Hey all. My episodes have increased with such severity and duration over the last year, that I am learning all new coping techniques. I don't want to be that person who never leaves the house, but I've had some pretty severe public episodes. I am single and I live alone. I have a support emergency contact list, however I've had a couple of incidents where no one was available to help me. We don't have a good public transportation system where I live, though, in the throes of a vomiting-episode, I highly doubt they'd let me in their vehicle anyway Anyway, I just thought I'd reach out and see what other people do when you have an episode in public?
So sorry this is happening to you. Have you looked into the 5 star great call? Its a little device you carry with you and they can locate you through gps. You press a button and a live person answers, you can give them contacts to call or doctors, neighbors, family anyone you want etc or an ambulance. I bought one for my dad, he just turned 93 July 31. It is very reassuring to know you can have live support medical or otherwise where ever you are. and no I do not work for them in any way. www.greatcall.com
I carry a one ziplock freezer bag with paper towels in it smashed flat and folded in my purse for those gagging vomit things. If I were I would have a cab company set on my cell phone. Also some police officers will take you home or provide you with a safe ride. You could have a card that is laminated with your problem spelled out on it to hand them instead of trying to talk while you vomit. I would also have some friends that you could text an emergency text to like 911 meaning you are sick and need a ride then they can respond can't or where are you?
Sorry you are suffering at present. I don't know how much of a newbie you are to this site as we are all new since the site was updated. If I were you I would read as much as I can from the wealth of information here and try to match your symptoms to a group or an individual here and try to find out how they have coped. I can only speak for myself but after being mistaken for a drunk several times in public swaying all over the place and vomiting I became very determined on two points. To try and find out what was making me suffer from vertigo and vomiting. That is easier said than done when alot about the menieres syndrome cannot really be explained and to try and have something that would either stop the attack before it started or at least lessen its severity. Had I not been able to achieve that I would have opted for the laby but fortunately I got the better of my condition and symptoms. My success was achieved by food and drink trial and error from scratch so that the attacks ( in my case ) didn't happen in the first place and If they did to have a tablet that stopped the attack or reduced it which is buccastem or the equivalent I believe in the US would be valium. I still carry the buccastem with me everywhere but I haven't needed them since August 2009. Living alone when you have a debilitating illness is no picnic but determination will get you through. Wishing you well Frank
Vicki, I cancelled my 5-Star Great Call account. It's good for some things, but not, in my opinion, for distress related to Meniere's. I was having severe vertigo and vomiting and was on the floor unable to get up, more than once. I would push the button for an operator, and though they do answer quickly, they would ask so many questions before getting the help I requested, e.g., "What is your name; what address are you at; are you safe; what is your problem, etc." I yelled at one operator, "Here I am, on the floor unable to get up and you're asking all these questions. All I want you to do is call my son." Her response was, "Sorry, Ma'am, but I have to ask." I now have a cell phone that I keep with me that's programmed with the phone numbers I need to make when in trouble. I only have to push one button and a voice says, "Please say a command." I respond, "Call Steve." It responds, "Mobile?" Me, "Yes!" And it automatically calls my son. Some of this new technology is great! Some not so great!