I have had Menieres for about 8 years now, and my specialist says my disease is "slow" progressing, which is good. The only medication I take is triamterene /HCTZ due to many medication allergies. I actually feel very fortunate in the fact mine is not so debilitating and I lead a relatively normal life. Lately though, I have had numerous days of feeling "off". Not full vertigo, more like lightheadedness, and brain fog. Also fullness in the ear and occasional pain, tinnitus,as well as not hearing as well out of that ear.(mine is in left ear only) When I spoke with my doctor he suggested meclizine or lipoflavanoids. I did start meclizine, and it seemed to help, but seems to not be as effective any longer. With the "off" feeling if it's bad enough, I get flushed, feel warm, and just TIRED...if I can, I lay down and rest, and sometimes it helps. If I stay busy I seem to not notice the symptoms until I sit down or slow down my activity. Not sure if these symptoms are just progression of Menieres or "normal" symptoms. Also, I read recently that barometric pressure can affect it as well. Barometric pressure has not been an issue up to this point, but in the last month the area I live in (Kansas)has received a lot of rain, but we are still considered in a "drought". The rain has also made the weather a lot cooler one day and the next day really warm, then cool etc. the temperature fluctuates pretty regularly so far this Spring. Was curious if the barometric pressure could be my issue...any advice or info would be appreciated..Thanks
For me the barometric pressure plays a huge role in my symptoms. Get as much rest as you can this disease is exhausting.
Barometric pressure changes definitely do impact me. But they have from the beginning. Because you are only just experiencing I hope it is not indicative that your Meniere's is progressing faster. Since while you have had this for a while but minimal impact, it could be good if you can get your doctor to let you try 6 months or longer of anti-virals.
I have been reading a lot about antivirals. Since I have allergic reactions to many medications (my list fills an entire sheet of computer paper) my doctor has only prescribed triamterene/hctz which has worked wonderfully up until a couple of weeks ago. This weekend the newest symptom is if I am on the laptop or iPad for more than 30 minutes I start to experience the lightheadedness, fatigue, fullness etc. Not sure if they are related,but it is strange. Long periods riding in a car has given me the symptoms as well...fortunately I have an appointment May 5th with my ear specialist. I'm keeping track of my symptoms and the duration so I can ask about them at my appointment..
Barometric pressure is definately a factor for me also.... those are brain-fog / slightly dizzy days... I just try to rest as much as I can when I feel like that and if I am feeling dizzy I will take a valium. I strictly watch my diet and stay low-sodium and take a low dose ( 12.5 mg) diuretic -- I haven't had an attack in 5 months - and before that it had been about 9 months.... ( knocking in wood). Lipoflavoids work for me for my tinnitus and really lessen the ringing.
If you can't take antivirals maybe Lauracidin Monolaurin will help you. It is a natural supplement and has worked wonders for a few people here, myself included (though early days!). There are a couple of threads discussing it at the moment. As far as I'm aware there are no known side effects except those associated with die off (Herxheimer reaction). If you haven't heard of die off symptoms there's plenty of info to be found by googling it. Good luck in finding some relief from your symptoms!
Thanks for all the info. It will be interesting at my appointment on Thursday...Hoping my doctor will have some options for me other than low salt, no caffeine, and diuretic...