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Posted 7/14/2008 1:45 AM (GMT 0)
I was diagnosed with Lupus in January of this year.  While I was pregnant I started having severe pain and had to have two blood transfusions.  This is all very new to me and all the doctors and medication are starting to overwhelm me!  Since I had my baby I have had a kidney infection and been diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis also.  My question is can any of the medication make you dizzy?  I have been losing my balance a lot and I actually fell the other day.  I thought I would ask you guys first, you seem like you know what you are talking about! :-) I am just hoping it is my medication and not another thing to add to "the list".  I will appriciate any advise, thanks ahead of time!

Megan

Post Edited (megc) : 7/14/2008 7:22:07 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 7/14/2008 2:22 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, a lot of our medication can cause dizziness, however, lupus can cause it, and so can Fibromyalgia. So it's really hard to know which one the culprit is. Which medications are you on? Maybe we can help you more once we know that. Welcome to the group by the way! I'm sorry to hear that you have been through so much lately. How is your new baby? Congratulations!!
Posted 7/14/2008 3:15 PM (GMT 0)
I am on Prednisone and plaquenil for the lupus. I also have hypothyroidism but I have had that since I was about 12. I have been off and on about 20 medications since Feb. I know that there are alot of underlying conditions related to Lupus and that it can affect other parts of your body. So far they say that it is effecting my blood system, liver and GI system. I do not really have alot of the joint pain. My pain is more on the inside...vomiting and stomach pain. On a good note, everything turned out fine with my pregnancy and my baby boy is fantastic! I also have a 5 year old daughter and it amazes me how different they are already! On a side note...this is all very overwhelming for my husband too. He doesn't know what to do or how to help. Any suggestions on that? Thank you for all your help, it is nice to know someone is out there smile
Posted 7/14/2008 9:20 PM (GMT 0)
Hmmmm. Prednisone shouldn't cause you dizziness unless you're on a really high dose and your body is saying, "BAHHH, get me off this stuff!!" The dizziness from prednisone is likely more of an anxiety reflex. If you're feeling "wound up" or hyper or jittery, that can make you unbalanced and dizzy. I've had that before. Unfortunately, I have no experience with Plaquenil. Someone else will have to chime in on that one.

I think it's probably the lupus that is causing the dizziness. Do you have a neurologist? Let your rheumatologist know about these dizzy spells you are having. They are the best ones to help you figure it out. Is the dizziness all the time, or does it come and go?

Oh the husband.... Yes, I have one too. But when we met I had already been diagnosed for 2 years. So he's never known me any other way. He still takes for granted my energy levels sometimes. Most of the time, you'd never know there was anything wrong with me. But when a flare up happens, or an emergency, it shocks him. The best thing I can do to get him to understand is to keep that communication wide open about how I'm feeling and doing. I need him to be knowledgeable about lupus as much as I am. He's starting to learn more, but the curve is big, LOL. I think if you and your hubby got informed together about lupus, you would see amazing things happen. You'd both be healthier. What do you think? Whenever my husband asks what he can do to help, I always tell him I just need support. 100% to be there for me. A strong shoulder to cry on, or big arms for a hug. Also, he can't ever, ever tell me to "suck it up", or tell me I'm lazy, or dismiss my concerns. Those are really important. He's never done or said any of those things to me. He's wonderful. I hope I've given a little help to you! These early months of diagnosis are so hard. Keep a strong support network around you.
Posted 7/14/2008 10:22 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you so much! That does help alot! I have an appointment with my rheumatologist next week so I will talk to him about it. It scares me because I work from home and I keep my kids home with me and when I fell my husband was at work. It made me think about teaching my daughter what to do if something were to happen. I am so glad I found this group, you are helping already!
Posted 7/14/2008 10:45 PM (GMT 0)
The first few months I was on Plaq I had many side effects including feeling motion sick, nausia, dizzyness etc. I have been on it eight months now and the only side effect I still have is no appitite-I have lost 50 lbs from not eating.
Sj
Posted 7/14/2008 10:46 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Meg,
Welcome to the forum! I'm glad you found this wonderful group of people, but I'm sorry your having to deal with lupus.

I wish you the best and congrats on the new addition to the family!!! Ask all the questions you want here and share anything. We will find this group to be the most caring, supportive around.

Please take care and keep us updated. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Babs
Posted 7/14/2008 11:25 PM (GMT 0)
You all are wonderful! The spoon story will help alot of people in my life. Is there a certain night that people get on the chat?
Posted 7/14/2008 11:30 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks SJ, that is good to know. I have lost about 70 lbs. since I had my baby (30 less then my before pregnancy). I have had a lot of nausea and vomiting but I also have no appitite. I like my dr but he always thinks the worst...if I say I have headaches he starts testing me for 100 things so I am careful what I tell him. I guess this is better then what I have read with a lot of people having dr that don't believe then or blow them off.
Posted 7/15/2008 1:12 AM (GMT 0)
Megan, I don't have much to add, I just hope your rheumy can help figure out what is causing the dizzyness. You are right that all of this can be overwhelming, but we'll be here for you to try to help you through it. Let us know what your rheumy says. Take care
Posted 7/15/2008 3:33 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Megan! Welcome to the forum!! I'm so glad you found us! ((((((((( Megan ))))))))) Hugs to you sis! Its hard enough dealing with all these issue, but adding the demands of small children makes it really rough. There is a link at the end of my signature for "Lupus Resources". In that topic, there is a post with tips for new members. You might find that helpful. Best suggestion: Only worry about taking care of things that "stack up". That would be laundry, dishes and picking up around the house. Leave all vacuuming, dusting, floor washing etc for better days. Its amazing how much can be done just 5 minutes at a time. Don't look at the giant list of chores!! The little ones can actually "enjoy" your illness. Ha haaa!! More story time! At one point, I took our little story books and a tape recorder and made it my business to record some stories. One of the older children rang a bell or clapped when every time we turned a page. When I needed some R&R, I'd pull out those tapes and books and it was amazing how much the little ones enjoyed it. Make sure to verbally appreciate anything hubby does to help. Guys actually like a list. If I have a list going, the boys and hubby would pick and chose off the list and check off their accomplishments. I have a really hard time asking for help and most guys have selective hearing . . . so the list was a great tool. . . as long as its not thrust at them with a demanding attitude. I'm glad you found us!! Its a great little community!! Blessings!
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