I'm going on 4 weeks struggling with tinnitus, the plugged feeling, and dizziness. Four vertigo spells now, one a week. However, for a few days last week it seemed to be lifting...my ear felt like it was draining, balance was back, life was rosy. The next day i got a drop attack and have been in bed since. I am so discouraged. I think my prob may be an ear infection b/c my ear does hurt, but that's only started up in the last week. Before that, no pain. Anyone else had an ear infection that felt like MM? Sounds crazy but I hope it's an ear infection and a trip to the doc will clear it up totally. I don't know what to do if life continues indefinitely like this.
Also, I should say that I've been following a low sodium, low-sugar diet which means i'm basically eating/afraid to eat hardly anything, which contributes to the weak feeling....the more I read on the internet the more terrified I am of literally every damn thing, ha ha. It would be funny except it's not. People on here say they exercise/get out of the house, but I am too afraid to go anywhere feeling this way or even to move my head too fast or far to exercise. Seems hopeless right now.
I hope it's an ear infection. But if the antibiotics don't clear it up quickly, switch to antivirals. They have worked for so many of us, and will save your hearing before it goes.
Thanks for the reply. My question is, how does one ask the doc for antivirals? I live in a medical wasteland (no ENTs near by) and doctors don't respond well to patients asking for specific drugs. I figure if i ever have to ask I'll be immediately denied. Is there anything you can say to convince them?
No, plopping a stack of technical papers in a doctor's lap at an examination is useless. The good doctor does not (or will not) take the time to closely read and ponder the findings of Gacek. Instead, get a copy of the Gacek paper to the doctor's office a week or more before the appointment, asking respectfully that he read the information before your appointment.. Much higher chance of a prescription this way. --John of Ohio
UPDATE: Finally went to doc yesterday. He said it was an outer ear infection that had gotten really bad (and was in both ears, although left ear felt okay). I was not expecting that---I don't think I've ever had an outer ear infection. He gave me Ciprodex (antibiotic/steroid) ear drops and so far so good. Not 100% better but I do feel a little better. Fingers crossed that this will help everything resolve. As long as I get my balance back and no vertigo I am a happy lady. Life has been miserable recently.