Diagnosed with Ménière’s and had the gentamicin injection

It's too bad your doctor didn't explain the likelihood of this before your injection. The good news is that it probably means your vestibular system is being destroyed (the goal of the gent injection) and the vertigo episodes will end. But the temporary bad news is that you've got to retrain your brain to accommodate to the loss of the balance function in that ear, and that takes some time. If you try to keep active by doing things like walking every day, even a little; or if you see a vestibular therapist and do the prescribed exercises, you will see improvement each week.

I chose a labyrinthectomy, which took out my balance completely and suddenly; the gentamicin injection is more gradual and perhaps not as drastic, as I understand. Recovering my balance was a slow process but with continual improvement over the five or six months. I had been forewarned by both my surgeon and by what I'd read on this forum, and that helped a lot to give me optimism.

This past week I have been gardening like crazy -- something I enjoy immensely but could not do for the past couple of years because of the vertigo. It was tough to make the decision for destructive treatment, but I'm so glad I did. I hope you will see it the same way over the next few months.

 

I am sorry to hear what you are going through. I also go to Mass Eye and Ear for the same thing. My doctor is Devenicia and he also would like me to get a Gent injection and get a Cochlear Implant. He told me it would be fine for a day or two after the injection and then a week to two of very uncomfortable times if the injection starts to work. If you feel nothing then it didn't do anything. I think you are on the right path. I have not committed to the injection yet. Keep us up to date on how you feel it will help others and there are many many people on here that have been down the same road and they will be able to answer your questions. I know its hard but keep your head up!

 

Clare is right on with her description of how the gent shot works. I am a patient at Mass Eye and Ear and I had a gent shot. It works exactly as Clare explained. The best advice is to walk as much as you can every day. Walk on different terrain using walking sticks until you are comfortable walking on your own. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.