Hey all I'm new here and this is my first post. Just looking for some friendly advice. I'm 21 years old and I was diagnosed with Meniere's in my right ear when I was 18. Been taking a diuretic daily and meclizine as needed since then. I've also done the steroid injection in my ear a bunch of times. It seems as time goes on the episodes are no longer episodes and are more so just a part of daily life. As a busy college student this is unacceptable and I'm willing to do what it takes to stop further spinning. I've done just about every lifestyle change that I've heard of but it has not really helped. I'm wondering what kinds of things I should ask my doctor about that have worked for you all in terms of medical treatment. Hearing is nearly gone at the moment but it has bounced back in the past. Thanks for your help
Welcome Ben. Read on this forum about antivirals such as acyclovir, valtrex and famvir. They have worked for a lot of people here, but certainly not all. It is 9ne of those things you have to try to know if it will work for you. Not all ENT’s “believe in” antiviral treatment for menieres but it is increasingly accepted. I was treated with antivirals by a doctor from House Ear Clinic in LA. That many mean something to you doctor. You need a heft dose and a long period ie several months to knowmif it will work for you. Improvement is gradual not immediate. Good luck. Stick around, others will come with more suggestions.
Hi Ben. Tough diagnosis to have at 18. There isn't a ton of concrete knowledge about Meniere's because the randomness of episodes and remission makes it so difficult to study. There seem to be several "flavors" of Meniere's, and some treatments work for one but not the next. Some people have food triggers, some respond to antivirals, some may have a genetic component (my dad had Meniere's, but my identical twin does not -- go figure). For me, it's been important to control dietary sodium, and a slice of pizza can bring out the devil. Many of us associate anxiety and stress with vertigo episodes, but that's a bit of a chicken-and-egg situation. The doctor I saw this morning believes that the attacks cause the stress more than stress causing attacks. As June said, you can read up on others' experiences here, try out approaches that make sense to you, and see how you respond. You're among good company here; we're sharing this boat with you.