I've been dealing with this embarrassment for a while. I've been asked if I'm drunk and it really makes me not want to go anywhere. I walk off balanced and everywhere I go I get stares and strange looks. This increases my social anxiety and I can't do nothing about it. I even heard someone whisper " she's probably crazy." I can barely walk because benzo withdrawal has made my Mienere's Disease much worse. I feel like nothing will improve and just want to hide from the world . Just a little rant .My life sucks so much.
AEC, I'm super sorry. Relax though. Have a bit of swagger about yourself. Flash a grin that says "to hell with ya'll, maybe I AM drunk."
Get a cane. Once i used a cane, no one questioned me again. It also helps to let people know that you're not 100%. They tend to be more empathetic when they see a cane. Bonus: It also gets you pre-boarding on airplanes. Btw, benzo withdrawal is horrible, and the symptoms are very much like MM, but it's not making your disease worse. It just feels that way. It will go away in time. I know it's a hard road (i've been there), but just keep pushing.
What Scott Tom said. If it seems appropriate to say something, just say matter of factly 'i have menieres disease, it make me dizzy <fill in the blank with the symptom you are experiencing at the moment>.
I like the idea of a cane. I looked at a few at a junk shop with full length blades built in. That way, you can deal with the smart a?? that wants to know if you are drunk 8) 8).
AEC...that is not an embarrassment at all...guess it's just in the way you look at it. Canes are too short...get yourself a healthy walking stick. When asked that same question, I'll stop, look them square in the eye and tell them: "NO, I live with a serious disease that stole my balance, but I can still get around OK using this walking stick. You got a problem with that?" They're usually the embarrassed ones. End of discussion.
I got a "what is wrong with you" when I stumbled in the middle of a room looking at real estate. I simply said, that I suffer from Meniere's disease and didn't say another word. That seemed to satisfy this person (real estate agent). I am not sure they understood what this disease is because they replied, "my knee is severely injured and I need to have an operation." I will take an injured knee over this anyday.
I have no problem telling people that I am deaf in my right ear and have vertigo - I think for me just putting it out there makes whatever function I am at or whatever I am doing much easier right off the bat. Don't worry about being judged.... it isn't something to be ashamed of... you cant help it.
They even make mugs and t-shirts =-) We make lots of jokes about it where I work...nothing can be done but to live, laugh and look forward to it ending
Ahhh the drunk walk. AEC, Picture this, a few years ago, Christmas Eve, I decided to stop for a last minute gift. It was already pitch black outside. Well, wouldn't you know it, I got a sudden attack just as I'm pulling into the parking lot. I made it to the parking lot just in time to open the door and vomit my guts out. First thought, "God, please don't let the police have just seen me park!" Second thought, "Oh no! It's Christmas Eve...anyone who sees this happening will DEFINITELY think I've been drinking, and I'd never pass the walking sobriety test!" Luckily, nobody saw me. I tried to relate the humor of the situation to other people, but they just didn't get it. Throughout this wretched, unforgiving illness I've had to find humor. You either laugh or you cry, right? I'm human. I still cry, but I continue to live by laughing.
for canes just use trekking pole like this https://www.amazon.com/TheFitLife-mountaineering-Collapsible-Alpenstocks-ultralight/dp/B01NCI8CKR/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1505504798&sr=8-4&keywords=walking+pole You'll get weird looks but everyone will just think your European.