Postural hypotension

[Ivostas66]

I have had a few days of rather high BG readings along with headaches and feeling exhausted. Must admit I have been extremely busy at work and not sleeping particularly well for a couple of weeks. On Tuesday I was also feeling dizzy and had a hypo whilst asleep (dropping from 6 just before bed to a 3.2 at 1am). I woke shortly afterwards as our daughter was crying and looking at my sensor it looks like adrenaline kicked in as I was back up to 6 shortly afterwards. I had a bout of vertigo about 10 years ago and the dizziness feels like a mild form of that.

Managed to get a doctors appointment yesterday. She said I was probably fighting off a virus even though I wasn't showing symptoms other than headaches, erratic BG readings and dizzy spells. She did notice that my blood pressure was very good when seated, but when I stood up it plummeted. She suggested I contact my DSN which I have and today she has said that I probably have Orthostatic or Postural Hypotension. She said that it can be quite common amongst diabetics especially if you are unwell or levels are not as stable as usual. Both doctor and DSN have advised plenty of fluids and also rest until I am feeling well again.

Has anyone else had this? Does anyone have any further advice? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Pumper_Sue]

Hello Matt, sorry you're not feeling so great hope things clear up for you. Do check out Addison's disease and then ask for a cortisol test if things do not improve.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

I don’t have any experience I’m afraid @Matt J, but I hope you are feeling much better soon.

 

[trophywench]

My husband always had low BP as a consequence of which, he rarely remains standing whilst using the loo and sits down even when just weeing since he's come to on the floor on too many occasions. So that's a suggestion - as is always standing up carefully with support, as if your knees are bad! When getting out of bed, do it in stages - prop yourself up a bit, gradually, get to the side of the bed and sit there for a bit, then get up. Same when getting out of the car - have a rest and lean on the open door after your feet hit the floor, before rushing off wherever you're going.

 

[Ljc]

I have Postural hypotension ,so you have my sympathy .
Jenny @trophywench has given you good advise so I won’t repeat it, except for the bit about sitting down when weeing, very wise imo .

I have found that when standing up from a sitting or lying position it can help if I also bend my head down and once standing upright for short while then gradually my head.

I hope it’s a virus that’s causing your symptoms and postural hypotension and that you make a swift recovery.

 

[Ljc]

Oops, I meant to say, if you are no better soon, then please see your Doctor again.

 

[Ivostas66]

Thank you all for your support and helpful advice! Levels have caught me by surprise a few times - generally higher than expected. Felt like I was having a bad hypo yesterday, but my scanner said 6.8 and level, did a finger prick and it was 7.3, which seems fairly typical at present. Dizziness is sporadic, but I forgot when our daughter was dancing around the lounge yesterday and wanted me to join in; I did and after spinning her around and letting her 'fly' to the ceiling in my arms I had to sit down before I fell down!

Going to take the doctors advice and not going to drive or work until this is cleared.