Dizzy, nauseated and just plain 'not right' .

Infinity · August 2014

I had surgery on 6/23/14 and felt pretty good for about a week and then started going down hill. I've been nauseated constantly, dizzy/vertigo symptoms, fatigued, weak. But: no infections, surgery sites healing well, drains out. I'm at a loss. I put chemo off for a total of 3 weeks because inwanted to feel better, before knocking myself back again. But, finally started this week anyway. Thoughts? Anybody else experience this?

Moderators · August 2014

What did you have done? That info may help members relate their experiences more appropriately.

We would say that you had 17 lymph nodes removed and that is a lot for the body to adjust to. (from your profile Dx)

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Infinity · August 2014

thank you! I had a lumpectomy, left, and axillary lymph node dissection. Of the 17 lymph nodes removed, 2 were fully involved. In fact, the lymph nodes were 2-3 cm, and the tumor itself was just barely 1cm. I also had implants removed from each breast in anticipation of radiation following chemo.

All in all, a lot of surgery. I had three drains in: 2 on the left, 1 on the right. One of the left and the right drain were removed at about a week post surgery. The other was in for a month. It was removed July 22nd.

PoppyK · August 2014

Hi Infinity,

I'm sorry you are feeling weak and dizzy. Have you talked to your surgeon about this specifically? Are you taking any meds that might contribute to this? Are you sleeping well?

I can share my experience. I don't take medications often and the anesthesia and pain meds knocked me on my butt. It was a vicious cycle of pain, then nausea (from the pain meds). I wasn't able to eat much because of the nausea and dizziness. This made me weaker and added to the dizziness. My DH made me eat, which helped. Not needing pain meds further helped.

I was reminded that I had major surgery and that I should allow 1 week recovery time for every hour of surgery. And that some people take longer to recover.

I have some days that are good, and some where I am just exhausted. Not sleeping well on a regular basis and the emotional stress and anxiety just take a toll. Not to mention the stress of having three boys (two of whom are teenagers) in the house.

I hope you find solutions and peace soon!

Sparkle2014 · August 2014

God bless you - you have been through a lot quickly - try to mot move around and do as much and let the various areas that are trying to heal, heal - I too have not been feeling too great and am 6 weeks out - my anxiety and nature is to be productive and doing something - involves using my arms and shoulders a lot !!! that can make you feel nauseous and bending and lifting and all that when you are active - laundry, vacuuming, dishes, groceries - I do it all but it is hard and this week I said TRY to really do less, just not easy to - I feel really over exhausted, over anxious and worried and a post surgery shock/depressed etc.. Like did this all just really happen to me??

I am going to my counselor this coming week - she had BC at 41 (I am 42) and she is now 74 and really into holistic and natural healing and helps to have random person to talk to.

sip on diet 7 up - get some saltines and dry crackers and chicken rice soup - that is best for when feel nauseous - also meds like pain pills can irritate stomach so if taking any - take with some saltines at least and some gingerale or 7 up - sip and eat crackers slow then wait few mins and take your meds...

overall - rest - you can ice your upper back - the cold pack may help take some inflammation away from the front - I was told not to ice the area operated on - so don't do that - but ice behind shoulder blades may help for 5 - 10 minutes - body is healing - I also heard eat more protein - I am having trouble getting enough - I don't eat meat or fish or eggs,,,, or cheese - I need to find way to get more protein myself,,, yogurt or shakes,,>

so please rest and allow your body to heal - and tell your DR ASAP that you are weak and dizzy and nauseaous - they need to know that so you don't end up passing out or something - maybe they can send order in for a visiting nurse to check in on you if you are alone... getting in and out of car is not easy and getting up and ready to get out of house to go to DRs and appointments so maybe you would be best having someone help you a bit at home...

I will pray for you, and ice chips - put piece ice chip in mouth when feeling overheated and hold on mouth when feel queezy - cools you down,,, see if works for you and talk to your DRs.. fell better too

Sparkle2014 · August 2014

If you find any solution to getting to sleep, please share!! I have had insomnia for 6 wks since surgery.... and similar experience as your to meds and post surgery after anesthesia was wearing off - felt really weak and all - still feel weak as not sleeping and very sore - please let me know if you get insight into better sleep..

have a good night,

PoppyK · August 2014

My primary care physician recommended a book: Say Good Night to Insomnia by Gregg Jacobs. It's a drug-free, 6 week program developed at Harvard Med School. You train your body to sleep. It helped. I now only have problems on really stressful days (like when I found out I need chemo.)

http://www.amazon.com/Say-Good-Night-Insomnia-Drug-Free/dp/0805089586/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1407569260&sr=1-8&keywords=sleep

courtnay · August 2014

check with a doctor or naturopath before use

but a valerian or passionflower tincture are the best

natural remedies for sleep

you just add 10 or so drops to water or chamomille tea

check to see about dosing during chemotherapy

you may need less than they are giving you depending if you are losing weight

or extremely nauseous

best recovery

Jgonz1207 · October 2014

I know I'm repeating this on every question about nausia. Smoke pot. It's the only thing that really make a huge difference it will make the rest of treatments manageable.

Dizzy, nauseated and just plain 'not right' .

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