On Boxing Day I woke up to find that the room was spinning. I had slept fitfully Christmas night and thought perhaps it was a lack of sleep that was causing the vertigo. I rested for a few minutes, the vertigo passed, and we carried on. Later that day it returned and I caught myself just in time on the kitchen counter having nearly falling backwards into a spinning vortex. Curious. Yes.
Every day since then I’ve been dealing with moderate to severe (so severe it sent me to the ER) vertigo, nausea, and vomiting. (Sorry, maybe TMI.) Ten days of waking to the sensation of being in a spinning room, hanging on to walls as I struggled to walk a straight line, sitting quietly trying not to move my head as I coped with the relentless nausea that accompanied the dizziness. I’ve cancelled appointments and taken some time out, thankful that tests done in the ER revealed nothing serious in my brain, but longing for the symptoms to go away.
For the past few days the snow has been falling and, unable to venture far, I’ve hunkered down at home thankful for a pantry full of food and a husband who is more than willing to help out however he can. The slower pace I’ve been forced to adopt has afforded extra time for resting and ruminating on all manner of things. I’ve done jigsaw puzzles on my iPad, I’ve browsed seed catalogs and dreamed about this year’s garden, I’ve watched countless YouTube videos about a hobby I plan to take up this year. It’s been . . . well, except for the vertigo . . . kind of nice.
This morning for the first time since December 26, I woke without feeling dizzy. Hallelujah! I puttered in my kitchen, made some soup, canned some beans, and stepped outside on the deck to take these photographs. As I write this the snow is falling and Gerry is outside clearing the driveway for the umpteenth time today. Maya is curled up in her favourite chair and the sound of her deep and regular breathing adds a peaceful ambiance to my office. I’m thinking about projects and possibility, making plans, and feeling thankful. Best of all, the room is not spinning.
Equilibrium has been restored and life is, once again, so very good in the retirement-hood.
Vertigo is sometimes caused by “crystals” in the ear, perhaps not unlike the snowflakes you’ve photographed.
Ha! That’s right, Marian! Crystals were ruled out as the cause of my malady though.
I had that 2 summers ago…ear infection. I love amusement park rides, but man! it felt like I couldn’t get off the helix! Glad you’re better!
Exactly, Paige! I kept remembering the ONE TIME I wrote a ride at an amusement park and how horrible I felt during and afterward.
I’m glad you’re feeling better. I love the snowflake photos. Did you use a macro lens?
Yes, Christine. I used my Canon EFS 60mm macro lens. I got it when I retired and I’ve had so much fun with it!
That vertigo stuff can be very scary! I had some bouts with it a few years ago with the initial attack causing me to go to the ER. It was a frightening experience that I’d never had in quite that way so I wasn’t sure what was going on. They gave me motion sickness pills and that helped and when the succeeding bouts came I was able to control my mind better and cope with the spinning more adequately.
Mine I attribute to an ear infection and blockage. I didn’t realize what it was at first, but then I deduced that was the case. Haven’t had the spinning problems since that time thank goodness.
Retirement is fun without the ailments that sometimes accompany aging. Enjoy yours!
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
Frightening, yes, given other things that could be the cause of sudden and severe vertigo! Mine, I believe, was also due to an inner ear issue. Not fun, but not particularly serious. Glad yours bouts with it turned out well, Arlee. And yes, retirement is awesome! Happy New Year to you. 🙂
I hope your feeling better continues. I’ve had it once or twice but it goes away quickly. Stay well.
Thanks so much, Joan. Second day feeling better so I believe the worst is behind me. Hope you’re enjoying a wonderful beginning to the new year!
How unnerving to be so dizzy–especially you who usually are so active. I hope you stay healthy.
Your photos have a spiritual quality–they are simply beautiful! What size lens did you use on your camera to capture such gorgeous details?
I used my Canon EFS 60mm macro lens for these snowflake photos, Kas.
Hello Linda. Wow – this does sound like a scary experience but I’m happy to hear that it passed! whew! So nice to have “met” you this morning, and thank you for stopping by my blog. And now, I can say I’m enjoying exploring yours!