I remember about 7 years ago when my GP told me it was time to retire he mentioned something about killing the ear with Gent. Although he did mention it he did say once I turned that corner there was no going back and to really think about it due to the ability of some sound making through all the noise in that ear. I have not been to a doctor for my ear since then. It has been over eight years since the hearing went away. With the episode I am now getting over I am considering that option since it is apparent the hearing will not be getting better. Is this still an option? I won't be back in the vicinity of my Dr until late May, so I am just trying to find out what options I can discuss with him.
Welcome Tom! Have you tried the dietary cuts like low sodium and the MAV diet yet. Certainly worth a shot before going for the more serious battleground tactics.
I have tried a few things, but nothing seemed to make much of a difference. After about 17 years with this I ready to bring out the heavy artillery....... My last episode ranks up in the top 5 worst episodes.
I was going down weekly and my neuro was testing my vestibular function in prep for a laby when he discovered it tested pretty much normal. Thats when he started me on the MAV meds. They worked. As he said, "If I do the Laby and thats not it, I bet you'll be mad". I will always recommend to go down the non surgical bunny trails 1st.
Never had much of any tests. The first Dr that diagnosed me only did it by symptoms and so the diagnosis is in my med records. From everything I have learned, he was correct. Might need to see about an ENT appointment when I get back to Minnesota. I'm sure there have been some advances in the last 10 years or so........
Tom, my take is that a regular ENT is not that much help in getting a definitive Meniere's diagnosis and differentiating it from MAV, tumor, or other causes of the symptoms. You would be best off seeing a neurotologist, the specialty that deals with both the inner ear and the brain connection where Meniere's makes its home, and getting access to the specialized equipment to test vestibular function. There are a few neurotologists associated with the U of M in Minneapolis, and a few at Mayo in Rochester. Mayo has a 6 - 12 month wait time to get in, and only treats Meniere's patients who are residents of Minnesota and the adjacent states. Their ENT department is highly regarded and demanded worldwide, so they are selective about which Meniere's patients they will see. The U has knowledgeable docs and the specialized testing equipment needed for a solid diagnosis, and is easier to get into for an appointment. They might be the best place to start. If you want more detailed information, send me a direct message.
After reading about using Gent, I am wondering if it for me. You guys really got me to looking and reading. You made me realize I have 'lost out' on quite a few med possibilities instead of just living with MM. Another factor is I am only in Minnesota (home state) for about 5 months at a time due to full time RVing. I'm glad I'm at a spot for a month since this last episode has lasted way longer than any other. Today (5 days later) tinnitus is still extremely loud, some dizziness still and I am crabby!! I can't say as I have ever had a mood swing like this..... Tom
Mr. Tom, I got really mad last year, when our travel plans kept interfering with getting my MM appointments, and I'd have to do yet one more terrifying trip with vertigo hanging over my head. Eventually I put my foot down, and prioritized getting into the specialists above all else. So that's my Christmas wish for you... that you can get This Beast taken care of, even if it means sacrificing some RV time... in hopes of V-free RVing after that. What's your mood swing? Depression? Anxiety?
AnneT, I really don't know what was up yesterday. I just felt like I wanted to kill something or even someone. Well, not really (maybe!). Just was really really crabby. Today other than being tired I am actually feeling pretty good. Most all the symptoms have finally decreased to where I hardly notice them. Far as RV time, that gets tougher. We (wife and I) sold our house due to financial issues due to my early retirement and live full time in our RV. We don't sit in one area long enough except the five or so months at 'home'. We won't see that campground until May.