It has been a good 6 months (I use the word good with a degree of irony) since my first Vertigo Attack. Unfortunately the attacks have increased in their frequency. I now have around 2 attacks a week, lasting any were from 9 to 12 hours and the preceding day is a 'write off', as I feel washed out and have no energy. As a consequence, I am unable to work at the moment or drive a car, which is awful, but understandable as my attacks are very sudden and dibilitating. The last 2 months have been taken up with hospital appointments and tests. Today I attended the Balance Clinic, which demonstrated nothing, however the Hearing test showed a 25% hearing reduction in my left ear, and it is the 'low tones' that are effected. I am due to see my consultant soon (beginning of October) and he has already muted something about Gentamycin injections through the ear drum, sounds loverly, Not! So I was wondering has anyone had these injections and do they help? Secondly, it was suggested that in the UK I may be able to claim Disability Living Allowance, is this true. I am totally in the dark in claiming benefits as in 43 years of working I have never claimed anything. Regards Dave
have you considered antivirals? Please search the database and forums for all the information we have here about antivirals suppressing Meniere's symptoms. I have been symptom and most importantly vertigo free for almost 3 years being on them. The sooner you start the more chance of preserving your hearing or even improving it. Good luck and keep us posted.
Hi Vicki, is antivirual therapy well known, and is it something my consultant should know about? Dave
I don't know if it is well known in the UK but in the database are studies supporting a viral cause, particular the ones by Dr Gacek. You can print those out and show them to your doctor
Definately check out anti-virals before you do the shot - OR - at least try a Decadron shot first which is much less damaging.. ( and had kept me vertigo free for 7 months)... and are you watching your diet right now? Sodium - alcohol - caffeine ....
diet wise if you do have a virus causing your MM symptoms make sure to have more lysine than arginine intake, these are 2 amino acids but lysine suppressed the HSV and arginine promotes it.
First, as Vicki suggested, look up and print out from here the information about anti-virals. The biggest thing (in my opinion) is that even if your doctor is skeptical the main question is "what would it hurt". At the very least, push them to give you full dose trial for 6 months. Second, in the UK believe a lot of people are prescribed and get help thru Betahistine (spelling??). Third, ask your doctor for Ativan (lorazapam). If I get a full vertigo attack (room spinning) and I put that under the tongue (key!) it shortens the attack for me from 6+ hrs to less than 2 hours. Granted 2 hrs still sucks but compared to longer, gotta take it. Fourth, although everyone is different, for me my attacks come in clusters. I can have 2-3 per week for 4-6 weeks and then nothing for 6 months. Last, but not least, I am sorry that you have this thing. Absolutely encourage you to understand your options be it through work disability insurance or state disability coverage. Knowledge is key. And I know first hand how hard this is to do...but stress is a huge trigger (at least for me) so if you an try to focus on reducing stress it could help.