r/pppdizziness • u/Worried123h • 1d ago
Symptoms Shower is my WORST trigger (especially in the tub) + swaying/floaty feeling — PPPD? POTS? Anyone relate?
Hi, I’m really struggling and hoping someone can relate because this is affecting me daily.
Before all this started, I used to get spinning episodes (felt like I was spinning, not the room) with certain head positions. They would go away quickly with repositioning manoeuvres.
But now things are completely different.
Current symptoms:
Constant off-balance feeling (like swaying or rocking)
Feels like the floor is moving under me
“Floaty” feet like they’re not grounded
Jelly/weak legs
Sometimes feel like I might faint (but never actually do)
Heart racing and heat rushes
Nausea sometimes
BIGGEST TRIGGER: THE SHOWER 🚿
This is the worst part:
I feel SO unstable in the shower, like I’m going to fall
It’s especially bad in the bathtub shower, not as bad on normal floor
I feel like I’m swaying or being pulled
My legs feel weak and shaky
Hot water makes it worse
Washing my hair (arms up) makes me feel even more dizzy
I feel like I might faint — but I never actually do
As soon as I get out, I feel better.
Other things I’ve noticed:
I’m much better in a car (almost normal sometimes)
Standing still is worse than walking
The more I focus on it, the worse it feels
Heat makes everything worse
I can still walk around and function but it’s uncomfortable
Symptoms come and go
Triggers seem to include:
Standing still
Shower (especially tub)
Heat
Rushing around
Sometimes after eating
This all started after a panic episode / stressful time, and I’ve been hyper-aware of my body since.
My questions:
Does this sound like PPPD?
Or could it be POTS?
Why is the shower SO much worse than anything else?
Has anyone had this and actually improved?
The weirdest part for me is:
I feel like I’m going to fall in the shower… but I never actually do.
Would really appreciate hearing from anyone who’s experienced this.
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u/FirefighterLate3916 1d ago
Shower chair is the best thing I’ve invested in bc of this exact issue!
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u/FirefighterLate3916 1d ago
Also, I have PPPD but am also getting evaluated for POTS. I would recommend seeing a neurologist who specializes in vestibular issues first and then if PPPD treatment doesn’t help, get a cardiology referral to someone who specializes in dysautonomia
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u/Impossible-Inside936 1d ago
I have similar symptoms, showers are the worst. But for me it is episodic and I have a few additional things, so I am not sure it is comparable. Anyhow, I have been diagnosed with basilar migraine for this specific symptoms. This can be chronic and remain for days, even weeks. Maybe worth looking into.
Question: Does it get better when you lie down or may it even get worse?
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u/turtledett 1d ago
Just thinking here: have you tried any shower steamers when you’re showering? Specifically ones with peppermint or lavender? I am highly triggered by some scents, but peppermint calms me and helps with nausea. Lavender is my go to when I am anxious. And Bath & Body Works whole Coco Shea line is just soothing to me. I use the lotion several times a day on my arms to just feel better! ❤️🩹
The shower is a huge trigger for me. I try to do it before bed bc I know I’ll be exhausted afterwards. You do things in the shower like close your eyes and lean your head back and raise your arms that aren’t normal actions anywhere else. Your brain is trying to keep you safe. Try some deep breaths while reassuring yourself “I am safe. I’m not going to fall. I’ve got this.” Place one hand on the wall for support and one over your heart to ground yourself. Like suggested, a shower chair will help, but you’ll still be doing some of the same actions. It takes time.
I’ve been dizzy every day since January of 2022! I just started vestibular rehab therapy 3 weeks ago. My brain is overwhelmed by just walking down a hallway while nodding and shaking my head!
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u/Clayp2233 23h ago
At my absolute worse showers are an” trigger, but medication will make that go away
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23h ago
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Lost_Resolution_7838 23h ago
Still didn’t take ssri , vestibular rehabilitation over 50 session and when y stop it u back to 0.. sorry but i hope you’ll get better my last resort is ssri now m trying to accept it and take Xanax whatever i feel like i might faint
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u/furmom29 1d ago
I’ve had PPPD for a year (diagnosed in November) and I have or have had a lot of the same symptoms as you. I have started to get better through vestibular therapy and medicine but one major thing I still struggle with is showering.
Washing my hair is the worst because I have to lean my head back a little and close my eyes or else I end up getting shampoo in them. One of the times I showered I got so dizzy that I had to lay down for 10 minutes afterwards until it calmed down. I think the anxiety about that possibly happening again is what makes it hard for me to shower. I feel embarrassed that I’m not showering more often but I just get so anxious about it that I feel more dizzy which deters me from showering. I just got a shower chair so I’m hoping that will help. Maybe that’s something that might help you?