I remember that June, who used to be here a lot really credited allergy shots with helping with her MM/Cochlear Hydrops. I looked into them recently. My worst allergies are to pollens and mold. I also have some with cats. In addition I have multiple chemical sensitivity (reactions to many chemicals). I do notice that my MM seems to worse with allergies/sensitivities and particularly during pollen allergy season. The allergy shots could only address the pollens and cats. I've had allergies all my life and never tried shots. It is quite a big commitment with many office visits, but maybe could eliminate those allergies--a pretty awesome thought. Have others had improvements to their MM/Cochlear Hydrops with allergy shots? One symptom I have that is not typical of MM is that I'm very sensitive to elevation changes. That severely limits my traveling and even some of the local places I can visit. The new doctor who I saw today thought that allergies might be a big part of that problem and suggested I try flonase, a topical steroid. I am very wary of steroids, though he was quite clear that topical steroids pose very little risk unlike oral steroids. I'm curious if some of you have tried flonase and if it has helped with any MM related symptoms. I'd be happy to hear about any other allergy treatments (alternative medicine included) that are working as well.
I used to take Flonaise, but I'm not sure it worked. I may try again. I've heard from other people on a different site that Flonaise is good. Another person take Flonaise and Allegra.
Flonase and the Costco generic for Allegra seems to work for me. I don't test positive for allergies but I get all the same symptoms which then create sinus issues.
I take the regular OTC Cetrizine HCI 10mg. Not the "D" version that has to come from the pharmacist. I have issues with the "D"'s (sudafed, mucinex, etc..) the D seems to amplify my symptoms.
I have started taking cetirizine today as the first step in the "conservative approach" towards an allergy referral in my medical group. I wish the Nurse wouldn't have told me that cetirizine was a nondrowsy type of antihistamine because I can barely stay awake. I guess I'll switch to night dosing. I was also told to try Flonase, which seemed promising until I read that is weakens the immune system! Great drug to put a Meniere's patient on! My plan is to up my vitamin C , control my allergies, control the stress factor, in an attempt to get through the spring/summer without an attack. Last summer was misery. I have hoarded some Acyclovir that I got from my husband to use in the event I do have an attack.( My Ent and Primary doctors are not willing to give it to me. Just a diuretic or Serc. even though there are no good studies on those drugs) He gets it for cold sores, so it's not enough to do Gacek's recommended dosage. Last summer, after having read on this site about the possible virus/Meniere's connection, I followed 6 weeks of the Gacek's plan.(then ran out of acyclovir). The 2nd day of dosing, the fullness in my ears went away and I have had no more attacks. I am planning to proceed with the conservative allergy approach to an allergy referral if necessary. I'll let you all know how it goes as the allergy season proceeds. P.S.: great site, generous insightful people.
Debra - not saying to DO this...but I have read here that some people have fudged the truth a bit with a doctor to get ongoing a/v for their "breakouts".
Hi, I don't post very often -I'm in my 5th year of allergy shots with Dr Derebery at the the House Clinic in Los Angeles. For me, the shots have made a world of difference. No vertigo for at least 4 years. My right ear is down 50dB but the left remains normal. I still have ringing -changes in barometric pressure, humidity, wind, pollen etc all have the potential to bring on fullness and/or increase ringing. However, it remains manageable. Over the years, I had a total of 10 Dex injections and was on Famvir for nearly 3 years. The Famvir made significant improvement but seemed to stall out after a while. The allergy shots did the rest and, for me, made all the difference. Best of luck - John
I'm in my 4th year of allergy shots and I am so glad I pursued this intervention. Vertigo is rare now, though I still have the fullness when the barometric pressure drops. The tinnitis and fluctuating hearing loss have not changed. Allergy injections are a huge commitment and every time they make a new vial of serum you have to start all over going once a week for four weeks, then every two weeks, then three, then finally back to monthly. Hope they help you! Margie
Wish I could do shots. I can't afford to get them even with insurance. I take flonase and that seems to help especially with it being pollen season.