I will try to keep this as succinct as possible. I first started having vertigo issues about 9 months ago. My episodes are hours long. The first few were uncomfortable but I could usually power through them (ie- never had to leave work, could still drive). I had a bad one in November and then it seemed to settle down until about a month ago when it came back with a vengeance. I have had 7 episodes in the last month- 3 of which have been in the last ten days. One was so awful that I ended up in the ER on an IV. I was referred to an ENT who ordered an MRI (came back fine) and put me on a diuretic/low sodium/no alcohol/no caffeine diet. I had 3 episodes the week following that regimen. I went for my follow up visit and he said to stop the diuretic and gave me an RX for prednisone. He hasn't done any further testing and my diagnosis on my paperwork is simply "hydrops". I left that apt with a bad taste in my mouth (prednisone is nasty stuff and I don't think experimenting with it is wise) and made an apt with the ENT that is supposed to be "the ear guy" in town. I see him July 30. In the meantime, I started taking Claritin D yesterday in case theres an off chance its allergy related. Side note- I have 0 hearing in my right ear. I've had little hearing in that ear since childhood but it has deteriorated to no hearing at all. I believe its my left ear that is affected now although its hard to tell since I don't really have sensation in my right. My left ear feels full, like it wont pop, with occasional ringing. I've been given all of the usual meds (valium, meclizine, Phenergan) but I loathe taking them as they knock me out. I would rather just sleep it off. I am frustrated by the lack of diagnosis and want to go into my next apt prepared. It is majorly affecting my life- I am 33 with a 3 year old little girl and a full time job. I've had to leave work, social events, etc. I am scared to plan things for fear of having an attack. We were also planning on having another baby but there is no way I could imagine being pregnant and dealing with this. If this isn't Meniere's, what else could it be? The fact that its been going on for so long rules out most other diagnoses, correct? If it is Meniere's, I am terrified of losing my hearing in my left since I already am completely deaf in my right ear. Thanks in advance for reading this novel!
welcome Rubysoho. Only advice I have is to make sure the doctor is a neurotoligist. They have the most experience and training with this diseases and best equiped to diagnose it.
Thanks! According to the website, he specializes in Otology and neurotology- he only does ears. I don't have any other options in my city so he is my only hope.
If the Neurotologist diagnosis is MM try and get a script for antivirals, many of us have success with it, I have been symptom free for over 2.5 years now due to taking it, but many doctors won't prescribe it for MM, but some will, find one that will. also if it is MM stay away from foods higher in arginine than lysine. Also check out our forums database about a viral cause for MM http://www.mm3admin.co.za/documents/docmanager/6e64f7e1-715e-4fd6-8315-424683839664/00056616.pdf http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1568997212000092 and MAV (migraine associated vertigo-headache not required), http://menieres.org/talk/index.php?topic=32.0 many of us have both, some doctors feel MAV and MM are the same disease some don't. Good luck! and keep us posted
Hi Ruby, sorry to learn of your story. I can relate my experience with my ENT. After diagnosing me, she ran through the usual list of treatment options, diet/gent shots/laby, but never mentioned the AV therapy. Vicki has linked Dr. G's paper, and I sent that to my ENT, who then did prescribe acyclovir. (It is too early to tell weather it will work for me, but I am very hopeful.) My take away was that I needed to educate myself, and not rely on the doctor. If not for the great people on this website, I don't know if I would have found viable alternatives to treatment.
Good luck at your appointment. I can tell you though that when my vertigo attacks happen, there is NO way I could drive. The room spins around so crazy fast that even walking holding the wall is difficult. And then after 20-30 minutes the vomiting starts. Also, for me, closing my eyes when the vertigo attack hits makes it so much worse. I have to keep my eyes open, focused straight ahead or on the ceiling. Meclizine did nothing for my vertigo attacks - but for a day that I am off balance, it does help. Lorazapam placed under the tongue stops my attack typically within 2 hrs and then I sleep for a while. Your doctor should order full ENG testing which would be used to rule out any other causes. Again, good luck.
One helpful hint that helped me immensely. When you're spinning so bad you can't close your eyes, cover them with a black cloth. You're looking at blackness and for some reason that helped me get through it.
I hope I never have to use this tip! BUT if this thing surfaces again (please God NO) I will try this tip.
Hi Rubysoho Sorry you are suffering. I would try to get hold of antivirals because it is early days that you have a chance of saving your hearing. Vicki is right, take notice of Vicki and you won't go far wrong.
It certainly sounds like MD.... I wish I had known about the anti-virals a year ago when my attacks came back with a vengeance as I have almost total hearing loss in my right ear now.... I had a 40% loss from when I was tested in Sept to just this past March. It was bad before that... Meclazine does nothing for me.... I know it is really really hard to carve out time to take a nap but you really need to. Find someone to watch your toddler for an hour or two after work and just nap - especially on weekends and def watch your sodium intake. I don't drink alcohol but for alot of people cutting out alcohol also helps.... Good Luck!