Went to the Neurotologist today. My hearing hasn't changed in almost two years which is a good thing. I have moderate hearing loss in my right ear and I'm good in my left. The problem I've been having lately is the loud, roaring tennitus which comes on from a vibration. The doctor gave me three options - 1) let it be and see what happens on it's own; 2) take steroids for a few days and call him back; 3) start diuretics. I told him I have a possible kidney stone so he nixed the diuretics. So I chose steroids. When I call him back we'll discuss our next step. I informed this doctor that I was on the JOH regimin, and he didn't say much. I also asked him about antivirals and Dr. Gacek's study. He said yes he is aware of Dr. Gasek and wasn't impressed with his study. I told him of Dr. Gasek's success rate, and he told me not to believe everything I read. He said he only knows of a handful of people that antivirals have helped. However, he didn't totally oppose antivirals, which is something I asked him to be open-minded about. He told me that when I call him back in about 10-12 days after the steroids we will revisit antivirals. He said antivirals are the most studied drug, with little side effects, so he would consider putting me on them. I also asked for something to have on-hand in case I get vertigo, and he prescribed antiven. I finally have something, just in case.
I'm glad you have a Dr who will at least consider antivirals. My last ENT was almost rude about saying he had never heard of such a thing, wasn't interested in learning and doubted if very many people get relief with them. Needless to say he is no longer my Dr! My PCP writes my scripts for Acyclovir and although I don't get the relief many others do I still believe they help and am glad to have them.
Sharon406 - It's the opposite for me. My PCM wouldn't put me on antivirals. I sent her the study ahead of time, and she said she never received it. I know she did because someone in her office had to sign for it. Also, my PCM's husband is an ENT. I wouldn't doubt she mentioned Gacek's study to him, and he poopood it. Just my feeling.
For the Ativan, if your doctor didn't tell you - best to put it under the tongue if the room starts spinning. That way it is absorbed into your body quicker and also ensures that you don't simply throw it back up because of the spinning. For me, when the dr gave it to me and those directions, it shortened an attack to 1 1/2 hrs or less (vs 6 hrs) so that is a huge thing. And in itself knowing that it will shorten the attack probably makes the overall attack a BIT less stressful. Definitely push to get your dr to try the antivirals. Respect to his opinion but since there is no real harm - why not at least try at full regimen for at least 3-6 months!
I actually asked him if I could have something for "just in case" I get vertigo, and asked if there was something that I could put under my tongue. I have learned so much from this site and another site I'm on, and if I didn't ask for something, he probably wouldn't have given me anything. I just feel that it's so stupid to call your doctor when you are actually having an attack. What happens if I'm home alone. I won't be able to dial the phone or go to the pharmacy. I hear all these people talk about things they are on, and I'm not on anything--which is a good thing, but I just want to be prepared. Thanks for your advice!
No worries. It was my second dr that prescribed those for me. Only in 10 pill dose because they are highly addictive. I personally do not take unless the room starts spinning. But for me, while the room still spins at least I know it will stop sooner! Something to hold on to. I HOPE you never need to take even one of those pills since that will mean you are vertigo free.
The prednisone that was prescribed (30 mg/day for 5 days) was giving me cramps in my feet and legs, so I messaged my doctor. He told me to stop taking the prednisone and prescribed antiviral (as he said he would). However, it's just 2 weeks worth. I guess to try it first. He prescribed Valtrex 500 mg. 1 tablet twice a day. My insurance only allows Valacyclovir. My concern is that it may cause dizziness. Have you found this to be true?
Well, if that's what he's prescribing, no wonder he's not seeing success with the anti-virals. That is only 1 gram/day. Dr. Gacek recommends starting at 3 grams/day (1 gram 3x/day), and then reducing from there. I have never been able to go below 2.5 grams/day with success, though many people do get down to 1 gram per day. The dosages are described in this article starting at the bottom of p. 103. I imagine this is stressful, when he barely is agreeing to try it at all, but I hope he will be willing to give it a real chance and try what has worked.
I agree with bytheBay, that dose wont help much if at all when starting out. Maybe ask him to either join the forums or just read through posts as a guest to see how many are helped with antivirals, not sure where he sees just a handful being helped. If he is going to let you try AV's at least he should give you a fighting chance with them, not under dose so it may fail especially if he really knows Dr Gaceks' work and knows the right dose for Meniere's. I know its hard when a doctor thinks they know their stuff, we feel very uncomfortable contradicting them. But as bytheBay said I hope he is willing to give it a fighting chance with the proper dose.
Yeah, he's just pacifying me. I don't even know if I should take it. I'm supposed to call him in two weeks to let him know how I'm feeling with the antivirals. He already knows how I'll be feeling. I'm already looking for a new neurotologist. I found one that was referred to me from another site, and he looks very promising. As soon as my referral runs out with this guy, I'll be switching to this other one.
I'm glad you have a promising lead. So sorry this is such a battle for you when you are already having to deal with all the no-fun ear stuff. Here is the link I forgot to copy into my previous post. You probably have this one already, but I wanted it to be convenient for you. http://www.mm3admin.co.za/documents/docmanager/6e64f7e1-715e-4fd6-8315-424683839664/00056616.pdf
Fortunately, any doctor can prescribe antivirals. Just shop around until you find one. Btw, they will be happy to give it to you if you have genital HSV (hint hint).
I will be taking my last Valtrex from my first prescription today. I was told to contact the doctor and tell him how I'm doing. I did that on Thursday. I told him that I've been feeling a little better. I still get the roaring tinnitus on occasion but it doesn't last as long and isn't as bad. I mentioned the dosage of the valtrex is at the maintenance level, so I don't really know if that will help me. Late Friday afternoon I heard back from him. He gave me another prescription at the same dosage (1000 mg./day) for two weeks, and he wants to see me again in three months. I don't know why I should even take the 2nd prescription. It's such a tease. Why should I see him in 3 months? Don't really know why I should bother.