

[Sals100]

I also suffer with a lot with dizziness to the point that i can't really go out anywhere on my own as as soon as i walk around or stand still i start to feel dizzy and sick. I had an ablation done 8 weeks ago and the dizziness is as bad as pre ablation. I have been taking my blood pressure on sitting and standing and on the standing one my BP drops really low. I saw my doctor and she is writing to my consultant asking for an earlier appointment for me. I haven't been able to go back to work since operation. I take lisinopril 10mg twice a day and Amlodipine 5mg once a day as on sitting i have high blood pressure!! It is all very confusing on which dosage is best to take. Have you taken your blood pressure during your dizzy spells? Sorry i can't offer any advice but i hope you get some improvement with reducing your dosage but be careful whilst doing it. Good luck.

[jedimasterlincoln in reply to Sals100]

I'm happy to say I'm not that bad but it must be horrendous for you!

[jedimasterlincoln]

Cut right down on the chocolate cos of my weight gain (down to the ablation and the bisoprolol) and didn't get on with the none-alchoholic stuff years ago so im (caffiene free) tea total

[jedimasterlincoln]

haha not a single dad unless the OH is on nights, generally we try to share responsibility but it's usually on me as the one working part time and no nights!

[jedimasterlincoln]

Not able to until work on Friday but not had any major dizzy feelings for 2 days now

[SRMGrandma Volunteer]

Being back at work just one week post ablation is really pushing it...half days at most at this point, but a 12 hour day! Your heart has just been through major surgery (even though it is called a procedure). Taking care of yourself during the 3-6 month branking (healing) period is as important for long term success as the ablation itself. Rest, my friend. Your body is giving you a message with the dizziness!

[jedimasterlincoln in reply to SRMGrandma]

I should clarify, my ablation was in January, my last shift at work was 7 days ago and it's since then I've been having the dizzy spells

[jedimasterlincoln]

Update for anyone still curious - been just under a week on a reduced Bisoprolol and it seems to have disappeared. Bought a drinks bottle with etches on it to encourage hourly clear fluids between 8-6 which I've been managing to get through - you drink it in the morning then refill at lunch and drink til 6 and in theory you should take on 1.6 litres as well as anything else you drink outside of this.

It's been an advantage as I've not had hardly any lemonade or caffeine "free" tea the last 2 days.

Was at work 12 hours on Friday, and again today, and did a lot of stuff around the house yesterday with no major noticeable dizzy bits apart from maybe the odd bend down and stand up too quick.