Dizziness - Blood Pressure Issues, maybe?

[DarcyInOregon]

Hi, it might be a blood sugar problem. You described some of the same symptoms I get when my blood sugar goes too low. The reason you might be recovering is that your body is trying to produce sugar to fuel your cells. Like the others said, you need to see your doctor, because you might have an insulin impairment problem, or it might be a heart problem, or it might be something else. Be sure to think carefully about what you are eating and drinking before you ride and while you ride, if it is enough for the amount of energy you are exerting, and then you can have an intelligent conversation with the doctor. It might be a simple solution, like you need more potassium.

Darcy

[Bikingmomof3]

Something similar happens when I workout and have not paid attention to my blood sugar. It has never happened on my bike thank goodness.

I strongly encourage you to go see your doctor and have a full physical with blood work done.

[CycleChic06]

Thanks for the advice. I never really thought it was a problem, just figured I was out of shape.

I have had a physical in the last year and have had bloodwork done and nothing came up abnormal, but I didn't bring up this since, like I said before, I always just assumed that it was because I was out of shape.

I'll definitely bring it up at my next physical.

[CyclChyk]

I second the inner ear theory. May even go so far as as to guess vertigo. I had a dear friend who had been treated for an inner ear infection, and when all was said and done, she was diagnosed with Vertigo. Her symptoms sound very similar to yours.
Hopefully its something minor (vitamin deficiency)...... but money well spent to see a doctor and find out for sure.

Please keep us posted!

[KnottedYet]

don't wait until your next physical. Just call up the doc and ask for advice. Phone calls are free.

If your doc thinks it sounds interesting, they'll have you come in. If they aren't worried about it much, they'll tell you to bring it up at your next physical.

Puking at stoplights isn't generally considered normal, no matter whether you're in shape or not.

[CycleChic06]

Definitely have never had chest pains, and never had any problems with the inner ear. Hopefully it's just something minor like vitamin's and taking a one-a-day will cure it.

I'll give my doctor a call today and I'll keep you all posted.

[annie]

CycleChic,

If I am understanding you correctly, your dizziness only occurs if you suddenly stop after strenuous activity? I've always been told NEVER to just stop, but to keep moving and let your heartrate slow down gradually...... While you are pedaling, or running or hiking, etc. the movement of your legs is assisting your heart in pumping the blood through your body. When you stop suddenly, your heart is forced to take over all the pumping itself and often, can't compensate so quickly. Not enough blood is pumped to the extremities, including your brain, and you get that feeling of light-headedness. I know I have certainly experienced that. So I try and always remember to slow down, instead of simply stopping. I've also felt nauseous at the top of a hill, if I totally went too hard. This doesn't happen regularly, tho', and if you are having problems ALL the time, you're still better off talking to your doctor. Let them decide if you need to go in for a check-up. Sometimes, just the peace of mind you get from having a problem checked out is worth it. Hopefully, its nothing serious.

annie

[RoadRaven]

CC... maybe its medical, and the replies here have me wondering... but when I had read your post only I immediately thought "lactate threshold". You say this happens during strenuous activity like climbing on a bike... thats inevitably when my HR spikes.
I can't comment on the hiking as it is years since I have.

When you get to LT, your heart rate is way up there and you can feel a combination of dizzy, headachey, sore legs/abdomen, and thinking about/wanting to throw up. When my HR is way over lactic, not only do I feel like I am going to be sick, I also begin to believe my heart my just burst up my throat and crash into my skull.

When you ease the exertion, the lactic acid begins to disperse and things start to feel better and more normal again...

When the intensity is intense you get these symptoms... a Heart rate monitor would help to identify this. Veronica asked... do you have one?