Time to get Serious.

It appears that treating for MAV these past 4 weeks has not altered my regular flare cycle. I had hoped it would after having a pretty good month. That ended with increasing pressure, and a nasty vertigo event Sunday and another yesterday. Im still dizzy today as I type.

Sorry Bonnie.

 

My log shows a cyclical pattern that I knew existed before i started logging. While the cycle has some variation, it seems that I am on a monthly flare cycle. I first notice a buildup of pressure in my ear and behind my eyes. This occurs over 3-5 days. Next I experience a day or two of dizzy on top of the pressure. Next, with very little notice, Whammo, the carnival ride begins. My favorite place during these events is on the floor by the A/C vent as it provides cooling for a fever like symptom. After the vertigo event, I used to get a headache with a wet feeling in my ear and then I would experience a quiet period with few symptoms. The past few months, the peak of the flare seems to have extended out for days. Now I have several days of vertigo events and dizziness before I enter the quiet period.

I have never been able to find a trigger (food, booze or caff). Originally, the loso seemed to help so I have continued that along with JOH, even though I can no longer claim they provide relief. I continue because I'm afraid to stop fearing worsening symptoms. I have gone no caffeine to low caff, to full caff without seeing any change. The vertigo occurs at different times of the day. For sure, the events are always preceded by a build-up of pressure. That is 100%.

I see Doc in a week. I am afraid he will simply want to change the med from the verapamil I have been on. I want this crap over. Now, I don't even have hope that a laby will fix it. Stay tuned to more news from my personal Hotel California.

 

Thanks Bonnie. The migraine thing is new for me. I will read Buchholz. I'm laughing about your question for hot or rainy as it is almost August in Illinois. Hot is the norm as is humid. I don't believe this affects my flare cycle but will watch. At this point all I know Verapamil does not seem to work.

At least for now, the dizzy has faded.

 

Exchanged emails with doc. He is not discouraged (i am). Doc says we are not done with the MAV bunny trail. I started Buchholz's diet yesterday. Looks like I will be losing some weight as there is very little I can eat that I used to eat. I'll give it 45 days to see if I notice any positive change. Giving up Peanut M&M's is extremely difficult. I love those little guys.

 

Thanks Bonnie. 4 weeks is my typical flare cycle. Recently the bad part of the cycle has gotten longer in duration. Now I may have up to 3 vertigo attacks in fairly quick succession before the flare ramps down to a quiet time. I think I felt better during the previous ramp down period because I had hope we finally found the problem. Definitely doing more research. DW is jumping into it as well as she is the cook of the household. Thank you for the reference.

 

PND, I just re-read this and am laughing my butt off. At this point in my life, I would not be surprised if the doctors advised me of this as my new affliction. Yes I am male.

 

Yep, my affected ear is pretty much dead with regards to hearing.

Saw Doc today. We discussed Laby and Gent. He repeated the fact that neither of these will relieve MAV related vertigo. He wants to pursue MAV for a longer period to rule it out. So, we are increasing the verapamil dose for a month. If that no worky, we try Topomax. If that no worky, he wants to see if Serc has any affect at all on the Menieres. He wants to do them 1 at a time so we are talking months.

 

There is no test for it. Need to treat and do the Buchholz diet and see if there is a positive response. It was the same deal with antivirals. Had to try them for 3 months to see if they had a positive affect. For me, they did not.

 

Another month is gone. So I figure an update is warranted. It's been a good month on the increased dose of Verapamil. No vertigo for 5 weeks, no dizzy for 3 weeks. We are heading to the Northwoods to celebrate our 25 year anniversary. I get to fish for 5 days and I have Muskie fish on the brain. Upgraded equipment and I'm ready to go for it. I'm a bit worried about a flare, but oh well. I can also report 10 lbs lost from the Buchholz diet. Weight loss was not part of the plan, but was a result of giving up all the goodies I like so well.