I am new to this site. I have had Meniere's since 2003 (and possibly showed signs before that). Have had endolymphatic sac decompression and shunt surgery as well as steroid shots (2 sets) and finally, in January, a chemical labyrinthectomy. I am 65 years old. I now have terrible pressure in my head (particularly when the barometric pressure is changing, but also when there is a lot of outside noise and any activity), followed by dizziness. No more Vertigo (thank you!). I get sharp pains in my affected ear. In my (so-called) unaffected ear, I am hearing through a fog when there is any background noise. I am absolutely beside myself - do other people have these symptoms, and if so, are there ways to alleviate? I am basically living inside (I live in Florida) with short trips outside. Can NEVER sit for any period of time outside, as I start getting dizzy and my balance goes. I am considering the drastic step of moving to a climate with minimal changes in barometric pressure, as I think this will help, but I don't want to do this if I will continue to suffer. Suggestions?
How long ago did you have the chemical injections. I believe you need time to adjust not having a balance system in that ear anymore. People who have had procedure done say you have to walk walk an then walk more so you learn how to compensate. Good luck.
I had the last procedure in January. My problem is that as soon as I go outside, my head pressure worsens and I get dizzy - I am off balance from that point. I have had vestibular therapy and it did help for a short time. I am gaining weight because I can't exercise, as I am afraid I will fall. I am thinking that a different climate (I live in Florida where there are wide swings in barometric pressure) might help - does anyone know or am I likely dreaming?
jamitts, maybe the heat or outdoor allergens are making matters worse, as well as the stormy weather? It has that impact on me.
Definitely the heat and stormy weather. I've been tested for every allergy they test for (both skin and blood tests) and they can find no allergies - but then, they don't test for everything! I feel best when the weather is nice and low humidity. I am the best meteorologist around!! Wish I could stop the pressure. Thanks for the input! It helps to know I am not alone.
I have only had the Decadron shots but I was able to find 9 months of relief at one point with them -- My last shot was this past December 9th and while I have had a couple of small attacks since then ( spinning - no puking - I think I was able to get my valium in my system in time) - I haven't had any violent attacks in awhile ( knock on wood ). I do believe barometric pressure affects me - absolutely.
Hi, sorry to hear all that you go through. I live in Florida. It's the same for me here to. I go outside minutes later dizzy fullness in ear off balance. I'm home bound as well. I don't drive right now, and I'm trying to do so many things to help. I live on my couch until God gives me relief. I feel ok for a few minutes go to make lunch and then I'm dizzy again. If moving is the answer please keep us posted if it helps you. I think it's not going to happen for me. I'm new to this md and I can go through the day experiencing denial anger acceptance why me hope all in an hour. It would be interesting to here from people who've traveled if it changed.
jamitts, heat therapy can give you a relief for your pressure on your head. Although you live in the area of warm/hot climate, I can recommend a body warmer like ThermaCare heatwraps to your neck for a whole day while you are at home. Wrapping a body warmer (like HotHands) with a towel and wrapping it on your neck allow you to apply heat on the back of your neck for a whole day. This works to alleviate headache/migraine and shoulder neck very well. The whole purpose is to apply heat in muscle and blood for 42C degrees or more. This works in all seasons including summer. Section 1.8 https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4smSaYBVJ9gaXN6aVJiRHRFUXM/view?usp=sharing If you would prefer a medication, a Chinese herb called Wu Ling San is proven effective in atmosphese-induced migraine. It is a diuretic and you can also keep drinking water throughout the day to be more effective.
So sorry to hear this. I've been there done/doing all of that. If you haven't tried the "chemo" route, I strongly recommend it. Without my Methotrexate and prednisone, I wouldn't be able to get out of bed. The key is finding the right neurotologist/ENT who will work with a rheumatologist on the meds. Good luck!
I do feel better in a coll dry climate but some of that is because my head aches and body aches diminish. Also I don't have the chronic, mild dizziness and nausea all the time either. not sure if there is any data re. Meniere's and climate.
If you live in Florida, try the Tampa Bay Hearing Center. They are very open minded and have good success rates. Also, if you have not tried antivirals, give them a try. Tampa HC generally supports that route. http://www.tampabayhearing.com/menieresdisease
Allergy treatment helped me with this a lot. Whenever i went west of the mississippi or to ver high elevations or was strictly in air conditioned air, i would be better but let me go outside in our typical humidity and allergen laden air and my hearing was toast. Allergy treatment really did help me. It takes years but then the years will pass anyway, might as well feel better when they do. Good luck.