My wife is going to have a surgery soon, unrelated to Meniere's. I was hoping some of you could help with suggestions on helping her experience. ie Precautions, ways to help the doctors and anesthesiologist understand her specific needs. Any advice would be helpful. Thanks in advance
So far I haven't had any surgeries with Ménière's disease . Are you concerned Because she has menieres ?
In December I did two hospital stays with every test you can imagine and not getting a diagnosis even though the Drs said they knew I was in pain but couldn't figure out why. As well as two procedures I had done under anesthesia. I did not suffer any ill effects from the anesthesia but I've never had any bad reactions to anesthesia. I always tell the Dr and the anesthesiologist that I have Meniere's. I tell the nurses I have menieres. I should have worn a sign saying, "I Have Menieres." I make sure everyone knows and I always ask what effect having Menieres could have on my procedure. I will say recovery was harder on me than most. That fatigue. All you want to do is sleep and you sleep every time you shut your eyes. I had a few holding the walls at home or off balance times but they never sent me into a vertigo episode. The only thing that almost sent me spinning was when I found out they were charging me for a phone and tv that I never used! Be patient, be king, be observant- that's the most important as some of us with Menieres don't let on that we're in trouble until it's too late. I think you're wonderful! You have a special relationship with your wife, a special kind of love that many don't ever find that brings you here seeking help for her. I will pray for a speedy recovery. The best to you and your wife. I'm sure you'll get many replies. This is a very supportive group.
thank you for the replies. I'm just worried for her I have had many surgeries but the thought of having vertigo afterward would keep me from ever having another. Just hoping we can make it a non-terrifying experience for her.
What kind of surgery is she having and what is the estimated recovery time? Check out the cognition thread and the last post I ,ade. It may give you some ideas to keep her busy while she recovers.
I have not had surgery since I had Meniere's but don't think it would impact anything. For me I always react to anethesia (any) and it will make me very sick - which winds up with me being dehydrated. Since dehydration can make the symptoms worse I would watch out for that. I would tell the doctors and ensure it is noted on the chart so if your wife tells them that the room is spinning they can address and understand that this is most likely different than a normal reaction. I would also ensure that you use the vertigo "word" vs dizzy as they are not interchangeable and I would hate that they not react quick and strong enough to your wife not realizing the situation. After that, I would take a deep breath and feel calm knowing...if she were to have an attack, she is in the hospital and they have the drugs to stop it pretty quickly! Good luck to you and your wife. I have no doubt it will be fine. You are a good husband to think about the possibilities and prepare for it.