This much belated Facts for Friday post is solely devoted to my recent dealings with dizziness.
I've had trouble describing this sensation to people in the last week, resorting to saying, "It's not genuine spinning vertigo. It's more like a light-headedness. Like I'm walking through a fishbowl all the time. And I'm kind of hazy memory and brain-functioning-wise in combination with it." This explanation has caused nods of sympathy, but I don't think anyone has truly understood how horrific and annoying this is. It wasn't until last night when I was on the streetcar with Ashley when I thought of an appropriate way to describe the way I've felt every day for the last three weeks.
"You know when you're hungover?" I asked Ashley. "I'm not talking nauseaus or headache hungover. I'm talking when you're hungover to the point where you are incredibly light-headed and basically can't function as a human-being. Everything is confusing and you can't even perform basic acts? Do you know what I'm talking about? Well, this is how I have felt every single day for the last week." Ashley's face was horrified. She understood. And now you probably do too.
With that being said, all the spare moments of my week have been spent researching causes, and possible solutions. While the walk-in clinic doctor was incorrect in his depression diagnosis, my entire being has been overcome by anxiety that I might have a brain tumour. Which is why I present to you Facts for Friday: things that cause dizziness (not to be confused with vertigo).
1) Anemia
2) Lack of B12
3) Thyroid Dysfunctions
4) Inner ear problems
5) Anxiety/Panic Attacks/Depression
6) Low Blood Pressure
7) Dehydration
8) Whiplash/Neck Problems
After going to my massage therapist yesterday, I think I've determined that my problem falls into category #8. Apparently the neck muscles associated with sensory preception are screwed up in my neck. Fun! Not surprisingly, it's probably caused by sitting at my computer too much in my ergonomically incorrect desk, which is nearly impossible to avoid as a journalism student.
At least I hope that's the cause. Because if the solution is going to get massages on a regular basis, I think I can deal with that.
I've had trouble describing this sensation to people in the last week, resorting to saying, "It's not genuine spinning vertigo. It's more like a light-headedness. Like I'm walking through a fishbowl all the time. And I'm kind of hazy memory and brain-functioning-wise in combination with it." This explanation has caused nods of sympathy, but I don't think anyone has truly understood how horrific and annoying this is. It wasn't until last night when I was on the streetcar with Ashley when I thought of an appropriate way to describe the way I've felt every day for the last three weeks.
"You know when you're hungover?" I asked Ashley. "I'm not talking nauseaus or headache hungover. I'm talking when you're hungover to the point where you are incredibly light-headed and basically can't function as a human-being. Everything is confusing and you can't even perform basic acts? Do you know what I'm talking about? Well, this is how I have felt every single day for the last week." Ashley's face was horrified. She understood. And now you probably do too.
With that being said, all the spare moments of my week have been spent researching causes, and possible solutions. While the walk-in clinic doctor was incorrect in his depression diagnosis, my entire being has been overcome by anxiety that I might have a brain tumour. Which is why I present to you Facts for Friday: things that cause dizziness (not to be confused with vertigo).
1) Anemia
2) Lack of B12
3) Thyroid Dysfunctions
4) Inner ear problems
5) Anxiety/Panic Attacks/Depression
6) Low Blood Pressure
7) Dehydration
8) Whiplash/Neck Problems
After going to my massage therapist yesterday, I think I've determined that my problem falls into category #8. Apparently the neck muscles associated with sensory preception are screwed up in my neck. Fun! Not surprisingly, it's probably caused by sitting at my computer too much in my ergonomically incorrect desk, which is nearly impossible to avoid as a journalism student.
At least I hope that's the cause. Because if the solution is going to get massages on a regular basis, I think I can deal with that.
Facts for Friday: Sometimes on Saturdays
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The above photo has nothing to do with this post, other than the fact that I was hungover the next day. It's a photo that Melissa took last May when she came to visit. She sent it to me afterwards, with the filename "bestever." I'd have to agree.
blogger......so familiar. get those massages and you will notice a huuuge difference!
ReplyDeletecounting the minutes till we are reunited DD4life style tomo night al xx
Jess, this is my new favourite picture of you!! Hope you'll get well soon!
ReplyDeleteMan, that really sucks that you're so afflicted. But I think you've got the right idea in the photo.
ReplyDeleteI recommend going down to Chinatown and getting yourself one of those dried fish husks or that weird stuff in those big jars. Doesn't matter what you get, I'm sure it's all magical and will vastly improve your condition. Or not.
i just got internet and checked your site for the first time in awhile at my desk where I proudly have the fish picture on display so it was like DOUBLE WHAMMY combo analog and digital pictures comin atya'
ReplyDeletethats all.
anyway glad you hopefully figured it all out