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Author Topic: Having an issue  (Read 15706 times)

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Offline aztecan

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Having an issue
« on: March 24, 2010, 02:22:08 pm »
I am having an issue from time to time that is somewhat vexing.

I get dizzy and fall over if I am not careful.

It has been happening off and on for a while now.

It happened in Mexico City two years ago. I wound up flat on my back - and not in a good way! ;)

I had thought it was nothing, but it seems to happen with greater regularity these days. It happened last weekend, on Saturday and Sunday.

It is probably not life threatening or even all that seriuos. But, I was just wondering if anyone else has had this type of thing happen?

I should probably talk to my doctor about this, but he isn't available at the moment. He is on medical leave.

Any suggestions?

HUGS,

Mark
"May your life preach more loudly than your lips."
~ William Ellery Channing (Unitarian Minister)

Offline RapidRod

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Re: Having an issue
« Reply #1 on: March 24, 2010, 02:26:35 pm »
Mark ole man have you had your doctor to a doppler on your neck veins and arteries for blockages? I had it does last summer for doing the same thing that you are going through and found a mild blockage and put on asprin 81mg a day. Have you had your stress test done? Hope you find out your causes.

Rodney

Offline aztecan

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Re: Having an issue
« Reply #2 on: March 24, 2010, 02:54:32 pm »
Hey Rod,

I had the stress test done a year ago. It was fine.

Haven't had the doppler done. When the doctor returns, I will mention it to him.

It is just such an odd feeling.

HUGS,

Mark
"May your life preach more loudly than your lips."
~ William Ellery Channing (Unitarian Minister)

Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: Having an issue
« Reply #3 on: March 24, 2010, 03:10:09 pm »
I sometimes get dizzy, but it's only a lightly dizzy feeling and very fleeting -- more like a sensation, and I just blame either Truvada or Neurontin.  Nor does it happen very often.  However, I've never had it where I fell down, much less on my back.  Is that the only time you've actually fallen, Mark?

Dizziness to that degree I would assume could have many causes, much of which could be non-HIV related, as you well know. 
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline bear60

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Re: Having an issue
« Reply #4 on: March 24, 2010, 03:22:56 pm »
Mark
I know its distressing to have something happen and not know why.  The big question is: is this a sign of worse to come.  Is it something you should have checked out.  I would certainly ask my doctor to check it out.
I can think of several possible issues:
1. blood pressure.  Are you on blood pressure medication?
2. sugar levels ( diabetes...hypoglycemia ...etc)
3. inner ear issues

I hope its nothing serious.


Joel
Poz Bear Type in Philadelphia

Offline denb45

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Re: Having an issue
« Reply #5 on: March 24, 2010, 03:43:44 pm »
Mark, this happens to me a lot, I get dizzy, and it feels like I'm going to fall over, this happens in the AM
when after I take all my medications, it can also happen when I get up or stand up too fast, maybe this is due to all of them dissolving into my bloodstream, or maybe it could be my Isentress or my Quinapril/Tircor, (as this is a side-effect of these meds) my doctor really doesn't feel it's anything serious, as I've been on these drugs for almost 3 yrs. now, but wanted to know if it got any worse  ??? so, your not alone in this, I'm sure others will chime-in that have this problem
too  ;)
« Last Edit: March 24, 2010, 03:48:17 pm by denb45 »
"it's so nice to be insane, cause no-one ask you to explain" Helen Reddy cc 1974

Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: Having an issue
« Reply #6 on: March 24, 2010, 04:49:22 pm »
Truvada is clearly labeled on the bottle, or should be, with a "may cause dizziness" label.
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline BT65

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Re: Having an issue
« Reply #7 on: March 24, 2010, 04:55:31 pm »
I've had severe dizziness for years, but I haven't fallen.  I can get orthostatic hypotension, and hypotension in general.  I'm in no way saying this is your problem, but please get yourself checked. ;)
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Offline denb45

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Re: Having an issue
« Reply #8 on: March 24, 2010, 05:19:54 pm »
Truvada is clearly labeled on the bottle, or should be, with a "may cause dizziness" label.

Yep it sure is, I'm looking at the bottle right now, also my doctor says it's bad/hard on the kidneys too  ;)
my dizzy-spells happen about 2 to 3 hours after I've taken the once-a-day-dose of Truvada  ???
« Last Edit: March 24, 2010, 05:24:06 pm by denb45 »
"it's so nice to be insane, cause no-one ask you to explain" Helen Reddy cc 1974

Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: Having an issue
« Reply #9 on: March 24, 2010, 05:20:27 pm »
Yep it sure is, I'm looking at the bottle right now, also my doctor says it bad/hard on the kidneys too  ;)

Mebbe you need to start reading your pill bottles, Old Man!
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline denb45

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Re: Having an issue
« Reply #10 on: March 24, 2010, 05:26:59 pm »
Mebbe you need to start reading your pill bottles, Old Man!

Wel it's a known fact that I have orthostatic hypertension, that's why I cannot take Viagra
Hey David, your only 9 or 10 yrs younger than me  ;D
"it's so nice to be insane, cause no-one ask you to explain" Helen Reddy cc 1974

Offline Moffie65

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Re: Having an issue
« Reply #11 on: March 24, 2010, 07:48:00 pm »
Comon Mark, do the drug side effects first.  My Terozosin causes me to get dizzy and most of the time, I catch myslef before hitting the ground.  However, I am totally suprised at the number of drugs we take that can cause very severe dizziness. 

Just a thought.  Kisses on your openings.  :)
The Bible contains 6 admonishments to homosexuals,
and 362 to heterosexuals.
This doesn't mean that God doesn't love heterosexuals,
It's just that they need more supervision.
Lynn Lavne

Offline Jeff G

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Re: Having an issue
« Reply #12 on: March 24, 2010, 08:22:37 pm »
Cant really offer much in the way of help Mark but I hope you figure it all out .

I take my Atripla at night and have to be careful doing the late night pee trek because I feel so unsteady . It also amazes me how you can take meds without problems for a long time only to develop side effects later . I had to change the time of day I took my thyroid meds not long ago because of this . 
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Offline pozniceguy

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Re: Having an issue
« Reply #13 on: March 25, 2010, 12:51:50 pm »
Mark  , I have had these spells but fortunately have not actually fallen... my Dr  said what most of the guys have said.  combo of various meds cause dizziness...  I also had a spell of low blood pressure  ( 100/ 80.....  that seemed to exaggerate these spells...  the blood pressure thing wasn't ever clearly  explained  and went back to normal  120/80 in a few weeks...   watch for that kind of blip...get a BP pressure monitor...I have a semi /auto one.  wrap around your arm  it inflates/ deflates and reads out on a digital display

Nick
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Offline J.R.E.

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Re: Having an issue
« Reply #14 on: March 25, 2010, 08:31:48 pm »
Hello Mark,

Not much to add, but I do hope that you bring this up with your doctor, especially since the frequency of these dizzy spells, seems to be happening more often.

I occasionally get only slightly dizzy, but never to the point, where it knocks me on my back, or that I stumble.


My problem seems to be these ocular migraine's that I get periodically. When I get these episodes, I have to lay down for a couple minutes, and shut my eyes, as my vision becomes very unclear. The vision gets wavy, and it's difficult to make things out. I've had these episodes when I'm driving, and had to pull over.


Hope your doc can get to the cause.


Ray
Current Meds ; Viramune / Epzicom Eliquis, Diltiazem. Pravastatin 80mg, Ezetimibe. UPDATED 2/18/24
 Tested positive in 1985,.. In October of 2003, My t-cell count was 16, Viral load was over 500,000, Percentage at that time was 5%. I started on  HAART on October 24th, 2003.

 As of Oct 2nd, 2023, Viral load Undetectable.
CD 4 @676 /  CD4 % @ 18 %
Lymphocytes,absolute-3815 (within range)


72 YEARS YOUNG

Offline aztecan

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Re: Having an issue
« Reply #15 on: March 25, 2010, 11:21:35 pm »
Thanks all for the support and suggestions.

I checked and you all are absolutely right. Both the Isentress and Truvada have warning labels attached saying they may cause dizziness.

I didn't think of it because, for some reason, I expected the dizziness to be more immediate if it were going to happen. It doesn't seem to have a time frame and I don't remember it starting immediately after I started these meds.

Interesting. I will follow up with my doctor in the next week. He will be back Monday.

As Nick mentioned, I also did have the dizziness from low blood pressure a few years back. During AMG in Montreal, poor Jan was concerned because I became very unsteady a couple of times.

When I returned, I had the doctor check my blood pressure. It was 80 over 50. He was not pleased.  He made me eat salty foods and, at the time, told me I needed to gain weight.

That isn't a problem today.  ::) I think I will get one of those home blood pressure cuffs just to have on hand. I finally broke down a few years ago and bought a digital thermometer, so the blood pressure cuff will make a nice addition to my medical arsenal. :D

The weird part of the dizziness I experience now is sometimes I don't realize how dizzy I am. I can feel myself start to fall, but sometimes I can't seem to stop myself in time. That is what happened in Mexico City and a couple of times since.

Sunday night, I was at a gathering and, as I started to step down from a bridge into a cleared area, my right foot went forward but I started falling backward. Luckily, someone caught me.

Anyway, thanks to people pointing out the issue with the meds, I have something to arm myself with when I go see the doctor.

There may be nothing to be done, except for me to be more careful and to remember to lean forward more often..

I guess we will find out. I'll keep you posted.

HUGS,

Mark
« Last Edit: March 25, 2010, 11:26:35 pm by aztecan »
"May your life preach more loudly than your lips."
~ William Ellery Channing (Unitarian Minister)

Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: Having an issue
« Reply #16 on: March 26, 2010, 01:54:15 pm »
Mark, when I've gotten dizzy (and I'll emphasis again for your benefit that it's very slight compared with what you've described) it's almost 24 hours after my Truvada dose, assuming that's what is causing it.  My bottles of Isentress are not labeled as you described.

I too have blood pressure issues, though mine go to the high side.  However, I've been on bp medication now for five years so it's always controlled, and thus can't imagine my slight dizziness is related to that, but I guess it's possible.

So are you telling us that you had blood pressure issues previously but were never put on any medication for this?  The bottom line is that you've actually fallen so I'm glad you're going to talk to your doctor.  Just don't wait six months.
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline BT65

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Re: Having an issue
« Reply #17 on: March 26, 2010, 02:05:00 pm »
So are you telling us that you had blood pressure issues previously but were never put on any medication for this? 

Ms. P, I believe Mark said he has low BP issues, and I don't believe there's any medication for that.  Just lots of salt, which Mark mentioned.
I've never killed anyone, but I frequently get satisfaction reading the obituary notices.-Clarence Darrow

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Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: Having an issue
« Reply #18 on: March 26, 2010, 02:06:39 pm »
Poppers increase blood pressure too.
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline Jeff G

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Re: Having an issue
« Reply #19 on: March 26, 2010, 02:11:29 pm »
Poppers increase blood pressure too.



Can you get poppers from ADAP ?  :-*
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Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: Having an issue
« Reply #20 on: March 26, 2010, 02:13:49 pm »


Can you get poppers from ADAP ?  :-*

Look you pathetic government freeloader, stop trying to milk the US taxpayer for your sexual pleasure.  You're lucky that you get viagra and lipo face injections covered, now you want your fisting juice paid for.
« Last Edit: March 26, 2010, 02:15:52 pm by Miss Philicia »
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline Jeff G

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Re: Having an issue
« Reply #21 on: March 26, 2010, 02:16:52 pm »
Wellll . This wellfare queen is gonna go log onto  manhunt and find some body to lick my wounds ....
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Offline denb45

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Re: Having an issue
« Reply #22 on: March 26, 2010, 03:03:49 pm »
Look you pathetic government freeloader, stop trying to milk the US taxpayer for your sexual pleasure.  You're lucky that you get viagra and lipo face injections covered, now you want your fisting juice paid for.

Viagra is covered by Health Ins. really since when? the last time I got 100MG-bottle of 60 of that stuff was 2006, and shortly after this, it WAS NOT covered anymore.......that's news to me  :D I cannot even take it anymore due to BP-issues and being on Tricor and Quinapril, I wish my old Doctor would have told me this
it would have saved me a trip to the ER a couple of yrs ago...That 100MG Viagra I took almost KILLED ME  ???
« Last Edit: March 26, 2010, 03:15:53 pm by denb45 »
"it's so nice to be insane, cause no-one ask you to explain" Helen Reddy cc 1974

Offline Miss Philicia

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Re: Having an issue
« Reply #23 on: March 26, 2010, 03:16:03 pm »
I thought Viagra was covered by Medicare.  Not that I'd know as Miss P doesn't not ever need synthetic erector sets for her equipment.
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline denb45

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Re: Having an issue
« Reply #24 on: March 26, 2010, 04:05:02 pm »
I thought Viagra was covered by Medicare.  Not that I'd know as Miss P doesn't not ever need synthetic erector sets for her equipment.
I'm not on Medicare Part D, only A&B  and almost all of that is used for ADAP & Ryan White, at least mine is
The only erector set I ever had was when I was a kid, oh and, I don't do synthetics, I'd rather smoke some good herb, if I can't get a chubby the natural way, I might as well become a Celibate Monk instead  ;D
« Last Edit: March 26, 2010, 04:09:19 pm by denb45 »
"it's so nice to be insane, cause no-one ask you to explain" Helen Reddy cc 1974

Offline aztecan

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Re: Having an issue
« Reply #25 on: March 27, 2010, 01:21:26 pm »
I might as well become a Celibate Monk instead  ;D

Equi donate dentis nos inspectuum. ;)
"May your life preach more loudly than your lips."
~ William Ellery Channing (Unitarian Minister)

Offline denb45

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Re: Having an issue
« Reply #26 on: March 27, 2010, 02:29:28 pm »
Equi donate dentis nos inspectuum. ;)

Sure Mark, your place are mine  ;D last time I checked everything seem to be in working order  ;)
"it's so nice to be insane, cause no-one ask you to explain" Helen Reddy cc 1974

Offline jm1953

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Re: Having an issue
« Reply #27 on: March 29, 2010, 07:44:36 pm »
Mark:

Sounds like it may be low blood pressure like other members said.  My friend has that but it is due to heart complications. 

Hope you find the solution, as that can be a really scary thing.  I know my friend has hurt himself a couple of times from his falls.   I wish you fast healing.

All my best,

Jeff
Positive 29 years. Diagnosed 10/1987.  Current CD 4: 720: Viral load: almost 100.  Current drug regimen, Tivicay, Emtriva, Endurant, Wellbutrin, Clonazepam, Uloric, Losartan Potassium,Allegra, Ambien, Testosterone, Nandrolone, Vicodin, Benedryl, Aspirin, lots of vitamin supplements.

Offline RapidRod

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Re: Having an issue
« Reply #28 on: March 29, 2010, 07:59:45 pm »
Poppers increase blood pressure too.
Poppers decreases BP by vasodilation, or widening of blood vessels.

Offline RapidRod

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Re: Having an issue
« Reply #29 on: March 29, 2010, 08:07:44 pm »
Ms. P, I believe Mark said he has low BP issues, and I don't believe there's any medication for that.  Just lots of salt, which Mark mentioned.
Here are some commonly used drugs for low BP Fludrocortisone and phenylephrine.

Offline Jeffreyj

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Re: Having an issue
« Reply #30 on: April 01, 2010, 06:24:58 am »
Mark,
I fell out of my shower recently. I turned to fast. I broke my fall and dislocated my middle finger on my left hand. My brilliant DR said "You need to be careful"..Really? Really?

On top of that, that past few weeks i have found it really a challenge to keep my car between the lines on the freeway. So something is wrong.

I have had a vestibular nerve section. I think it's time for an ear DR. Have you checked into that? Just a thought good luck my friend.
Jeff
Positive since 1985

Offline aztecan

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Re: Having an issue
« Reply #31 on: April 01, 2010, 10:23:49 am »
I was hoping to catch the doctor between patients this week, but that doesn't seem to be happening.

So, I will schedule an appointment. I think I am looking at April 20 at the earliest. (I also schedule appointmnets for others, so I kinda know how many are scheduled and when.)

An ENT might be a good option Jeff. I wondered about that myself.

I guess for the time being I'll just play it by ear.  ::)

Sorry, coulnd't resist.

HUGS,

Mark
"May your life preach more loudly than your lips."
~ William Ellery Channing (Unitarian Minister)

Offline AndyArrow

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Re: Having an issue
« Reply #32 on: April 12, 2010, 02:01:06 pm »
Mark --
I'm sorry I don't have anything thoughtful to add but I hope you find some answers on the 20th.

Mebbe you need to start reading your pill bottles, Old Man!

I never read the side effects listed on all my meds ... worried I'll become a hypochondriac and start imagining problems I don't have.  ::)
It is not the arrival that matters.  It is the journey along the way. -- Michel Montaigne

Offline hudstar

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Re: Having an issue
« Reply #33 on: May 08, 2010, 03:46:44 pm »
I had that once and no-one could work out why. I had a fall after I stumbled sideways from a head rush so my doctor decided to probe my ears as the cause of my balance problems. He found a single hair in my left ear (from a haircut I had a few weeks back) and it was lodged deep in my ear. I had it removed and the dizziness stopped. Sounds dumb that a simple thing caused all that
diagnosed 1988
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