I have had bilateral meniere's for many years. At one time I depended on ativan to get over an attack or as a kind of preventative when I had to ride for any lenth of time. I was never able to take Mcclezine it made my symptoms worse. My balance is so bad now I hardly ever go anywhere even a trip to doctors office is too stressful. I've had allergy testing done & react to just about everything including meds. I don't drink coffee & eat very few foods but I still feel like I might fall all the time. I am a senior & worry about falling I use a cane to help steady me. I've probably asked this before over the years but maybe someone has some suggestions. I don't really have an ENT anymore. Thanks for any suggestion.
Verti, I'm so sorry you're going through this. I agree with Pa Cowboy - try the antivirals. Dr. Gacek has tele-health appointments, so you wouldn't have to leave your house if you have access to a computer or phone where you can meet with him. If you can't do that, try ordering Lysine and have it delivered. Do you still have an Ativan prescription? I've found taking a small dose definitely helps, but you have to be careful, especially if you're afraid of falling. Also, do you have a wearable medical alert device so if you need help you can just push the button? That was a literal life saver for my mother when she got older. She fell twice and they sent help right away and contacted me. I certainly hope you don't fall, but it may help. I hope you find something that helps!
I do try 1/4 - 1/2 dose of ativan at times. Sometimes I think it helps & sometimes it makes me worse but when I'm desperate I try it. Thanks very much for all suggestions.
Hi Vert. You should have an ENT! Are you in the uk? Go to your GP and they should refer you. You can not be left to struggle like you do. I hope you do get help that you need. Wishing all the best Nicola
Has your doctor recommended Betahistine at any time. As far as I'm concerned this is the drug to go for this disease. It's been a life saver for me, I too have bilateral MD and cannot go anywhere without my walker. As there is no cure for MD we have to find ways and means to cope with being unbalanced. I use my cane indoors and walker outdoors. Eat healthy, sleep plenty and try not to stress.
Another possibility to try... Anyone had luck with eustachian tube balloon dilation by an ENT? I wonder if it would help with drainage to prevent the fullness.
I'm scheduled to have this done in three weeks. I'll let you know how it goes! The CT scan showed that the eustachian tube had significant narrowing/blockage in my affected ear, so fingers crossed that this will help.
Ok, so here's my follow-up. Unfortunately, I'm now 10 weeks post-procedure, and I've seen no improvement in symptoms that I can tie to the procedure. I have been able to manage symptoms through a significant reduction in salt and caffeine intake, but the procedure didn't help me at all. I can't say others might not have different results, but I must confess I was hoping for at least some kind of improvement. I did end up getting a high-end hearing aid, which has helped reduce tinnitus and has given me directionality back to my hearing. Despite all its bells and whistles, it can't overcome the low end frequency loss, so I can hear better in the effected ear, but it is still very much like a cheap AM radio for audio quality.
Thank you for the follow-up report Todd. Sorry you didn't get a better response. Frustrating I'm sure. I have expensive hearing aids but actually find Apple's AirPods 3 more useful. Very bad in the wind though, strictly for indoors
I would absolutely check out the possibility that your neck (c-1 and c-2) is misaligned. That can contribute powerfully to vertigo. A good chiropractor can tell you if there's a misalignment, but you have to follow up with neck exercises that stretch out and equalize the muscles that are (or could be) pulling your neck to one side. If you have an uneven gait from an old leg injury, for example, your neck is most likely misaligned. I do my neck exercises daily. A good PT can also help with balance exercises and exercises to equalize your lower body muscles. ENT's, generally speaking, have no answers. Chiropractors also usually fail to see the muscle imbalances.