I'm sorry, I need to vent a little. My symptoms have kicked into high gear lately. I'm scared to leave the house, to drive. I feel like I can't do anything. I saw my physical therapist about it, so she called my ENT to schedule an appointment. I've only had a telephone appointment with him before because he doesn't feel the need to see me in person (even though I have requested it multiple times) and he set up another over the phone appointment! (for two months away!) First, I hate phone appointments as my hearing is terrible, and I usually end up getting stuck with his nurses talking and they usually don't know whats going on with my file anyone (and can't answer any of my questions) I want my life back. And my doctors don't seem to care. I don't know how to make them listen, or understand that I feel so hopeless. Now my doctors won't officially call it menieres either (even though they all told me thats what I have) and they are putting off getting me on a treatment plan until I have a diagnosis. I'm so frustrated with doctors. Thanks for letting me vent. Its been a rough few days. Hope you all are doing well!
Now that would “trust the patience of a saint” as my old mum would say. I think that you need to ramp up the situation. Get hold of the number of the secretary to the ENT consultant and bombard her/him? (in a nice way) with an update of your situation and the urgency of your need for a face to face appointment. It may not work, but at least you will have tried.... P.S. And keep a diary of your symptoms to present to the ENT
Sorry Life. Are you in Europe? Either way, you will have to insist on a face to face. I know about most doctors. If you get better that is great if you don't that is okay too. I hope you feel better. I started out Meniere's and now seem to have MAV and can't find a med to get my life back which is what all of us want. My story is way too long to go into. Good luck and feel better.
What I've seen the most since the onset of my troubles and being with this forum since 2005 and seeing what hundreds of people have done and been through including myself, is that most doctors really know very little about it, diagnosis is a guess and many get it wrong, treatments are a big guess and often end up wasting lots of money and often do nothing, just chase symptoms around or even make things worse. There is a positive note though...most often those that end up getting answers and getting better are those that take charge of their own health and choices instead of thinking a doctor will do so. Most often there are reasons why we are feeling like crap that we have control over and even the most well-meaning doctors can't help with that, they are good with tests and prescribing meds to chase symptoms. Rule out any physical reason for symptoms, yes that is important, but really the rest is up to you. There's excellent books and info that will educate you in ways no doctor can. Only you can experiment with what is triggering your symptoms. Most often it's things we can control with effort and sacrifice, and when we get proactive about that and begin to feel better then the things we have no control over won't have the same life-changing impact. I started out like you are, with fear and overwhelm and feeling sick all the time. I went through hellish dizzies and vertigo, lost hearing in one ear (I got it back eventually), became nearly agoraphobic for a couple of years... I was scared. I had to educate myself. No doctor could have ever done for me what I did for myself. Learning what others have been through and reading these 3 books did more for me that what any doctor could do... Heal Your Headache, by David Buchholz (the headache part is deceiving, he explains why, read every page from the first one, this book is SO important for anyone dealing with a "meniere's" diagnosis even if you don't even get headaches, the truth will surprise you) The Migraine Brain, by Carolyn Bernstein (again the headache part is deceiving and the truth of it all is unknown to most, don't let the word "migraine" throw you, even the majority of doctors don't understand these things) ...and this one...Body Logic by Lee Mickle (she use to be a forum member here, her revelations and discoveries into what is really happening was so educational and helpful) People usually can find good used copies for little money or even in libraries. So, determine if there are actual physical, proven reasons for the ways you are feeling, and if all comes back that nothing else is making you sick and it comes down to "meniere's", know that you can take care of yourself better than any doctor. Don't let medications rule your life, yes they can help at times but don't let them be the answer. See what you can do for yourself. Many have had their lives turn around by doing that including myself.
I agree with you burd. It is a journey, and one that we have to make ourselves. There is no unambiguous diagnosis and there is no magic bullet cure. We have to do our own research and work out what works for us as individuals. It takes time and it takes perseverance. This forum provides clues and advice. Some of it may apply to you. Do your own research. See what makes sense. Experiment until you put the beast back in its cage. And then don’t relax your guard because you are going to have to live with him, sat on your shoulder, just waiting for another opportunity..... +1 for Heal Your Headache. The concept of triggers, tipping points and why some days are good and others bad is worth the price of admission alone.