Experiencing Hearing Changes After Surgery
I’m a 33-year-old female currently taking amitriptyline (just started it two weeks ago) and sumatriptan as needed, along with having a Mirena IUD. Recently, on May 20th, I underwent a laparoscopy to remove endometriosis and had the Mirena IUD placed during that procedure. Two weeks post-surgery, I dealt with what seemed to be a ruptured ovarian cyst and required antibiotics to address that issue. Since the surgery, I had refrained from any sexual activity until this past weekend. However, I've encountered a couple of instances this week where my hearing became muffled, accompanied by a tinnitus-like sound reminiscent of chirping insects, which occurs right after orgasm and lasts for about five to ten minutes. Additionally, the day following my surgery, I experienced a drop in blood pressure that led to fainting. My blood pressure has consistently leaned toward the lower end of the normal range for several years, so I’m uncertain if that’s contributing to my current symptoms or if it could be a side effect of the new medication. I’m anxious about these occurrences. Should I consult a healthcare professional if this happens again? Would it be more appropriate to make a regular appointment with my general practitioner, or should I seek emergency care? When these episodes occur, I tend to sit down because I recall that during my fainting spell, both my hearing and vision were completely impaired. The muffled hearing served as a warning that something was off, which frightens me about the possibility of experiencing that again.
Answers (1)
6/25/2025, 6:40:43 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious about the changes in your hearing and the fainting spell following your surgery. Your symptoms could be related to a few factors, including the medications you're taking, your blood pressure changes, or even post-surgical effects. Here’s a structured approach to understanding your situation and taking the right steps moving forward.
Key Points:
- Muffled Hearing and Tinnitus: These symptoms can occur after surgery or may be related to changes in blood pressure or medication effects.
- Fainting and Blood Pressure: Your history of low blood pressure is concerning, especially since you experienced fainting and impaired hearing and vision.
- Monitoring Symptoms: Documenting your episodes and when they occur can help you and your healthcare provider understand the triggers.
Explanation:
- Muffled Hearing/Tinnitus: These sensations, especially after physical exertion like sexual activity, may hint at changes in blood flow or pressure. The brain may react to changes in blood flow or pressure by altering your hearing perception.
- Low Blood Pressure & Fainting: Post-surgery, it’s not uncommon for people with a history of low blood pressure to experience further drops, which can lead to fainting. This could be linked to dehydration, pain, or even the effects of medications like amitriptyline.
- Medications: Amitriptyline can cause side effects that include dizziness or altered hearing. While it's effective for certain conditions, it’s important to monitor how you feel after starting any new medication.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Document Your Symptoms: Keep a journal of when you experience muffled hearing or tinnitus, noting what you were doing at the time, your blood pressure if you can measure it, and any other symptoms.
- Hydrate and Monitor: Ensure you’re staying well-hydrated, as dehydration can exacerbate low blood pressure. Check with a healthcare professional about safe levels of fluid intake.
- Adjust Physical Activity: Be cautious with activities that may trigger your symptoms, especially if they lead to dizziness, like vigorous sexual activity.
- Regular Check-Ins: Schedule a follow-up appointment with your general practitioner. Inform them about your recent episodes, especially since you experienced fainting.
- Emergency Care: Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe symptoms like continued fainting, persistent tinnitus, severe dizziness, or if your hearing changes along with visual disturbances again.
Reassurance:
It's completely valid to feel worried about these changes, given your recent surgery and the new medication. Keeping track of your symptoms will provide valuable information for your healthcare provider and help them support you in managing your health. If the symptoms continue or worsen, don’t hesitate to reach out for further medical guidance. You’re not alone in this, and proactive steps can lead to more clarity and relief.
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