Ironing makes me dizzy!

[MoonlightMistletoe]

Hello MN,

I'm 20mins in doing my ironing I'm not even half way through (3 kids) and I've resulted in laying on the floor because it's making me feel dizzy!

I first thought I was being silly because it's not my favourite chore but this isn't the first time I've had this feeling.

First I notice I get boiling hot and feel irritable , then my legs feel like they're going to explode and not long after that I feel really dizzy which of course makes me anxious and so now I'm here laying on my living room floor hoping someone here can reassure me!

Just wondering if this is unusual or it just comes with the job?

[Seaweed42]

I would ask - what time of the day do you usually do the ironing? It is a heavy going activity and it's standing up.
Try having a snack about 10 mins before you start, or do the ironing straight after lunch or breakfast instead. The heavy bottom of the legs is a warning sign for me of the low blood pressure as I am a fainter. But usually only if I had to stand in a really warm room for ages.
What age are you? Are you in your 40's?

[DinoSn0re]

I don’t know what causes it but this often happens to me too OP. Great excuse not to do the ironing IMO!

[MoonlightMistletoe]

@DinoSn0re If only I had someone to take over or my washing machine didn't leave my clothes looking like they've been scrunched up for 50years 

@Seaweed42
Usually early afternoon, today I left it later I had eaten around an hour before and also was munching on some chocolate to make it a more pleasurable experience.

I'm in my mid 20s however I do have bad circulation which has been an issue since early teens. Also was diagnosed with "probable lupus" last year it's mild and no organs are affected so I'm not on any medication atm.

Also just came to mind that I get this same feeling a few minutes after I get out of a lift, which I try to avoid now.

[VaguelySensible]

Why not iron sitting down?

[WhoWants2Know]

So is it just ironing and lifts, or do other tasks cause it too?

Have you tried sitting down to iron, in case you're locking your knees and cutting off your circulation?

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

It might be linked to blood pressure dropping when you stand still for long periods.

[MoonlightMistletoe]

@VaguelySensible I've never actually thought of that I usually cram myself in the corner to make sure the children can't get in the way.

@WhoWants2Know il defo give that a try the next time.

They are the only times I've noticed if I've been standing still and occasionally when I'm cooking dinner if it involves a lot of prep/chopping, however I tend to sit down to do that now.

Gosh it sounds like I'm trying to get out of daily chores.

I also feel dizzy with exercise I can't walk too fast, sorry for the tmi but I feel like I'm going to pass out after sex too.

[MoonlightMistletoe]

Also with the exercise or over exerting myself it causes my whole face to feel on fire I go bright red like a beetroot and the area around my nose and eyes will be very pale white as if I look numb in those areas.

[PickAChew]

First thing to try with postural hypotension is making sure you are well hydrated. Have water to sip while you're doing jobs standing up.

And if you haven't seen your gp, please do, as you might just be anaemic or there could be something else going on. For example, I have hypermobility syndrome and postural hypotension has been a recurring issue for me. It's worse when I'm hot so I often iron or cook with the window open, even in winter.

[MoonlightMistletoe]

@PickAChew I definitely will go back to the GP about these symptoms because I can't help but worry and although I've been having these for a while, this evening I felt close to passing out and can't risk that with little ones around.

I've just had a look online at the symptoms of postural hypotension and I do have similar symptoms so will get the anaemia ruled out and go from there. I always get dizzy when I stand up from sitting or laying down but thought everyone did however I also get tingling in my hand and fingers only in one side and it's in the same side every time it happens have you experienced the tingling?

Sorry things always lead to another I've recently started having sleep paralysis again a couple nights ago I felt like my whole face was being dragged down I can only explain the feelings as stroke symptoms which scared me.

[PickAChew]

Yeah, the tingling is my warning sign that I need to sit down, pronto. I get it in my feet if I stand still too long, so tend to bounce on the balls of my feet and jig around a bit if stuck in a queue. I probably look bonkers but it beats keeling over.

[PickAChew]

The bits of me that tingle feel cold at the same time.

[MoonlightMistletoe]

@PickAChew Oh it definitely does beat collapsing you bounce where and when you like!

Baths make me feel like I'm going to pass out so I tend to have quick showers because my legs feel like they're going to pop off in there too, also go a funny colour, alien like!

Do you take any medication for it or do you just need to keep moving and prevent it?

[PickAChew]

I'm nowhere near as severe as you. The big thing for me has been fluid intake. And trying to keep cool in summer.