8 days post op. Feeling weak, dizzy and lightheaded. Also getting “hot flashes”. I say “hot flashes” because I’m 25 and I’m sure it isn’t that lol but it feels like it. Is this normal or should I call the doctor?

Call your doctor to be safe. I wish you well.

I get lightheaded and dizzy when I don't have a lot of calories. Also are you on any blood pressure medications?

Low blood pressure & low blood sugars could be the culprit but definitely contact your medical team to be sure.

On 07/28/2021 at 19:11, Candace76 said:

Call your doctor to be safe. I wish you well.

Thank you. I’ve been trying to get ahold of them but I only get their answering machine :(

On 07/28/2021 at 19:38, Maribelle76 said:

I get lightheaded and dizzy when I don't have a lot of calories. Also are you on any blood pressure medications?

No I’m not on any blood pressure medication. I’m worried it might be dehydration?

On 07/28/2021 at 19:42, Arabesque said:

Low blood pressure & low blood sugars could be the culprit but definitely contact your medical team to be sure.

I tried 3 times to take my blood pressure but the machine kept giving me an “error”. How do I know if I have low blood pressure or low blood sugar?

For me, I become light headed, vision narrows or I temporarily lose vision when my blood pressure is low. When my sugar drops I experience combinations of becoming weak, have cold sweats, vision narrows, blocked ear/s, sometimes think I need to vomit or have diarrhoea, my nose runs,… I’ve never fainted or collapsed but have come close.

I had these things occasionally before my surgery but now my BP is low most of the time. I suffer from drops in my sugar randomly - usually if I’ve been exerting myself but on occasions for no reason. Sitting down, sipping water, a little juice, a cup of tea, a protein bar, some fruit all help. Yesterday after a bush walk everything crashed & foolishly I had forgotten my protein bar & had meant to add some electrolytes to my water. Thankfully we had just got to the cafe & I could sit down & have a cup of tea.

Keep your fluids up, ensure you’re following your plan re food intake, calories &/or portion size requirements & meeting protein goals. Get some electrolyte drinks or add electrolyte powders to your water. Go slowly when getting up - stand & wait before moving.

Does your local pharmacy offer blood pressure testing? May be easier to do that if your BP machine isn’t working & before you can see your doctor.

Edited July 29, 20215 yr by Arabesque

Is there a video online for how to use your blood pressure monitor? Maybe even seeing another will help you use yours correctly.

You could get error reading if it is not positioned correctly, if it is too loose or tight.

Reread the instructions or see if there is a troubleshooting guide. Keep trying your doctor. Did he/she have an answering service? Do they have an after hours or emergency number?

On 07/28/2021 at 20:21, Arabesque said:

For me, I become light headed, vision narrows or I temporarily lose vision when my blood pressure is low. When my sugar drops I experience combinations of becoming weak, have cold sweats, vision narrows, blocked ear/s, sometimes think I need to vomit or have diarrhoea, my nose runs,… I’ve never fainted or collapsed but have come close.

I had these things occasionally before my surgery but now my BP is low most of the time. I suffer from drops in my sugar randomly - usually if I’ve been exerting myself but on occasions for no reason. Sitting down, sipping Water, a little juice, a cup of tea, a Protein bar, some fruit all help. Yesterday after a bush walk everything crashed & foolishly I had forgotten my protein bar & had meant to add some electrolytes to my water. Thankfully we had just got to the cafe & I could sit down & have a cup of tea.

Keep your fluids up, ensure you’re following your plan re food intake, calories &/or portion size requirements & meeting protein goals. Get some electrolyte drinks or add electrolyte powders to your water. Go slowly when getting up - stand & wait before moving.

Does your local pharmacy offer blood pressure testing? May be easier to do that if your BP machine isn’t working & before you can see your doctor.

I’m not able to meet my daily goal for protein. Not even close. It’s just so hard to drink anything. I do think this had to do with how I am feeling

On 07/29/2021 at 01:05, Candace76 said:

Is there a video online for how to use your blood pressure monitor? Maybe even seeing another will help you use yours correctly.

You could get error reading if it is not positioned correctly, if it is too loose or tight.

Reread the instructions or see if there is a troubleshooting guide. Keep trying your doctor. Did he/she have an answering service? Do they have an after hours or emergency number?

It’s my moms blood pressure machine. It works on her just fine but not on me. I’m thinking the cuff might be too small for my arm

I felt this way in the first couple of weeks after surgery. It got better once I could eat a bit more. Definitely call your doctor, but don't panic.