Hi, my name is Melissa, I'm 56, and live in New Orleans. I've been diagnosed with "Acoustic Neuroma, secondary to Meniere's".... so, a double whammy. Anyway, I've had this diagnosis for a couple of years, and have been getting treated by a "Hearing and Balance Center" in New Orleans. My treatment consists of a low sodium, low caffeine diet, a diuretic every other day, and a weekly histamine injection. I already know I have about a 20% hearing loss in my left ear caused by the acoustic neuroma, which is about the size of a small pea. In other words, it's not large enough to operate on. My vertigo attacks typically occur after my clogged left ear begins to open. Generally, I will wake up with a clogged or partially clogged ear, and go most of the day like that. Then, sometime after lunch, that ear opens up and the fun begins. From what I've been reading, this is pretty typical of Meniere's sufferers. The reason I'm am searching you out is this: lately, say the last 3 attacks, I have begun projectile vomiting, as a fun part of the vertigo episode. Totally unexpected. Especially the first time, when I did it, waiting for the elevator in my office building, where I was working as a fairly new employee. Yikes! Yesterday, I woke up with a minimally clogged ear and went to work. About lunch time I started feeling woozy, so I went home, before I embarassed myself. I never did get dizzy. Today, waking up feeling unbalanced and my ear still clogged, I called in sick. I'm petrified of the whole vomiting in public thing. My ear is still clogged, some of the wooziness has passed. This is weird though, I've never had it last two days like this without a dizzy spell. so, no question in particular. Just venting a little, and looking for a little sympathy from people who know what I'm talking about. Thanks for reading. 8)
I'm so sorry you had to find us but I'm very glad you did. Your treatments seem to me to be nominal and are doing nothing to retain your hearing. You will get responses from different people using different treatments and it will be up to you and your Dr to see what'll work for you. My saving grace has been antiviral treatments. After initial high doses for months, I am now down to a minimal maintenance dosage. I will occasionally have episodes, usually due to stress and weather. However, the length of my episodes are greatly reduced as is severity and recovery time. Any treatment you do consider, I would advise to print out from here as much as you can to present to your Dr. If your current Dr won't accommodate you, find another. Always remember you are your own health advocate and you pay these Drs. Some are not up with the times, some are very agreeable. I do hope you feel better and please feel free to vent and look for support here! Also, try the other sections of the forum to take your mind off of your troubles. I hope to get to know you better and I hope you find what you're looking for here.
Hi, thanks for replying. I guess one of my issues is that other than the dietary changes, and the meds I've listed, I just don't know what other options are out there for me.
Others will come with information. In the meantime you can search the database. As I mentioned, Antiviral treatments seem to be the new thing and have helped many. It does sometimes take 2-3 months to kick in but helps preserve your hearing. Acyclovir Famvir Valcyclovir Dr. Gaceks Study There's a start!
BTW I'm 56 too, but I've had this since 2000. When you find what works for you and you change your mindset to adapt, you'll feel a little bit better and every little bit helps. Learn to deal with stress, (if that's a factor," and just breathe. Controlling your breathing somehow always helped me deal better with my episodes. Mind over matter.
I agree with antivirals to calm the virus. If you cant get them at least take llysine which is part of the JOH regimen. I too have vomited in public and was seen i'm sure as an alcoholic. Whilst the virus is active other foods and drinks other than what you are avoiding can easily react, hence the vomiting. It would do you no harm and possibly a world of good to get hold of the book heal your headache by David Buchholz which amongst a lot of good information includes a list of foods and drinks that you should avoid and also what you can ingest. Also to look to avoid foods that are high in tyramine.
Thanks jaypr! I will go research that book, llysine, and tyramine! and BumbleBea: as far as "learn to deal with stress", I changed jobs to one that is *MUCH* less stressful. I am hoping that will help overall.
Hi RedBikeGirl, I have Meniere's for 50 years, since I am 13 and started antivirals Jan 2013 and have been vertigo free for almost 3 years now. The longer I am on it the better I feel. I am at the point I do not get dizzy spells when moving my head around quickly, I can look up and down w/o any symptoms. My balance is so much better. No aural fullness or brain fog. Check out what Bea suggest the threads in the database about antivirals and Dr Gaceks publications. I also agree with jaypr to get headache by David Buchholz and keep an eye out for food triggers. Make sure your intake of food is higher in lysine than arginine. Not everyone's MM symptoms are due to an HSV but it seems the majority is, so there is a good chance antivirals will help you. Good luck.