How many Dr's have you seen before you found a competent Dr. Versed in all of the treatments for Menieres Disease? I have my original one. Since I've moved its approx. a 75 mile ride each way. I then thought I'd find one in my county that would be as knowledgeable so I wouldn't have to travel. I've seen 4. Even the youngest wasn't up to date with Antivirals treatment and research. 2 of the others were archaic with their treatments which consisted of a diuretic, Valium and a low salt diet. 1 wanted to send me out of state to a "specialist." Not all Dr's keep current to treat Menieres and on the research. That's why so many are having a difficult time finding the appropriate Dr. It's very sad. Nothing is being funded for extensive research. That doesn't help. Just my opinion.
I went to three specialists. The first two were very competent, they just didnt have the answer for me because the answer for me was something that at that time was a treatment not well known.
The other thing is,mthe first two had primarily surgical practices which i think puts blinders on them as far as seeing nonsurgical options.
I'm on my third doctor. The first I really liked but after diagnosing me and the treatments he prescribed not working he sent me to someone with more experience. My initial treatment was low salt diet, diazide, valium, phenergan, and antivert. Nothing helped except possibly the valium to a small degree. I was averaging at least one ER visit a month at that point. He said he didn't feel like he could do anything else and sent me to the second doctor. He's the one that did the two gent shots. On my third visit with him he was an ass. Guess I caught him in a bad mood but decided then and there I would not be going back. Found doctor number three when the ear drum ruptured. He hasn't done anything specifically to treat the Meniere's yet since the attacks are less frequent and not as violent as they were. Of course I prefer none at all but this is certainly MUCH better than earlier this year. I haven't decided if I am likeing this new doctor or not. Haven't seen him but a couple of times and he's been fine. He said to stay on the low salt diet, discontinue the diazide, and if symptoms get worse come back and we'll reevaluate the treatment approach.
My primary wouldn't touch it. The only time I've been to her about the Meniere's was right before I was diagnosed and had about three ER visits under my belt with no explanation as to what was wrong. I went in to see her as a follow up from the previous days ER trip. She made me an appointment with the first ENT that day and a referral to a neurologist. I was in her office and still having nystagmus. She almost didn't let me leave the office.
My primary was the first to prescribe antivirals for me too. Armed with that success and knowledge that they worked for me, but not completely, i went to dr derebery who took it the rest of the way.
2 doctors for me. My first ENT did all he could for me and when he realized he sent me to a specialist who has been fantastic. I've been lucky.
It's more what he didn't do, gives no push back on anything I want to try. We have worked through each treatment from betahistine and diuretic to anti-virals to bring some stability to my life.