Standing up gets me down
Q: SOMETIMES when I get up from sitting too long on the sofa, I am really dizzy and light-headed. I have to sit down because I feel like fainting. What do you think is wrong with me? Is there anything I can do to prevent this? Dr Rose writes: What you are describing sounds like positional-related hypotension. This condition is quite common in thin, small women, pregnant women, older people, persons recovering from colds and influenza, and those who have weak hearts. The condition also afflicts people taking certain medications.
When you get up quickly, gravity pulls the blood downward and you have to pump extra hard to get the circulation to your brain.
When your body is overburdened with fluid (for example, when you are pregnant), or if the nervous system responds too slowly to keep up with your body, the blood can't get to your brain quickly enough and you will feel light-headed.
This generally isn't anything to get too concerned about. Learn to get up very slowly, especially after prolonged sitting or reclining. Have your doctor check your blood pressure at your next visit. Q: I OFTEN go to India for business. Each time I go, I return with some form of diarrhoea. Most of the time I get over this without any medication. Just in case I am stranded in the country with an attack I'd like to know of some home remedies or preparations that would be best for my stomach and help me get over the diarrhoea as quickly as possible. Dr Rose writes: As you indicated, most cases of traveller's diarrhoea are self-limited and require no medication. I suggest the following home remedy which you can prepare anywhere in the world. Drink alternately from these two glasses: Glass 1: 240ml of fruit juice. 1/2 tsp of honey or corn syrup; a pinch of salt. Glass 2: 240ml boiled or carbonated water; 1/4 tsp of baking soda.
Until you have fully recovered, avoid dairy products and solid foods. Q: MY doctor says that my uterus is tipped. How common is this condition? Do you think that I might have problems getting pregnant with a tipped uterus? Dr Rose writes: A tipped or retroverted uterus occurs in about 20 per cent of women. Normally, the uterus, which is retroverted in infancy, becomes anteverted (turned forward) as the body matures. This step does not occur in women with a retroverted uterus.
Sometimes, the position of the uterus changes after childbirth so that a formerly anteverted uterus becomes retroverted. In rare cases, retroversion may be caused by a tumour or from endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease.