Hello! I’m new to this forum. I was diagnosed several years ago but had only hearing loss until the end of 2017. In December I had 12 severe vertigo attacks with all the scary trimmings. I see a neurotologist and am now on betahistine. Two questions. One: is anyone else on betahistine and without a pharmacy now that the FDA has passed new laws? Also I broke my ankle this week. Anyone have advice for being on crutches with Meniere’s? As my username implies, I’m a dancer and until now had exceptional balance. I literally can’t stand up with crutches. I need help doing everything and tip over at the slightest breeze. I’ve been on crutches many times before (dance injuries over the years) and have always been super coordinated and agile with them. Suddenly I’m an old lady! Just had plates and screws put in my ankle and really don’t want to fall and reinjure things. I think I’m getting a knee scooter as soon as I get a cast but my house has stairs everywhere. Anyone been thru this? Thanks!
Welcome, Christina. So sorry to hear about your difficulties. I have had success with vestibular therapy to treat the imbalance that can come after a flare-up of vertigo. I was told that the balance function depends on three parts of the body -- the vestibular system for orientation, the eyes for vision, and the feet and ankles for touch. Each of these areas sends signals to the brain, which instantly adjusts muscles needed to correct posture. Vertigo episodes cause damage to the vestibular system, and crutches take away much of the sense of touch from feet and ankles, leaving the brain without the signals it is accustomed to receiving. Vestibular physical therapy is designed to "re-wire" the brain to rely more on the undamaged signals and ignore the static that may be coming from damaged areas so that balance can be regained. Best of luck with your recovery.
I used a walker after having plates and screws in my ankle. I didn't feel stable on crutches but don't have stairs. Maybe continue to have someone walk with you until you are weight bearing on the affected leg. I don't have any experience with betahistine that I recall.
Keep taking the betahistine. It is not a cure. There is no cure. But it is an effective palliative that alongside lifestyle changes can help to put the beast back in its cage.