Thank you, Redwing. How bad was your dizziness to begin with. For me, I had 3 really bad days of dizziness after I lost the hearing in one ear, and then, it evened out to a low-grade dizziness like being mildly drunk (without the fun part). I have very few drop attacks. And when I do have them, they only last a minute or two. What was yours like?
Before I had the gent shot I would have off days they would come and go. After the gent shot every day was awful. I felt light headed all the time. Some days I felt as though I had been on a boat for hours, the sensation like you are constantly rocking. I was very unstable. My first drop attack was horrible. I was out for a walk and I was pushed faced first into the ground. I thought someone hit me with a baseball bat in the back of my head. I tore my rotator cuff, skinned my face and knees up pretty good. It was a very frightening experience. When I got up from the ground I was not dizzy, I did not have vertigo. I actually felt pretty normal. The next time I had a drop attack I luckily was sitting at the kitchen counter. It felt as though someone took me by my hair and pulled me to the ground. Again just an awful experience. I also had a drop attack when I was driving the car. I was very lucky because I was in a parking lot with very few cars around. Again it felt like someone had taken me by my hair and pulled me to the other side of the car. This is when I made my appointment with Dr. Rauch. I stopped driving. I stopped riding my bike. I was terrified of having another attack. After each drop attack I would feel pretty normal. I never had vertigo after the drops.
btw, for all of you have had surgery with Dr. Rauch, how long after your first appt were you able to schedule the surgery?
Not much to add on the surgery since I am not there yet.... so far what I am doing is working for me.... but after 20 years of dealing with this I would absolutely do whatever it took to get my life back... so good luck to you and lots of healing vibes.!
It took me almost 3 months to get an appt with Rauch, by that time I had already had a shunt at Shea war clinic in Memphis--- failed, 3 gent shots and 3 streptomycin shots. I walked in handed him my records and he said without hesitation "if I were you and were still having issues I would just take it out" My response was Dr. Rauch if I was your 18 year old son what would you tell him, he said "son take it out" Living in Atlanta, I asked for a recommendation for a surgeon and he said without thinkin twice Dr. Doug Mattox at Emory and so I listened to him and am glad I did!! But yes, he is a busy man but the wait is worth it, if you want one of the best surgeons on the planet. Luv Dr. Rauch
Thank you Bulldog. I am so excited. I feel like this may be another real miracle in my life. I'm just going to go straight to surgery if he lets me. I am sick and tired of being sick and tired. I will keep you all posted. XO
Sally that is exactly how I felt. I just could not go on any longer getting up everyday being exhausted. I was "sick and tired of being......." I think you are more than ready. Dr. Rauch will help you reach your goal. Keep up the positive attitude
Yes, Dr. Mattox at Emory did my Laby. He also did Larry's/Hurricaneone laby He is also Sid's/Sjwo1 dr. If I was going to go the surgery route I would go to a top notch research hospital/university and have it done. (A MEEI/Harvard, John Hopkins, Emory ect....) because they do so many and now the laby is done in ways that many preserver. The cochlea in case you need it down the line. There is a member on here that had her laby done by Dr. Rauch and many years later he put a Cochlear Implant in her laby ear with great success. Just my opinion
I have seen Dr Mattox twice in the last 11 yrs. He was the first doc I saw after being diagnosed. So neat that he has done so many members surgeries. Glad to know in case it comes to that. He talked to me about surgery in 2010 but I wasn't ready. Thanks for the info!
When I lost my hearing at 24, My Dad called MEEI and they took me that day. I went to see Dr. Schuknect, does anyone remember him? He canceled a conference to operate on my ear. He was very kind. He said you probably have MM and then shrugged his shoulders. Probably the worst day of my life. So hopefully I can get this surgery done at MEEI, 25 years later with maybe more hope this time.
btw, I am on A/D's, will I have to come off of these during the operation? I hope not. Thanks for any info.
When you have your pre op they will ask you what meds you are on and will let you know what you can take on the day of your surgery.
Hi all, You have all helped me so much. I wouldn't have known about the laby or all of you if it weren't for this site, or had the courage to ask for it and get it. And sorry for all my questions, but for all of you who have had a laby, what was the two week recovery like? I live alone so I am trying to prepare. I have friends to help me. My cat, as adorable as he is, when I ask him about doinglaundry or getting groceries, he gives me the deer in headlights look. Thanks for any tips. Will I be in bed most of the time, can I walk around? what is it like? XO
Do not stay in bed! Be as active as possible. Most importantly walk walk walk. If you need a friend to guide you or a walking stick or a walker then use them. Staying active will be crucial to your recovery.