Obviously delighted that you received a prescription for antivirals but specialists annoy me. Would you have been able to secure the prescription had his father not been suffering from menieres symptoms. The majority of doctors or specialists will not entertain antivirals. I hope that they work for yourself. Best of luck and wishing you well
Hey team, I owe all of you a follow up note on how my current treatment is going. I added Acyclovir to my regimen about four months ago. For 30 days, 1600 mg per day. Since then, I am on 800 mg. once per day. I have had no vertigo attacks since last summer and my hearing ability seems to stabilize depending on my stress and diet. I had a MRI with no acoustic neuroma or other obvious issues found. My serum blood sodium is a stable and on the low range. Here is what I am doing: Triamterene 37.5 Hydrochlorothiazide (Maxzide 25) 25mg tab Potassium 1000mg Acyclovir 800mg (1600/day for two months, now 800/day maintenance) All these with coffee, once a day, within 30 minutes of waking up. I am also continuing the Inner Ear Balance at once per day, at the same time. I ALWAYS get at least 8 hours in the sack. A priority. I drink only one caffeinated coffee per day, decaf after that, usually 1-2 cups only. Chocolate: Rarely. Seems to have no effects. Sodium: I do not eat salty foods, unless I crave them, which happens every other week or so. I attribute this to overall low sodium intake. I can eat most everything I want if I watch the intentional salt content. I do not eat MSG or Nitrates knowingly. I can feel a pressure change in my ear if I overdo salt. this can last several days or a few hours. With all the previous swelling my Salt does affect my comfort and symptoms. Consumption affects my tinnitus intensity and directly the volume of my hearing ability. Since I added the Acyclovir and the Inner ear Balance, I feel like my symptoms are more stable and have shorter duration when a flair occurs. I am still finding my footing, no cause and effect other than I know: Sleep, stress and diet all play a role for me. Thanks for reading! Drew.
Hey, I'm reely happy for you ! You are in a reely good spot considering how devastating this disease can be. Have you ever tried skipping the diuretic? Thank you very much for the update and Merry Christmas to you!
Donamo, I have not. Almost afraid too. I am on year five(?). I use it as a crutch, allowing me to eat a richer diet. Now that I hear myself say it, I sound stupid or lazy. My words.
Hey Reel, that is great news. If by any chance you feel like things could be better, ditch the caffeine altogether. I know, i love it, but dang it is the only thing that still beings on symptoms in me 8 years later. Happy Holidays!
Hey everyone, It is time for an update. I have been on Acyclovir (generic; brand unknown) 800MG/day for 11 months. I have had only the relentless tinnitus and minor, occasional swelling since! I am still using Inner Ear Balance at one cap a day. So, I take two meds first thing in the morning and go about my day. My symptoms only reappear when the devil stress takes me down. From 11/2011 to 7/2017 I was taking Maxzide and potassium daily. Due to a jump in A1C, I took myself off the diuretics. Slowly over three weeks. In a month+ my symptoms are unchanged. However, my physical strength and feeling of normalcy improved. Not tired all the time and less moody. I believe the long term use of the maxzide was tearing down my system in some way. I may add a multivitamin and L-Lysine to see if I can improve further. For now, I am at least stable. Thank you for listening and good luck to all with your journey! Drew~
Thanks for the update, Drew. I'm glad you're doing well. I definitely found that lysine (on empty stomach) helped me. I was able to reduce my AV dose by half and feel better than before.