Hi everyone, I am new to the forum and have been reading everyone's posts and comments with enthusiasm. I started to write out a long explanation of what has happened to me - misdiagnosis, inappropriate treatment and surgeries recommended, and long waits to see doctors, but then I realised that most of you have already gone through this. As such I'll keep my commentary brief (sort of): My symptoms started in 2010 with my first episode of vertigo. It literally came on out of the blue and as such I ended up in the hospital. I thought that I was going to die and I was really scared. I was given a diagnosis of BPPV and told to go home, and take gravol if I still felt nauseous. I ended up sleeping for three days straight! Since that point, I've had numerous doctors appointments, recommendations for surgery, acupuncture, physio, chiropracty, cranio-sacral chiropracty, drugs, rest, etc. I was self medicating for a long time (with gravol) but then when the other symptoms started getting worse I have sought more help from the medical community. I am an avid cyclist and I just bought a new car and I have been told that I cannot participate in either of those activities. I also have been told to put myself on a reduced sodium diet, drink no caffeine and no alcohol. I have been feeling particularly down and have been suffering from a lot of anxiety because for a while, life just didn't seem worth living. I am also feeling quite isolated because I look healthy but I feel terrible. (Work is also not going well because I've had to take so much time off... but that's another story.) Here's a run-down of my symptoms: Vertigo - attacks were happening every 3 months or so (from 2010 to 2013) but have slowed down Aural fullness Tinnitus (at times, it has been so loud that it has woken me up in the middle of the night) Hearing loss - right ear mostly. While it does fluctuate the audiologist has estimated about a 60% loss. So I've got the classic symptoms of MD! I am very healthy. I do not suffer from migraines or headaches and never have. I have very low blood pressure, low cholesterol, etc. I exercise four to five times a week and participate in long distance cycling events. I suffer from mild seasonal allergies but nothing severe. Recently I've started taking synthroid - there was a thought it might help my tinnitus but I suffer from hypothyroidism (so did my dad). I take Vitamin D (about 1000 IU/day) and try to take calcium/magnesium when I remember. The naturopath that I recently started seeing recommended a licorice supplement and astragalus supplement along with ginger tea for digestion, but I don't really have digestion issues. I eat well, typically four to six fruits and veggies/day. I eat very little cheese or dairy. I drink very little (nothing now for three months) and I don't drink caffeinated drinks. I have had a prescription for Serc for the last three months which I just finished, but it didn't seem to help. Any suggestions about what I can try?
Some people, as you may have read, have a lot of success with antivirals. I have. It's something to research and bring up with your Dr. Good Luck and don't let it get you down!! Stay positive!
Cycling over many years caused very tight shoulders, neck, jaw for me. Have you looked into TMJ specialist or upper cervical chiro?
Yes, I am active in my health and work with a chiropractor and physiotherapist and massage therapist. I also sought out acupuncture for my jaw (in the event that it was TMJ). Nothing helps!
Does your chiro actually manipulate the C1 and C2 vertebrae though? It's those vertebrae specifically that affect blood flow and nerve impulses to the ear. Misalignment there also physically puts pressure on the structure of the ear. An upper cervical chiropractor is not entirely the same as a regular chiropractor. They are required to undergo additional training.
Here is an interesting paper on the subject, if you like to read studies and published medical papers. http://www.patzerchiropractic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/menieres.pdf The right chiro is ideally going to be someone who has been doing upper cervical adjustments for a while, and really ideal would be someone who has seen success treating Meniere's disease. They can be hard to find, but are worth their weight in gold. My first adjustment was 2 nights ago. A couple hours after the adjustment, I realized that I wasn't having those off balance half dizzy feelings when I was moving my head around. I haven't felt that good in a long time. I'm back to feeling yucky again, but I have another appointment tonight. And with luck, the adjustments should start to hold in time.
I agree with Bea try an antiviral, many believe MM is caused by an HSV. Search the forums you will find numerous posts about them and numerous successful suppression of symptoms when taking them. I have MM for 50 years and have been vertigo and dizzy free for over 2 years due to taking an antiviral. Many studies support a viral cause. Check out our forums database for Dr Gaceks paper on antivirals causing MM. Print it and show it to your doctor, they are usually hesitant in prescribing them for MM.