Dizziness

heather137 · April 2012

I work as a full time RN on a telemetry floor in the hospital (no OB experience. I'm a first time mom newbie!!). At the start of each shift, I have to get report from the previous shift nurses. This takes around 30-45 minutes. For the past few weeks, I can't make it through report without getting cold sweats and super lightheaded. Today it even progressed to seeing black spots like I was going to pass out. I try not to stand for 45 minutes straight any other time during my 12 hr shift. It is hard to find time to sit, but if I don't have time, I at least try to lean against the wall.

Does anyone else have any experience with getting super dizzy/lightheaded? Should I bring this up to my doc at my appt next week? Is this in any way normal?

Sillygirl85 · April 2012

Yes, you should be bringing this up with your Doctor. That does not sound normal to me. Are you getting enough to eat and drink? How is your blood pressure?

heather137 · April 2012

I had one of my coworkers check my BP right after I sat down. It was 100/69. Not bad, I normally run on the low side.

spamchick · April 2012

I had some dizziness if I stood too long around the same time in my pregnancy. Do you have to do walking rounds, or can you sit at a desk? I'm a full-time ER nurse & I find that small frequent snacks & lots of ice water helps. I would still check with your doc though, because although I felt dizzy/lightheaded I never got to the point of almost syncopal. GL

funsies · April 2012

This has been happening to me since about 14 weeks. It only happens when I'm standing for more than 20 minutes (usually when I'm taking the train). I spoke with my doc about it and she said to be sure to stay hydrated, eat small snacks throughout the day, and keep cool. She didn't do any further bloodwork although I still think that might be helpful to check iron levels. She didn't give me a real reason for it either, just that it happens sometimes during pregnancy.

Sorry you're going through that, I know it's scary. Can you sit during that time? I hope so. Gl

LisiRichard · April 2012

I have been experiencing the same thing very recently, and my BP runs on the low side normally as well (im usually about 95/60). I get really light headed to where I have to sit down, and it is usually after I eat a large meal or walk for a little while and get a bit winded. Sitting down for a few minutes and drinking some ice cold water really really helps me a lot, but I am bringing it up with my Dr. the next time I go in. It can be very scary.

SBmomma · April 2012

I would get this way when I took hot showers or stood for too long. My doctor told me to drink lots and lots of water. Ever since I've been chugging water like a mad woman.

hchollister · April 2012

I read somewhere that it could be iron related- do you have low iron? I was getting super dizzy out of nowhere and asked my doctor about it. She said not to worry- that it could just be the baby pressing against your spine and cutting off circulation. After my 1 hour glucose test... turns out I'm anemic.

heather137 · April 2012

I have to do walking rounds. It is soooo hard to find time to take breaks to drink water/eat snacks and stay on top of everything else that needs done. We care for 5-6 patients per 1 nurse. Our unit is huge with one break room. It would be easier to keep up with my fluids if I was allowed to keep a drink with me. It's hard to run back and forth to the break room to grab a drink...plus, then I end up having to pee more often!! :P I know some nurses on my unit that only pee once a 12hr shift!! Not healthy at all, but it's a tough floor.

I don't know how I'm going to be able to take care of myself and baby and time manage for my patients at the same time.

bubble515 · April 2012

its happened to me and my dr says its normal in pregnancy. however, you should talk to your doctor. he suggested that i drink water or carry a juice box in my purse. he also said sit down when you feel that way because if you faint you are closer to the floor than you are standing.

your patients are important, but not as important as your health and your baby. can you carry a small type of drink with you or wear it ? something that a runner would wear on their body as they jog? it sounds like you might not be drinking enough as well.

heather137 · April 2012

bubble515:
its happened to me and my dr says its normal in pregnancy. however, you should talk to your doctor. he suggested that i drink water or carry a juice box in my purse. he also said sit down when you feel that way because if you faint you are closer to the floor than you are standing.

your patients are important, but not as important as your health and your baby. can you carry a small type of drink with you or wear it ? something that a runner would wear on their body as they jog? it sounds like you might not be drinking enough as well.

I'm not allowed to have any drink or snack anywhere outside of the breakroom. I wish I could carry a cup/bottle with me. When the breakroom is all the way on the other end of the hall, it's harder to find the time to go get a drink. I know my health is more important, but my bosses don't see it that way. They still give me isolation patients (infected with VRE, MRSA, etc) RN's at my hospital aren't allowed to have weight lifting restrictions or patient restrictions. I have to keep my job...for financial reasons.

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