Thanks Kay, I did just that earlier today. I don't want to be a bother to my Neurologist but he did say that I could message him anytime. I'm not sure what will happen but I'm sure it will be fine. 🙂

OMG! I am dizzy all day everyday. I will have to talk to my Neurologist when I see him in February. I wanted an in person appointment rather than virtual so I have to wait 9 months to see him. I can message him through Mychart. He is very good about getting back to me.

Your description of the onset of an OH episode was perfect! I would add that often times you have only a couple seconds to get down on the floor or the ground wherever you are or risk a headfirst free fall. Trying to find something out of reach can take too long.

Dizzy, I am so sorry you are dealing with dizziness all day, every day. That sounds exhausting and frightening, and I would not to wait until February before telling your doctor how much it is affecting you.

Since your neurologist responds through MyChart, please send him a message. You might say, “I am dizzy throughout the entire day, every day. It is affecting my ability to stand and walk safely, and I am concerned about falling. Could this be related to my Parkinson’s, blood pressure, or medication, and can I be evaluated before February?”

You could also contact your primary doctor. They may be able to examine you sooner, check your blood pressure, review your medications, order blood tests, and look for causes that are not directly related to Parkinson’s.

One possibility is **orthostatic hypotension**, which is a drop in blood pressure when moving from lying down or sitting to standing. Parkinson’s can affect the nervous system’s control of blood pressure, and some Parkinson’s medications—as well as blood-pressure medicines, antidepressants, diuretics, and other drugs—can make dizziness worse. Dehydration, anemia, heart problems, an inner-ear condition, infection, or other medical issues can also cause continuing dizziness.

A doctor may want your blood pressure checked after lying down quietly, again within one minute of standing, and again after three minutes. If you have a home blood-pressure monitor, ask your doctor whether they want you to record those readings. Do not attempt standing measurements alone if you feel faint or unsteady; have someone beside you.

Until you receive medical guidance, move slowly from lying to sitting and from sitting to standing. Sit on the edge of the bed for a moment before getting up. If you become dizzy, sit or lie down immediately rather than trying to push through it. Use your prescribed cane or walker and have someone nearby whenever possible. Please avoid driving while you are continuously dizzy.

Do not change your medications, increase salt, or greatly increase fluids without asking your doctor, especially if you have heart, kidney, or blood-pressure concerns. Your doctor needs to identify the cause before deciding on treatment.

I know you wanted an in-person appointment, and I understand why. You can keep that February appointment while still asking for help now. Your neurologist may order testing, arrange an earlier appointment, place you on a cancellation list, or begin addressing the problem through MyChart or your primary doctor.

Please do not feel that you are bothering anyone. Daily dizziness is important because it can lead to fainting, falls, and serious injuries. You deserve answers and protection before something happens.

Please send that MyChart message today.