Today was the day. It did not hurt that much. I was dizzy for about 10 seconds and that was it. I am now at work. The doctor seems to think I will not have any issues adapting. I plan on doing my normal life without interruption. I did ask if he offered vestibular rehab in case I need it, but he thought I would not, that I will do really well. I check back in a month. He said to call if I have any vertigo. Honestly, not that bad. I am looking forward to a vertigo free life. I will post my recovery experience.
What were your days like before the injections and how often will they be needed?,and good luck I'm hoping the injections are a long time relief from vertigo
Gary n, most of my days were spent somewhat off balance. I could go for a few months without vertigo and then have 2 or 3 very bad attacks and have to call the ambulance to go to the ER. I started isolating for fear of vertigo and not traveling any more. I want a change of life and no more fear of vertigo. If I do not have any vertigo in the next month, I won't have to get another injection. I will keep you posted.
I love your user name . Hopeful still is the optimism needed here. I have a question, when you went to the hospital, what would they do?
Did the doctor tell you you would experience dizziness or even vertigo attacks about a week after the injection? I have read that from other people who had this done. My am looking at this myself and trying to learn as much as possible.
imback, when I would go to the hospital they would hydrate me via IV (because of the vomiting) and administer valium and Zofran in the IV. It would work after about 1/2 hour.
Today is day 7, so thought I would give you all an update. The third day I started feeling wonky. Then yesterday I had a vertigo like attack, unable to walk and dizzy, but not full rotational vertigo. I had a friend pick me up from work and take me home. By the time she got to my office I was feeling better. I went home and rested and then had a one minute mini spin that left as fast as it came. Today I am feeling much better. I can feel a little off when using the computer and having to concentrate. I feel very optimistic (always hopeful) that this will work for me. All in all there is nothing that has happened, including the injection, that is as bad as a full vertigo attack. I will keep you posted, but so far it's all good. Also, the ear fullness is reduced by about 30 - 40% today. Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What was the percentage of balance in your affected ear? I heard the better the balance before gentamicin injection the longer it takes for the brain to compensate after the injection. Overall are you ok to walk around without any problems ? Also did you have steroid injections before? I am glad it is working for you!!
I did not have any tests for balance. I think I had a lot of destruction from previous vertigo attacks. I am feeling really good today. It has been just a little off balance, but better every day. I did not have steroid injection before.
I just want everyone here to know that the gent. injection is a viable choice. Please be reminded of Dr. Gacek's results: http://www.amjoto.com/article/S0196-0709(14)00072-6/abstract Thirty one patients went on antivirals and of those 12 had improved hearing and total vertigo control. There seems to be those that claim antiviral is the ONLY choice. I recommend finding a good neuro-otologist and follow their advice. Do what you need to do to get your life back.
I agree that each of us has to find what works for us. It may be steroids, gent injections, antivirals, surgery, etc. I'm always happy to see that a treatment has been successful for others as it always gives me hope. I do think the antivirals offer one of our greatest hopes and worth a serious trial for most mm sufferers. For me, I wanted to try everything available before considering injections or surgery. I've been on antivirals for 18 months. They have reduced the severity and frequency of my mm attacks but I still deal with daily light dizziness that may be MAV related. But I'm very appreciative of the people on this site who encouraged me to try them. With that said....hopefulstill, I agree with you. Do what you need to do to get your life back!
I am glad you found a treatment that is working for you. Everyone needs to do what they feel comfortable with. But No one ever stated on these forums that an antiviral is the only treatment. You can look through posts and DB to see that for sure. Also the article you posted was about hearing not vertigo. The one that was published for vertigo is in my link. Dr Gacek's success rate is 90% as is others. But the reason why many of us suggest an AV first, is because it is not invasive and works for a majority of people and most would prefer an noninvasive treatment if its successful. But there is no 1 treatment that works for everyone or some work but leave some symptoms. Like I and many have said , its trial and error to see what treatment works for an individual. All that being said I am very happy for you and I hope the rest of your days remain symptom free