Dizziness After Jejunostomy: Seeking Advice

Hi, I had a jejunostomy after a stroke, and I've been horribly dizzy since I woke from the anesthesia. The doctors have checked everything (ear, central and peripheral nervous system), and they can find no cause for the dizziness. I've tried therapy, medication, and diet, but nothing works. The only thing I've noticed (lately) is that tiredness makes it a bit worse. Any ideas?

Welcome to the site. I am sorry that I can't really help. Hopefully, others will jump in with suggestions. I will say make sure you get up slowly before trying to walk.

Maybe you are having this reaction to the anesthesia? Although it should have worn off.

Maybe it's a lingering effect from the stroke?

Or maybe some general weakness caused by being ill. Try doing some exercises to increase balance. I do these next to the kitchen counter so I have solid support readily available.

Also, I was told to keep my eyes open and focused up ahead (not at the floor). From what I could understand, closing your eyes or looking at the floor makes you more likely to fall or pass out.

Were you seen by an ENT specialist? I believe any type of imbalance, vertigo, or dizziness could be ear-related.

Vestibular dysfunction. There are tests for this. You are a young person. Having a stroke at that age is not too common.

My Ostomy Journey: April | Hollister

I have had dizziness twice after surgery and found a PT that specializes in vertigo, who solved the problem with just a few visits, but you will need to do your homework.

Also, check hydration.

I have heard of this; a friend of mine went to a "dizzy clinic." I heard therapists like PT or OT can help treat dizziness too. Sorry, I don't know better suggestions!

Hi... I'm wondering if they have checked your potassium levels. Mine have been up and down for a few years now, and I lose my balance and walk as though I might be drunk.

Also, have you considered seeing a chiropractor about this dizziness? Or have you had your eyes checked recently? All of these issues I've had with malnutrition due to poor absorption issues from way too fast a transit time with my ileostomy and SGS. I asked my GP to start checking my vitamin and mineral levels on a regular basis. Feeling dizzy is a weird feeling, and sometimes I just need extra rest or extra sleep, or in all reality, in my case, a chance to catch up on sleep. I hope you get this sorted soon.

A single stroke can cause both swallowing and balance issues.

I googled and this popped up from AI:
"Brainstem stroke: The brainstem controls balance and coordination. A stroke in this area can cause vertigo, along with other symptoms such as weakness, double vision, and difficulty swallowing.”

AI also stated the following:
“If you have had a stroke and experience vertigo afterward, it is important to follow up with your healthcare provider to ensure that it is not a sign of a recurrent stroke.”

Multiple strokes are a serious issue, with the possibility of additional problems occurring. If your swallowing and balance issues were caused by separate strokes, I would be looking for a condition that makes clotting more likely.

For example, antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune condition that causes an excessive tendency to form clots. There are three known antibodies that can cause this condition – lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibodies, and anti-β2-glycoprotein I antibodies – and you may want to be checked for them. If you test positive, you will need to take warfarin (Coumadin) to reduce your tendency to clot. (The newer anticoagulants do not work well for this condition).

It is normal for clots to form from time to time, and our lungs will filter most of them out before they get to our brain. For this reason, all blood is normally pumped through our lungs as a final step before it gets to our brains. Sometimes, there is a small heart defect that allows blood to pass unfiltered, resulting in strokes. A hole between our left and right atria is supposed to close after birth, but if a small opening remains – called a patent foramen ovale (PFO) – clots are much more likely to reach our brains.

Not all strokes are caused by blood clots. For example, giant cell arteritis (GCA) is an autoimmune disease that causes vasculitis, an inflammation that can obstruct arteries. GCA can affect the vertebral and basilar arteries that supply the brainstem, damaging the centers that control swallowing and balance.

You will need coordinated expertise to sort out your problem, the kind that is rarely found outside a major university-based medical center. It is crucial that you minimize the possibility of further problems, and that starts with finding the source of your current problems.

You will need very specialized physical therapy to help you overcome your balance and swallowing difficulties. I pray you have strength and courage along that journey.

Susan is spot on! After 41 years in medicine, I've handled hundreds of stroke patients. The lesions in his brain won't disappear. Maybe no TPA in Mexico, or it's too late.