Are there stages/degrees of MM? I know all MM is bad. I have a friend (in her 70's) that can still run, drive, garden, listen to music etc. I find it difficult to walk through the house without staggering & it is almost impossible for me to keep my balance outside in an open place & music or any noise is unbearable. I am bilateral with other health issues which I'm sure makes it worse. I feel if someone else with MM can do these things I should be able to but I feel too tired to move. Thanks.
It's a pretty subjective disease. I don't know if there are degrees to the disease itself but my opinion is that it is a spectrum disorder and we all fall in different places depending on how much of our vestibular system has been affected. For some it is an every day occurrence but for others it is cyclical. Some women experience a worsening of symptoms during ovulation or menstruation or pregnancy. Others don't. I think there are several factors that affect how one feels so don't beat yourself up by saying that you *should* be able to do what your friend does but can't. That's not how it works. Do what you can do and, when you feel more stable, do a little more.
Verti, Many of us have friends that can do more than we can. I certainly do. However, we are who we are and cannot, or should not, compare ourselves with others.
Yes, there are defrees not only from person to person but within the years a person has it, don't you think. I am hoping you find some improvement in your symptoms in the not too distant future.
Thank you all. MM has affected my life in some way for so many years I can't remember anything else. The first thing I think of when I wake in the a.m. is, "will I be able to get up & walk". There are mornings I can tell the minute I open my eyes I am not going to be able to stand because of fluid in my ears even though I've slept practically sitting up. It may not be fatal but it sure feels like it & everything from a cold & allergies make it worse.
I am by no means an expert. In fact I have been working very hard the last couple of months to fine the most beneficial means of dealing with my MM experiences. I have found a lot of help, sympathy, empathy and knowledge from this forum. Yesterday I found a very interesting website with lots of helpful information. I have only had a short time exploring the web site but I definitely plan on spending more time there. http://www.menieres-disease.ca/health_newsletter.htm
oops! I just read more on that website. They are actually selling supplements. I just read where it is against the rules of this forum to suggest people buy things off of websites. I am not promoting that you buy anything from these people. I am just saying there is a lot of good info on the web site.
Thanks Santa, I hope you find a positive way of dealing with MM that works for you. Everything I've tried over the years seems to have a negative effect.