After several weeks of doing well enough that I was considering cutting back on either my antiviral or my JOH supplements, I had a terrible attack last night with no warning. I had worked in the flower garden and did a lot of bending down which is always tough on me. Usually bending down just makes my ear fill up and maybe a little dizziness. I was spinning so hard I had to have help getting to bed. It was one of those times when I was spinning, not the room so closing my eyes or focusing on a stable object didn't help. Took a Meclizine and held on to the headboard for dear life. I've been keeping a food journal for weeks but couldn't find any thing there. Doing better today just feel like I've been run over by a herd of elephants! Just needed to vent my frustration! Always makes me wonder if antivirals or JOH is really working for me.
Sharon, even when we're "stable" (for whatever reason) I do believe we can also get what I call "breakthrough" attacks. Could well be that your regimen was stopping or greatly reducing a vast number of episodes, but there are times when a real slammer comes along, and in those cases I don't think anything's going to stop them. I know the doc's say different, but I see huge parallels between Epilepsy and Meniere's, and attacks like this are just one of them.
Sharon , were you experiencing Ear fullness or tinitus when the vertigo Occurred ? The past two vertigo/like attacks I had occurred from bending as well, but without Any ear problems. Mike you may be on to something, Interested in reading up and comparing.
so sorry to hear this Sharon but since the room wasn't spinning could you have BPPV? same question for you Lisa. Have either of you been checked for it recently?
I was thinking that as well Vicky, but Then found out my thyroid is Now slow so I'm not sure which is the cause I will have to wait and see after my thyroid Gets back to normal.
The ENT or neurotologist would be able to tell if the crystals are out of place or not even with an underactive thyroid.
I have been doing the "Secosky" maneuver which is just another form of Eply. I do sometimes get some BPPV but wasn't the case this time. I have my yearly physical coming up in a couple weeks and plan to ask about trying Famvir since I can't tolerate Valacyclovir and Acyclovir just doesn't give me enough relief.
I believe when acyclovir helps to a point, val or famvir might do a better job. I hope you can get the famvir and get even more of an improvement. Dr G told me this.
Yes Vicki, Dr G told me the same about Famvir being a bit better than Acyclovir. He seems to prefer the Valacyclovir over all but it really tore my stomach up in less than a week. I really wanted it to work and stayed on it longer than I should have. I was hoping the addition of 3000 mg of Lysine would make up for what Acyclovir wasn't covering. It helps but not enough. I so wish I could find the relief with antivirals that so many here do.
I wish that for you too Sharon, fingers crossed famvir does the trick for you. BTW I think Dr G's preference of val over famvir is due to cost. Dr Derebery in California who is an expert in MM favors famvir.
Sharon, was wondering if you knew what manufacturer your valacyclovir was from when you tried it? While I didn't have any stomach issues (I do take a probiotic daily though), when I had a refill and it was from Milan manufacturer it did not work at all, I immediately had issues. First time in my life that I noticed a difference of different manufacturers for generic drugs. But as soon as it got filled with Northstar (the initial manufacturer it was filled with) I had no issues. My pharmacy special orders from that manufacturer for me. Sharing in case perhaps simply changing "who" makes it might make a difference in how your body process and handles it? Good luck.
Nicmger, no I have no idea who the manufacturer was for the Valacyclovir. It was Nov of 2014 I tried it and after getting so sick I threw the bottle away. I would be afraid to try any now. I will try the Famvir after seeing my Dr in Nov. For now I'm thinking of trying pycnogenol in addition to the Acyclovir and JOH. I take so many pills a day it's a wonder my body doesn't rattle when I walk! Just wish one of them would work!
Nicmger, your post is so very helpful! I tried Valacyclovir in June and had good success for 5 days and then got severe abdomenal cramps. I could not even walk. I just looked at the brand that I took and it was Mylan. What were the issues that you had with the Mylan brand? I think I may give this another go and request the Northstar brand. Thanks so much for your post
One thing stands out for me here. I've never heard the term, "break through attacks," but I have had 3 major episodes in August and have experienced mild bouts of nausea and slight vertigo but enough to put me in bed. Went to Oto yesterday and mentioned this and she said that's exactly correct. BUT, I had a perforation in each ear which she repaired in July and the right one, my good ear, HA, had to be done again which MAY explain my, "break through attacks." She also said that in most instances, provided I reduce my stress, remission does occur. Coffee is definately a major trigger for me so NO more coffee. Good Luck finding what works for you.