This affliction is new to me. I found the forum while googling the disease. October 10, 2016 I got my "annual" flu shot. I say "annual" because I really don't believe in them. In July of 2014 I was diagnosed with cancer and was required to get the shot. Now, back to this ear affliction. Two weeks after the flu shot, my left ear began roaring. Not ringing, but roaring. Of course I consulted my internist who referred me to an ENT. We tried a round of oral steroids - did not help. He sent me to a guy who just does ears. So far I have had 2 steroid shots into the ear. Last time I asked him to put in a tube so he did. Probably will do no good, but why not give it a try! Previous to the tube, I was struck with moderate vertigo. It was gone the next day but now I have minor vertigo on a daily basis. The doctor prescribed Meclizine. I looked that up today and it clearly states that it has no effect on vertigo cased by inner ear problems and it should be watched when given to the elderly (over 65). I am 66. Who knew I was elderly....I still work and have an active life including a recent total knee replacement that has been fantastic. Sorry to be so wordy, but I want all facts available to all of you. I am so tired, perhaps due to the Meclizine which I will not take anymore since apparently my doctors are unaware that it is not recommended for this type of dizziness. I look forward to any comments. So glad I found a place to express my frustrations and fears. VH
I feel for you. I am upper 70's and have been dealing with this since I turned 70! First--cochlear hydrops--one ear, then after 3 years developed vertigo and was diagnosed as having Meniere's. My Mother had it too. after months of vertigo going on I opted for the Endo-shunt. Dr. said 'no more vertigo' and as of today, I have had none. The shunt was done the first of 2012. That's the good news. However, I have heavy pressure in the upper portion of my head. Lately (last year really), I get the feeling of bad lightheadedness--have had balance therapy--and still don't use a cane as I practice what I learned at therapy about focusing on an object when walking--turning my head slowly, etc. Still--the feeling 'drunk' (and I don't drink, even socially), but I just feel like folks act when they drink too much. My ent doesn't like me to use Meclizine--but on occasion I do take 1/2 tablet if I'm just really dizzy. He prefers 2 mg. of Valium am and pm. It helps some--but really not much. The tinnitus has returned in various forms--even musical tinnitus. That's maddening--no words, just the tune--over and over. I tried Prednisone when my hearing was getting worse in my good ear--ended up in the E.R. 3 times with elevated b/p and had to have tests done and it brought on bad migraine headaches--which I hadn't had in 20 years! No fun. I am going to make an appt. with a Neurologist today--as advised by my primary and ent--to check out other things, including the ongoing daily dizziness that is 'with me' when I'm upright! It eases when I lay down or recline in a chair. I've read the shunt can close or clog--but my ent says that's not true. I wear bilateral hearing aids and I do hear enough to do pretty much what I want. But the quality of hearing is poor--distorted shows on tV and conversations with alot of folks in the room--and music--which I love is out of the question to participate in anymore! It sounds distorted and that's unpleasant. On occasion, it will seem more normal--but not most of the time. Let us know how you are doing and if you get help with your issues. I did the anti-virals for about 3 weeks--they didn't help. Many here have been helped and say it takes a long time on them. My ent doesn't believe in them and my primary only agreed to the 3 week dosage. Good luck.