Question:
3 wks post-op and very light headed.

I am 3 weeks post op and have been so light headed that on several occasions I have nearly passed out all together. My doctor said I should drink juice because it sounds like my electrolites are messed up. I have been drinking some orange juice for the last few days and have not noticed an improvement. Does anyone have suggestions?    — RebeccaP (posted on October 25, 2001)

October 25, 2001
Are you drinking your water?????? Are you eating 2-3 oz a meal??
   — Deborah M.

October 25, 2001
I had the same problem. My surgeon had me call my PCP. She saw me immediately and I needed fluids. I was becoming dehydrated. After she dripped in an IV liter of normal saline, I felt a world better. Needless to say, I have worked harder to get all of my water in each day and have added a potassium supplement. I strongly suggest you call your PCP and get it checked out. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance can be very serious...even life threateneing.
   — [Anonymous]

October 25, 2001
Yep! sounds like your electrolites are off. V-8 splash does wonders for me. It took my light headedness away right away. Beware though, it is high in calories and has around 25g. of sugar. You may want to water it down if you dump easy.
   — K T.

October 25, 2001
There is diet V-8 Splash ... that tastes good! I am 9 mos. post-op and still get light-headed ever so often.
   — Betty Todd

October 25, 2001
I had the same problem, mine was from low blood pressure and was more noticeable in the late afternoon. If you are n blood pressure or diabetic meds this can cause your dizziness. Once I got off the meds I felt better but have had as low a pressure as 85 over 58
   — bob-haller

October 25, 2001
Low potassim makes me lightheaded. I've had some very dangerous bouts with it. It can cause muscle disturbances that might cause a heart attack. (The heart being a big muscle, of course). It would be wise to have some blood tests to check your electrolite balances.... "especially your potassim level". Although the other posters are right on their ideas on your problem as well. I know my doctor advised Gateraid... but that stuff is so full of sugar that I could'nt stand it. Anyway, "don't delay" looking into this problem and DO have a blood test as well.
   — Danmark

April 17, 2002
I also had the same problem. I went to the Dr. and also was dehydrated. He suggested having a little extra salt on my dinner and keeping a water bottle by my bed and drink during the night. This advice has helped wonders.
   — Sandy I.

July 25, 2003
As with previous posters, I had the same problem and did in fact pass out -- multiple times -- and ended up in the ER twice to get rehydrated. I had to go on a prescription potassium supplement as well. PLEASE get the blood test to check your electrolytes, especially potassium, and drink your fluids! However, I was told that if you are already dehydrated significantly you probably can't drink enough water to rehydrate - you'll need IV fluids directly into the vein. I was also on a blood pressure med; I passed out in my doctor's office lab once, and my BP was only 76/50. Get that checked out... I was forbidden to drive for some time until it was all resolved, couldn't exercise or anything for fear I'd pass out and hurt myself and/or have a heart attack due to severely low potassium. THIS CAN KILL YOU if you're not careful!
   — Cynthia R.