Hello All, I've been on Full JOH for 6+ Months and Full Dose Antiviral (Both Famciclovir 500 mg 3x/Day OR Valacyclovir 1000 mg 3x/Day) since late July 2022 PLUS 3 scoops Lauricidin (Monolaurin) a day and additional B, E Vitamins, Vinpocetine, Diazide Prescription, and 8 mg Betahistine per day. Until about the 2nd week in November of 2022 things were going okay. Still had some fullness but hearing loss in the mid-range frequencies and low range frequencies had come back considerably. Then, in early November during a very busy week (one could even go far as to say stress-filled) suddenly my ear started filling up again and has stayed that way since then. Nothing changed whatsoever in terms of routine, diet, or medications. I eat no dairy, gluten, consume less than 1000 mg. of sodium a day, eat some fruit, vegetables and small amounts of low sodium chicken or beef (grass fed) only. Have dropped eggs as well. I have had 4 Doctor's appointments with 4 different providers. Tried the oral steroid route and it did nothing. Have had full vestibular testing and it really showed slight abnormalities, but not severe vestibular dysfunction. Two of the doctors suggested I try a ventilation tube after the vestibular testing was completed. I have had that inserted for 3 weeks and it has actually made the fullness situation worse...definitely not better, anyway. Before the vent tube I have always had the ability/sensation that if I could force air pressure through my Eustachian tube it would feel as if it temporarily pulled the middle ear function in such a way that it would pull the round window free from my inner ear enough to allow some momentary relief (albeit for about 1 min. at most). Before, in all my previous experiences I would feel try relief when my ear would seem to 'pop open' and then things would seem normal. Over the course of 3 years with this journey those 'pop open' moments are becoming fewer and fewer. My most two recent Doctor visits were with highly trained folks...one with much published research on Meniere's (albeit traditional approaches) and the other at a University Setting and both just say the middle ear functions seem fine and look good. They suggest just getting a hearing aid as loss across the board is in the 40 db range or lower (at high frequencies). Input/questions from any of you: 1. Any suggestions about relieving this pressure/fullness with additional supplements or other strategies? Haven't ever tried Olive Leaf Extract, Pycogenol but really considering adding either or both of those to the plan to see if either (or both may help). Thoughts? 2. Thoughts about having the vent tube removed? One recent Doctor says wait at least 2 months and another says wait to let it fall out. It seems like my inner ear is plugged shut on both its way in and in draining out. Haven't really seen any change since early November 2022 for the better. In fact, since having the vent tube inserted 3 weeks ago have had more brain fog and even one minor spinning sensation for about 20-30 min. Have had to use Meclizine a few times due to the feeling that things could be going 'off' at any time. 3. Got a hearing aid consultation in a couple of weeks. Suggestions on good devices? 4. Thoughts about 'stress' reduction measures or medications that have helped others? Regularly exercise already every day. 5. One doctor wants to 'explore' the middle ear to see if there is some sort of dysfunction, but two others cautioned against that due to lots of damage that doing such a procedure could cause otherwise. Thankful not to have great issues with ongoing vertigo, but feels like a standstill with little suggestion (other than the hearing aid) from these many highly trained professionals. Sorry for the length of this post and thanks for any suggestions. Happy New Year! Kurtin
Wouldn't hurt to add to everything 5000IU of vitamin D, along with 400mg of magnesium in the form of magnesium citrate or magnesium glycinate. You are very likely to be deficient in vitamin D (which needs the magnesium to function properly). The sun-exposed skin makes virtually no vitamin D in winter. Sun angle too low. --John of Ohio
John, Thank you so much for your follow-up. In my lengthy first post I neglected to mention that I have been taking Magnesium Glycinate 400mg a day and 5000 IU (maybe even 6000) of Vitamin D each day as well for at least 6+ months. Things were going okay for 3 1/2 months and showed real improvement after the first couple of weeks, but then the bottom seemed to drop out in early November 2022 and right back to where I was in terms of fullness and hearing loss when I went into this in mid-July 2022...and been that way since. I have been on full JOH since probably April or May of 2022 but added the full doses of AV starting in mid-July. Just baffled by the negative turn as nothing has changed except a very busy (maybe even more stressful) week. Eliminated Dairy and Gluten in early June 2022. Additional thoughts/suggestions? Really considering adding Olive Leaf Extract and Pycogenol...only reservation is I'm taking so many other supplements already. Thanks again...so appreciative for all you have done to assist so many of us. Kurtin
Hello Kurtin, I can't say much about dietary and supplement approaches except no alcohol, caffeine and nicotine. I avoided processed and unhealthy food and drinks long before I got M'D, more than half of my life. Take Potassium, Magnesium and D3 as supplements. I do something weird but for me helpful against ear pressure and fullness. I cool some desinfected smooth, oval stones fitting in my auricle (not into the canal!) I change as soon as the stone is warm. In most cases the fullness reduces after 30 min of cooling down. You said it, stress is not good for you and your ears, so calming down combined with the cold stone ritual might help. Don't forget your neck might also need release. As I have sometimes difficulties with my balance walking in the street, I take an airplane earplug for my M.ear. This also works for me.
For stress I take Sertraline and works very good for me. Successful treatment of relapsed Ménière’s disease using selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors: A report of three cases
Sorry I've been slow to respond. Thanks for your replies. Will be talking to my Internist about the sertraline connection. I appreciate the comments about the supplements and alternative methods suggested. I'll check into them.
This is interesting. I was just at the Doctor's this morning and she prescribed me Sertraline (long story), so we will see whether it makes any difference.
Funny, I was at a doctor's appointment earlier this week and we discussed it as well. Doctor is leaving it up to me. I'd be curious of your findings if you decide to take Sertraline...particularly related to any effect on ear pressure, fullness, and hearing. My doctor suggests the medication may help get my mind off of the whole issue.