Dizziness: Hi all, I recently spent 5 weeks in... - ICUsteps

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Dizziness

Green08 profile image
14 Replies

Hi all,

I recently spent 5 weeks in hospital. I was initially in for 3 weeks with pneumonia / empyema which needed IV antibiotics & a chest drain. I kept spiking high fevers so needed to change antibiotics a lot. I was then discharged but spiked a temperature again a week later & had dangerously low blood pressure. I ended up on ICU for 6 days for blood pressure support & then a further 10 days on the medical ward. They think I had secondary HLH due to the infection.

I’ve noticed I’m still struggling with dizziness which started during my initial admission. It’s slightly better but when I’m walking outside I feel quite unsteady & I really notice it as a passenger in the car so not driving at the moment which I’m worried about. They’ve said it could be due to deconditioning while in hospital. Has anyone else experienced this & did it get better overtime?

Thank you!

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Green08 profile image
Green08
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14 Replies
Lycrawarrior profile image
Lycrawarrior

Hi, I have nothing like your history. I crashed my cycle (push bike) at speed being a reasonably serious rider. Broken ribs, punctured lung etc meant 5 days in an induced coma while the medics did a brilliant job of sorting me out. In total 3 weeks in hospital. On discharge I had a number of bouts of dizziness, which seemed to pass after about 4 weeks. No issues 5 months on, and back on my bike after 6 weeks. So if my case is anything to go by, it should pass.

Kit10 profile image
Kit10 in reply toLycrawarrior

I once had a cycling accident resulting in a broken leg and 2 operations to fit metalwork. After just a week lying down I felt so dizzy the first time I sat in a chair I thought the world was ending! I went on feeling dizzy when walking (with crutches) for some weeks, but it gradually wore off.

More recently after time in ICU I was dizzy just sitting on the edge of the bed. Again it has worn off.

I'm not a doctor...

but just lying down for a week or two can cause dizziness, that will cure itself with time and activity. However I believe dizziness can have other causes - I think ear infections, drug side effects, probably many more, so if it doesn't pass see a doctor, but my experience suggests it probably will.

Green08 profile image
Green08 in reply toKit10

Thanks so much for your reply! I’m glad it’s got better for you. It does seem to be getting better but will definitely see the doctor if it continues.

Green08 profile image
Green08 in reply toLycrawarrior

Thanks so much for your reply. I’m really glad to hear it passed and you’re back on the bike.

Tedsdad profile image
Tedsdad

Very definitely yes. I think Inwas in for a bit longer than you but it took me a year to get over most of it.This might not help in your circumstances but I am still on daily meds which are basically once a day.I was sure that the cocktail was causing problems. And so I experimented until I found out which to take at evening and which in the morning.

Now the dizziness comes on when I am asleep so I don’t. Notice it.

Green08 profile image
Green08 in reply toTedsdad

Thanks so much for your reply. I’m really glad you don’t notice the dizziness now. I was wondering if it was the side effect of any of the meds I’d been on. Luckily it does seem to be improving!

Sepsur profile image
Sepsur

It can be a sign of sensory nerve damage ( peripheral neuropathy)

Chart of symptoms
Green08 profile image
Green08 in reply toSepsur

Thank you! This is helpful to know.

Isl_living profile image
Isl_living

Hello. I was hospitalised with AARDS and pneumonia and spent some time intubated in the ICU,, followed by 4 weeks in a respiratory ward and also rehab ward. I had that dizziness and really unsteady on my feet all of the time there. I came home about 9 months ago and still affected by the unsteadiness. I use a walking stick whenever I go outside. I am able to drive though - it’s only when I’m on my feet that I’m unsteady. I hope you get better, but as you’re likely reading, it can take time to do so. Best wishes, Kim.

Green08 profile image
Green08 in reply toIsl_living

Thank you for replying. That’s actually a better way to describe how I’ve been feeling. Sorry to hear you’re still feeling unsteady - I hope it improves for you.

FamilyHistorian profile image
FamilyHistorian

Sorry to have taken awhile to reply., I’m not a medical person but this sounds like neuropathy. I was in a coma for some time and it can take some time for the nerves in the legs to recover. I wouldn’t describe it as dizziness but terrible balance issues so I need my sticks. I am fine driving.

Green08 profile image
Green08 in reply toFamilyHistorian

Thank you for you reply. I think that definitely describes some of it. The dizziness has gone now & luckily I can drive again, but still experience some balance / co-ordination issues at times.

Lifeafterthat profile image
Lifeafterthat

I suffered with de conditioning so bad. It was absolutely terrible. After I was in a coma for a week the struggle only got so real after I got discharged from the ICU.

Green08 profile image
Green08 in reply toLifeafterthat

Sorry to hear that. Hope you’re feeling ok now.

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