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What Causes Dizziness After A Hip Replacement Surgery In An Elderly Person?

Posted on Tue, 16 Feb 2016

Question: Hi, Doctor! I m a 78 year old woman who rarely leaves the house because I am constantly dizzy, my vision is blurring, (in my left eye only) and I have an edema since my hip replacement surgery, that has put me in the hospital twice. I have a wonderful general Doctor but I am afraid he will put me in the hospital and I don't want to go! (Long story.) My main problem is dizziness. I am afraid to drive and take care of my life, so I hide in the house. Some days, I have a few good hours where I can shower, get some things done around the house, and tend to my fading at-home business. Most days, i am exhausted and too dizzy to get much done. I am OK sitting down...the edema is mostly in my legs and arms. But when i stand up, I feel a rush of dizziness. i know there are many reasons that could be, but i just wonder if EDEMA is one of them, or? I do not think I am diabetic. Thank you!

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Edema unlikely to be the cause

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome

I appreciate your concern

Edema related to the hip replacement alone is unlikely to be the cause for the dizziness and blurred vision. Dizziness or presyncope requires mainly a cardiac and metabolic evaluation. If there is vertigo which is sensation of movement in the absence of real movement then a neurological and ENT assessment would be preferable. Low blood sugar, anemia , electrolyte imbalance, long QT syndrome and low blood pressure (more comminly) can also lead to similar symptoms and need to be looked for. ECG, blood counts, metabolic panel including blood sugar, electrolytes, renal and liver function tests can be advised to determine the cause and correct it accordingly.

Let me know if you have any query

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Dr M.S Khalil

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (11 hours later)

Dear Dr, XXXXXXX

Thank you so very, very much! I think I had better get in for tests...and quit trying to find easy fixes for what could be trouble. I was trying to blame it on edema and put it in the "not that important" column. By that, I mean something i could fix if I took water pills again, which i really don't ant to do. Anyway....I am very grateful for your intelligent and thorough reply.

Respectfully,
Mickie McGowan

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
MOST WELCOME

Detailed Answer:
You are most welcome.

You may follow up your progress. I will be more than happy to guide you along the way.

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar