Light-headedness? Any ideas?

Ever since I got out of the hospital after the wound infection I've been horribly light-headed when I stand up or walk! I didn't do much but lay in the bed at the hospital for the first 2 weeks because I just plain didn't feel good enough to do anything else. (Also the Vac-U-Suck weighed a freakin' TON and I couldn't carry it around...) But the last week I walked every night, several trips, and I don't remember this dizziness... It's awful, I can't walk without a cane, and I'm seriously considering going to a walker, since I can and have fallen down. I'm doing all sorts of exercises to strengthen my legs, but that isn't the problem -- it's the dizziness when I stand up! I'm fine sitting down, and driving isn't a problem. I've been walking as much as I can, but it doesn't seem to be getting better. I've asked Dr. Freeman about it, and he says to make sure I'm drinking all my water, a minimum of 64 oz a day. Now I'll admit I got lazy in the hospital in that regard, with IV fluids always running in so I never really felt thirsty. And now I'm home I was doing good to get 32 to 48 oz in. But since I told Dr. F about the lightheadedness I've been really pushing the fluids (popsicles, iced tea, Crystal Light yuck) and have gotten 64 oz for two days now, but the dizziness is still there just as strong as ever. Am I impatient? Will it take longer for it to resolve? Is there something else I should ask about? Any ideas? Lorri 333/275/165 ~60 lbs gone forever

Lorri, what about protein drinks? What are you allowed to have on your diet, right now? If you are now allowed the thicker liquids, I would pump in those protein shakes, and that will count as your liquid intake as well. I believe this will help you to regain your strength. Be sure to ask your doctor about the weakness and dizziness, and how to overcome it. The walker sounds good...that's what I used in the hospital up until the day before I went home as I didn't trust my wobbly legs to get around. Please let us know how you are doing, ok? Yes, you may be just a little impatient,...I mean, LOOK AT WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN THROUGH! You have had quite a battle on your hands, and it is going to take a while for your body to snap back. Your anxiousness is quite understanding, though, as now you are feeling your recovery beginning and are wanting to get on with your life. Sounds like your mind is moving faster than your body You are going to be just fine, I know it! God bless you! Pat

Lorri, When I got dehydrated I got severly dizzy. I was drinking 40-48 oz of fluid a day and still got dehydrated. I'd say drink, drink, drink and make sure you are getting some nutrition also....carbs included. Make sure you are also doing your vitamins. I'm sure being bedridden for two weeks could also play a role in that. I hope this issue resolves itself quickly. Monitor it closely and stay intouch with your Dr. Hugs, Tonya

Lorri, It may be your iron levels. Since you were in the hospital for an infection, you're iron levels may be low (like during a period). If you don't already take iron, you may want to eat more iron-rich foods or have your doc check your iron levels. Also, since you were in bed for 2 weeks, you could have some postural hypotension. It's that dizzy & lightheadiness feeling when you get up after laying down for awhile. My advice is to move frequently and now to get up suddenly...AND...check your iron levels! I hope you get to feeling better soon. Cindy 26 days post-op 280/256/140 BMI-46.4/42.6%

To Pat: I'm eating pretty much anything I want now, except red meat and dry chicken. I drank so many protein drinks in the hospital they make me sick now. I'm pretty good about my protein, and I'm now on a hunt for protein bars I can either make or buy that I can use to fill in those corners and make up the deficit if I'm short. I'll tell you what, drinking protein drinks 3x daily with that *%*&#) protein powder mixed in will turn you OFF that stuff when you do it for 3 weeks straight... So far I tolerate everything well, my next adventure is rice so that I can enjoy some nice Kung Pao Chicken. (Honestly though, I'd love to not have to deal with meat at all and eat just good old Southern veggies... peas, beans, corn, potatoes, rice, grits... and BISCUITS!!) To Tonya: I think it's the liquids. So far I've been doing well drinking ice tea and eating popsicles. Just Plain Water has never been my choice for a drink ever. I'm eating pretty well, and I've discovered that I tolerate Lloyd's Brunswick Stew and Clifty's BBQ Pork VERY well! The brunswick stew is beautiful, needs just a little hot sauce, but the meat is all cooked to shreds and tastes GREAT! No lima beans or peas in it, either! I think I'm getting all the nutrition I need, and I take 2 children's chewable vitamins every night. It's the fluid that's getting me, I just know it. Dang, my whole day is either drinking, eating, or waiting to eat or waiting to drink (no liquids 30 min before or after eating)! I told my husband there weren't enough hours in the day, I had to sleep sometime, and he said that was no excuse, drink in my sleep! Silly person. To Cindy: I get enough iron in the vitamins, since I've had a full hysterectomy and don't have to worry about periods any more (thank heavens!), so I really think it's the water, since I've looked at everything else. Heck, maybe the doctor is right -- what a concept! Well, off I go to drink the 3rd of 8 obligatory glasses of ice tea today... Thank you, everyone for the kind thoughts and prayers! Lorri