I went to the ENT today and had another hearing test as well. It showed bad ear hearing worsened and good ear starting to show mild loss. I am off balance today because of a small attack last night. The doctor asked me how I could walk down the hall but be off balance on the right side. He did the "in office" test where I stand feet together, arms crossed over chest and try to balance. I go to the right (my bad ear). The vng test showed normal results. I told him I could walk but wobbly but during an attack can't walk. Mind you, he did not see me walk down the hall but just assumed that because my balance is off today that I shouldn't be able to walk. Along with normal vng last week. Can you have meniere's and have a normal vng? I almost felt like he was calling me a liar. WTH???? I told him that there are times where I do not stumble around but I do tend to lean to the right most of the time and walk with my feet farther apart. I'm so confused. Why would he say that? And how can I have a normal vng but still be off balance. I don't understand.
Let me add that I have had two gent shots, one in april and one in may. I did really good for a while but the past couple of weeks I've had a lot of mini spins and a mild attack last night. He wouldn't do a third today but wants me to get yet another balance test. Last weeks was ok. Just give me the damn shot so we can knock this down all the way. I do feel like the other two helped so just give me the third and be done with it. I think it could knock the rest of whats left out.
I have never heard of that in-office test. I am assuming that you went through the full vestibular testing with the crappy goggles, air blown in the ears, etc..? I haven't done the testing for several years but when I did my left ear's function was only at 70%. However, I go to Nucca and typically I have a lean to the right - which happens to be my good ear. Go figure. i will say, believe I shared before, i went through a 4-6 week period in which I was off balance/dizzy 24/7. Not room spinning vertigo. Had to have the light on at night to walk, quick movement of the head and I potentially could fall, at work I walked with my arm trailing along the wall to keep me somewhat safe. I ended up resorting to trying the meclizine and it helped a lot. Also interesting at that time as I drove to work, it "helped" if I kept my hand behind my neck. No idea the "why" only that it helped. Important to note that I wasn't spinning when I went to drive!!!
I drive now too. No spinning. Just an off balance sensation. Seems to be getting better though. I'm finding a new doctor. His whole demeanor was insulting, right down to the comment at the checkout desk. I have to go to the ent tomorrow because of this dang perforated ear drum but will be asking to see someone else in the practice. If not, I'll get a copy of my records and high tail it to another ent. The urgent care recommended one to me yesterday. I'm usually a quiet, meek, don't say anything to rock the boat person. Not this time. I was thoroughly insulted at his whole demeanor. He wasn't the most pleasant at the other two appointments I had with him but this one was a doozie.
I'm so glad you're going to get another doctor--if the doctor doesn't respect your expertise on your own experience it's hard to get anywhere.
Found a new doctor. The practice was recommended by two different places. I have an appointment there Thursday but not about the Meniere's. It's about the perforated ear drum in my bad ear that happened Saturday.
Not too bad. But I do hear whistling and air come from my ear when I sneeze or blow my nose. LOL. My daughter heard it across the room. It did hurt pretty bad when it happened though. Imagine my surprise driving down the road and feel a pop in my ear and then have blood dripping from it. And to top it off, it was my bad ear.