Always Dizzy

Catie
Catie Member Posts: 362
edited 5. Jan 2013, 13:18 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hello Everyone, I'm Catie and am new to the Forum - this being my first post :)

I was diagnosed with OA in my neck over 10 years ago and as time has marched on, my symptoms have become so much worse. I can live with the pain and stiffness, but the dizziness is so so difficult. Sometimes it is so bad that I'm unable to get out of bed. Physio helps and it does settle down 'eventually', but there isn't a day which passes when I'm not affected by it.
So I was wondering if there's anyone else who posts who is affected in this way? It would be so nice to hear from anyone :)

Thank you for listening :)

Catie

Comments

  • villier
    villier Member Posts: 4,426
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Catie wrote:
    Hello Everyone, I'm Catie and am new to the Forum - this being my first post :)

    I was diagnosed with OA in my neck over 10 years ago and as time has marched on, my symptoms have become so much worse. I can live with the pain and stiffness, but the dizziness is so so difficult. Sometimes it is so bad that I'm unable to get out of bed. Physio helps and it does settle down 'eventually', but there isn't a day which passes when I'm not affected by it.
    So I was wondering if there's anyone else who posts who is affected in this way? It would be so nice to hear from anyone :)

    Thank you for listening :)

    Hi Catie

    Welcome to the forum, sorry you had to meet us all this way, we are a friendly bunch.

    As none of us are doctors we can only advise and listen(and be there with hugs and caring), I have OA in my hands and also have a neurological condition which affects autonomic functions, I also have been experiencing dizzy spells for quite a while and was sent for tests which I am still waiting on results.

    I think you should see your GP and let him decide whether the dizziness is related to the OA in your neck or maybe needs to send you to see a neurologist.

    I am sure there will be some others along soon to give there input, being the weekend it might be a bit quiet though, lovely to meet you Catie hope you will stick around...................tc...........Marie xx



    Catie
    Smile a while and while you smile
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  • suzygirl
    suzygirl Member Posts: 2,005
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi I have a few conditions ( :roll: ) amongst which is cervical spondylosis but I also have menieres disease. Both cause dizziness, and both can to a certain extent be helped by the doc.

    However, dizziness of that severity needs to be assessed by the doc to determine the cause and treatment. I have tablets to help the menieres and exercises for my neck. As well as a list of do's and don'ts.

    Dizziness is a horrible symptom, you have my sympathy. Let us know how you get on with your doctor.
  • Catie
    Catie Member Posts: 362
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thank you Marie and Suzygirl for your kind replies :) . My dizziness has been investigated and OA is charged as the cuprit. I've been told that apart from physio and exercises, nothing else can be done.... Very frustrating.
    Suzygirl , my husband suffers with Menieres and you have my sympathy. He also has severe tinnitus, which must be so unpleasant.

    Thanks again for your replies :).

    Catie
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,763
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Have you been offered a surgical collar for the bad days, Catie? They're not a good idea as a regular thing because the muscles can get lazy in them but, for brief periods, I do find mine a help. Having said that, my OA in the neck is due to RA and I don't get dizzy, I just get a bad headache. I rarely wear the collar but don't travel far without it as it does help when things are rough.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • Catie
    Catie Member Posts: 362
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello Stickywicket and thankyou for your reply :) No, a cervical collar hasn't been suggested to me, but I will certainly give it a try, and thanks for your suggestion :)

    Catie
  • kellerman
    kellerman Member Posts: 741
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I don't know what was investigated to find out the cause of your dizziness but I would be going back to my GP. To be almost always dizzy is dangerous for you and I can imagine unpleasant.I'm like Sticky in so far as I get headaches but not that often.Please please pester your doctor.
    Sometimes it has to be done. Take care..May
  • Catie
    Catie Member Posts: 362
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thank you for your reply and concern, May. I will heed your advice and seek another opinion.

    Catie
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,763
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I do think that's a good idea, Catie. Better safe than sorry.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • suzygirl
    suzygirl Member Posts: 2,005
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    If the dizziness has been put down to your OA, then you must have the arthritis pressing on a nerve or similar. Have you had an mri?

    I would ask for referral to a pain clinic, they would investigate and help or maybe a physio. Has he offered you any meds to help?

    Do you take anti inflammatory's? I take betahistamine to help with my dizziness. I just feel that you deserve some help, I know how debilitating it can be. Do you have a specific trigger? Maybe a new pillow would help?
  • Catie
    Catie Member Posts: 362
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thank you everyone for your genuine concern :) . I will return to my GP, but I think he will say that it is OA that's the problem.
    I've had xrays and scans: consultations with Cardiologist, ENT, Neurologist, Ortho Surgeon; tests on blood etc. Basically passed from one Dept to another to find out what's going on. Everything was fine apart from the wear and tear in my neck. I had a car accident in 1986 and was told that's the probable cause. I've questioned the 'severity' of dizziness...but it seems not much can be done. Physio does help though :)
  • Catie
    Catie Member Posts: 362
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Suzygirl, I do take anti inflams...probably help a little. Never had a referral to a pain clinic though....will mention it to my GP...thanks for that. Yes, have tried numerous pillows and never found one that's 'just' right. Expect I'm not alone there :)