Lightheaded bit dizzy, can that go with IBS? - IBS Network

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Lightheaded bit dizzy, can that go with IBS?

Luisa22 profile image
12 Replies

I od'd on lettuce yesterday silly me. So this morning oops. Very loose tummy. No other suspects or culprits I could think of.

A bit of a flare up (for me, but might be mild for people who suffer worse)

I feel generally not too great also. Weary, unfit and lower back aches. And when I tip my head back and my neck bends I go very lightheaded, and a bit dizzy.

This all seems a bit much for just a slight lettuce overdose!

Does anyone else get lightheaded when their guts play up?

I don't think it's low blood glucose because I had something to eat. Not much, 2 slices of toast with butter so far (all I could stomach.) Felt worse after the food but it would have stopped me getting low blood sugar.

Oh plus, I am well hydrated.

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Luisa22 profile image
Luisa22
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12 Replies
Nanabud8 profile image
Nanabud8

Hi Luisa. When i get a flare up this can happen to me as well. Its more lightheadness, like being on a boat. I have anti-nausea tabs which i was given for it and it does help. You could try an otc med from your pharmacy, they will be able to recommend what is suitable. You appear to be well versed on IBS and im sure you have heard of the gut-brain connection. Dr sanjay on utube is very good at explaining this. Sorry i cant be of more help but it is a thing that can happen with a flare up unfortunately. Wish you well x

Luisa22 profile image
Luisa22 in reply to Nanabud8

Oh thanks. I'll find Dr Sanjay on You tube. Yes....I hate flare ups :( Who doesn't ??

xjrs profile image
xjrs

You may have this, Luisa22:

hopkinsmedicine.org/health/...

It is where crystals form in the ears causing dizziness during head movement. They eventually go away on their own, but if the dizziness becomes troublesome, there is medication for it which effectively shuts off the overreaction to a balance issue in the ears until the crystals resolve. The condition can also cause nausea. Ginger drops may help temporarily with the dizziness and nausea (maybe no more than 10 drops at a time in a little water 3 x a day). Please go to the GP, for a diagnosis though. They may put you in a specific position to see if it triggers the dizziness and if it does, you may be diagnosed with this.

Luisa22 profile image
Luisa22 in reply to xjrs

Thank you xjrs. I had heard of BPPV. Mine isn't actually as bad as described but it could be that possibly. I get tingling in my face too for a few seconds sometimes but they don't mention it there. Generally moving my head doesn't cause it, but a bit when the neck is suddenly extended backwards then my face tingles and I feel a bit lightheaded. I don't know how it's related to a bit of a flare up though (loose guts) I'll try and speak to the doctor.

Pollyboo profile image
Pollyboo

Hi Luisa, yes I have experienced the same occasionally, also had fainting. I think it could be a gut brain thing .Keep well hydrated and stick to your safe foods, but I know you always do.

Hope it passes and you feel better soon.

Pollyboo xx

Luisa22 profile image
Luisa22 in reply to Pollyboo

Thanks Pollyboo. I hope you are ok at the mo.?

Luisa22 profile image
Luisa22

Now the lightheaded when I crank my neck has gone. So I don't know what that is/was. Tummy not as bad today. This sounds eccentric but I picked nettle tops from the end of my garden yesterday and steamed them, and had them with plain food, boiled eggs and white rice, and things were a little easier in the bathroom dept. this morning, though still not 100%

Nettle tops are very very nutritious but have to be picked with gloves on and from somewhere unsprayed and clean. They are full of vitamins and minerals and super easy for the digestion.

I also took Tormentil herbal tincture twice yesterday. That helps loose tummies (sometimes.)

Leo70 profile image
Leo70

Maybe it is just a virus you have had and not related to anything you have eaten, though obviously diarrhoea can make one a bit lightheaded.

Luisa22 profile image
Luisa22 in reply to Leo70

Thanks Leo, but I don't think it's a virus as I haven't been with anyone for quite some time and get my groceries delivered. I meet people on walks but always at a bit of a distance in the fresh air , so I don't think so. I sound awful don't I? I just live really remotely. My best friend and I chat on the phone every couple of nights or so, but we haven't visited each other for about 3 weeks. Same with another friend.

Pammy124prms profile image
Pammy124prms in reply to Luisa22

hi luisa my heart goes out to you im living like a recluse as well having a really bad flare up 8 days od D NOW even in the night 3 15 every night, going about 4 times in the morning very regular, very debillitating. i hd to pick up a prescription today and only just made it back.

Luisa22 profile image
Luisa22 in reply to Pammy124prms

Oh you poor thing, Pammy. I empathise very much. It's horrible isn't it? I hope this eases up for you -like NOW! or at least over the next couple of days. Eat (if you can eat at all) the plainest white food. I have found that's my only help at times like that: white fish (or chicken if you like it), rice, white toast, peeled potatoes, plain crackers, stuff like that helps bind the belly a little bit. When it eases up a bit then start with a small amount of "safe" veggies, or whatever suits you.

Luisa22 profile image
Luisa22

I have now figured out what that weird dizzy feeling was about which came and went, and the heart palpitations etc which went with it, and not feeling "quite grounded on this earth". And horrible ominous feelings.

I had a migraine "aura" with splendid silvery zig zag lights. Pretty little thing. So this just reinforces my idea that my IBS is migraine related. Especially as there seems to be nothing wrong with my stools at all, except the D ....and C sometimes.

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