Hi, My Menieres has returned after 15 or so years. I had my first attack late May, seemingly out of the blue, but in retrospect I realise I'd been having signs but didnt connect the dots. It lasted about 24 hours, with episodes lasting a few minutes with the longest lasting maybe three hours. I had another attack starting Friday afternoon, and it obligingly gave me some respite so I could do my job on Saturday morning before resuming with less intensity. This time the episodes are shorter and less intense, but the attack has gone longer. I went to the Dr today who prescribed Bendrofluazide, a duretic which will also address my blood pressure which has been high. She also prescribed an antibiotic, as I have long standing sinus issues. I also have valium and stemital. So, would a sinus infection trigger an attack? Or is this me hoping for a neat and simple explaination? The other thing, both attacks were presented by stress... big stress. I won't go into details right now. I'm a sound engineer and both times had also just come off tour, so long days, not enough sleep, questionable food, noise and flashing lights. The second tour, my beloved cat got sick, and hung on till we got home, but had to put him to sleep once back, which has broken my heart. And to add to things, I'm a jaw clencher and get migraines. Anyhow, thanks for reading my tale of woe! Very glad to have found this place. Bird
Bird, welcome to the forum. Yes, sinus and bacteria can contribute to the disease to progess. I also had sinus before, and the antibiotic eased symptoms. They are connected thru the eustachian tube. You might recognize the difference within 3 days to a week. Anti-biotics can be one-time remedy; if the sinus is long-lasting as you say, it may continue affecting the ear as well. After the bacteria is cleared, lactobacillus and supplement regimen JOH may help. Clenching can be one of the root causes, so conscious removal of clenching would be important. Consideration is to seek TMJ specialist who articulates remedy to hearing loss or tinnitus. Yes stressful situation causes MM to progress - it induces bruxism, constriction of blood vessels, resulting of less blood flow. Yes Insufficient sleeping will also hinder body from healing, and it may also lose balance in autonomic nerves. Autonomic nerve issue often comes from cervical issues, which is often directly linked to jaw issue. Hope you have relief soon. https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4smSaYBVJ9gaXN6aVJiRHRFUXM/view?usp=sharing
Bird - sorry to hear you are suffering. I was doing great and then went on a two week trip in April (didn't eat well, didn't sleep well, up late, flying, etc). Came home to a very stressful situation with my job. I'm convinced all of those things combined set me off. It's been a battle for three months which is so frustrating after doing well for so long! I truly believe stress is the one of my biggest triggers and the hardest to combat! Hang in there!
Sinus infections can also be viral related. Might be worth looking into if the antibiotics don't work.
Thanks so much for the replies, it helps so much! I think a big part of my issues are related to my jaw clenching.. I have three missing lower molars (2 on left, 1 on right) that cracked, got infected and had to be removed. And stress causes the jaw clenching... and so it goes. I also have estation tube disfunction and otosclerosis on the right side. My right ear is a mess!! I have another question.. is Epstein Barr virus ever a factor? I had mononucleosis severely as a kid. I am feeling a little better today, the episodes are tapering down. The antibiotic is kicking my butt tho, making me feel pretty nauseous. I managed a one hour flight that I was nervous about too. Bird