Hello. I just found this forum. I think I'll probably be hanging out here frequently! Lots of good stuff. I was d iagnosed with Menieres a few months ago. I'd like to ask if my symptoms seem typical or normal. Ive had three severe vertigo episodes this year. They seem to have been triggered by emotional or physical stress. The vertigo lasted for DAYS! I mean 7-14 days 24/7. Is that common or rare? Tinnitus has become my constant companion with occasional ear pain. I havent had vertigo for over two months but i frequently feel dizzy or off balance. I was walking everyday for a few weeks until i tripped and fell. I couldn't stop my fall. Once i lose my balance, it's impossible to regain. I've become much less active, For fear of falling. I was hurt pretty badly. My energy for the last year has been terribly low. Is that part of menieres? Lots of brain fog. Diet doesn't. Seem to affect things except lower sodium seems to help decrease the intensity of the tinnitus. Ive been in bed all day today because i just feel like an attack could be coming on. This is a really weird condition because the symptoms can often be so nebulous! It has caused me to lose some of my self confidence, motivation and productivity. But somehow, it does help to know I'm not alone. Thanks for input and for listening.
Hi Vista, Sorry you have this dreadful disease. That's along time for a vertigo attack, so sorry you have to deal with that. Yes low energy level is normal. Many of us have found symptom relief, it is trial and error and does take some time. But first thing you may want to try is an antiviral. Many of use have been helped tremendously by them. Also notice what foods are triggering your symptoms. In the database on the forums are threads about antivirals and other treatments that have helped many. You may also want to look into MAV and there is a thread in our database about that too many of us have both MM and MAV (migraine associated vertigo) headaches are not required to have MAV. Good luck! and you are not alone we all understand.
Welcome Vistagirl! It really helps me knowing I'm not alone, too. You have found a great source of information and support here. I concur with all of Vicki's thoughts on this.
I took a few falls early on that were horrible and memorable. If I fall I always fall to the right (my "good" ear). I still have scars on my right leg from the knee down from the last two. So I totally understand. For me the thing that I have to focus on is whatever is positive that day. If my ear is full and the ringing crazy high, but I didn't go dizzy. A good day. Little things but once I was able to start doing that versus focusing on everything bad that is going on - it seemed to be better. Stress and letting myself get too tired are huge triggers for me. I do recommend trying to get prescription for a/v. And a lot of people do end up suffering with depression and anxiety with this thing and there is no shame in getting help and medication for that if you need it. Sorry that you have to be here; but glad you found this board as it is a source of great information and support.
Hi Vistagirl. After 18 years of dealing with this disease, my vertigo attacks have morphed from long, debilitating ones to short, quick bursts. Because I don't have any warning, I carry a walking stick while walking into stores, clinics, etc. It gives me a third support in case I feel as though I am going down. I might even try short walks when spring comes, carrying that stick, of course. We do what we have to do. Why else would I have three grab bars in my shower?? Best of luck to you as you begin this Meniere's journey. Margie
Thank you Margie for your practical and useful advice. I just may need a stick--I never want to fall again!
Hi Jennifer! I know it probably doesn't seem possible right now with only having been diagnosed a few months ago but there are some aspects of this disease that may become a little easier for you to live with as time goes on. I can only speak from my own experiences (since MM can have different effects on each of us) but what I consider a good day for me now would have been a very bad day for me when I was first diagnosed almost 17 years ago. A little dizziness or wonkiness would have sent me right to bed back then but now I can still function and get through the day with it. It takes time for your brain to adjust to all the changes that are going on in your inner ear. The one thing someone told me that really helped was to try my best to keep moving whenever I can. Even if it's just doing something like walking in place while holding on to a chair for balance, a little exercise can help a lot. I have a few tips for you that I've learned for myself over the years that I hope may help you: 1) When you drive or ride in a car keep your visor down even when it's not sunny out. It helps keep me from getting so car sick by narrowing my field of vision and not having so much movement to look at through the windshield. 2) If fluorescent lights bother you, wear sunglasses and a ball cap with a brim on it. It sounds weird but it really does help. 3) Keep a blanket and pillow in your car. You may never need it but it's nice to know it's there in case you're ever out and start to feel bad you'll know you can go to your car and rest in the back seat for a while until you feel well enough to get home. 4) Never leave home without your cell phone. It's comforting to know that should you ever need assistance it's just a phone call away. 5) Carry a wallet card with you that says you have Meniere's Disease. If you go to the bottom right hand corner of the following link you'll see a box that says "Meniere's Symptom Card" with a link to click to print a wallet card. http://menieresresources.org/ 6) Like Margie said, a walking stick or cane is a great idea. I carry a cane on bad days and it really does help you feel more secure and steady when walking outdoors or when shopping etc. 7) Stress and anxiety are big triggers for me so I do things to help me un-stress like meditation, Chi Gong, breathing exercises and taking a short nap in the afternoon. And finally, just know that there are a lot of members here who felt exactly like you do now when they were diagnosed and we really do understand how scary, challenging and overwhelming this all can be at first. Be patient with yourself, do a lot of reading and research on MM and share any concerns you have with your doctor. It can take some time to find what works best for you just as it has for many of us here. Wishing you all the best and sending you a "welcome to the forum" hug! Lulu
I do not have vertigo but i do have a balance deficit and i know exactly what you mean about not being able to catch yourself once you fall. Two things can help. One is vestibular therapy. Eitherthe formal kind where you see a therapist or the self taught kind where you do exercises usually with the eyes and gradually challenge yourself by doing lots of walking - in a safe place. One my dr calls museum walking which is walking straight ahead but moving the eyes from side to side as if looking at paintings on the walls of a museum instead of staring straight down. Here is the other thing that helps me. Just being aware that i have this problem and being a little more deliberate when i do things. For lack of a better phrase, being careful. It sounds silly but before i knew i had a balance problem, i fell flat on my face several times, not to mention walking into the off door jamb. Since i had surgery that actually made it worse, but also made me aware of it, i rarely fall down. Hang in there. I think you will find work arounds that work for you.
If you balance is really bad for a period, carrying a walking stick can help and it feels more athletic and natural than a cane to me.