March 19, 2002 to August 26, 2002
disability insurance colin
9:00 am tuesday march 19, 2002
I've been suffering from bilateral meniere's now for 7 years. I
am a classroom teacher, currently on long term disability
insurance. My question concerns the period following the
initial 24 month LTD period. The insurance policy states that
benefits will continue only if the illness prevents one from
being gainfully employed in any job for which I am qualified and
from which I will earn at least 60% of my salary at the time LTD
payments started. My symptoms are aggrivated by any kind of
stress, doing the groceries, being stuck in traffic, etc. With
my hearing loss and roaring tinnitus, I can't go back in a
classroom, especially at the high school level. While I have a
B.A., B.Ed. and M.Ed., I have no other experience than teaching.
At 47 years of age, does this make me qualified for other
employment that will provide me with a salary of approximately
$40 000 (60% of my salary at time of initial LTD)? The insurance
company obviously won't answer this question until my initial
LTD is up. Where do I turn to for answers? Should I expect to
be cut off benefits when the LTD runs out?
Diuretics Brenda
5:06 pm tuesday march 19, 2002
I have a question about diuretics, I am having trouble finding
one that I do not have a reaction to, Lasix is the latest one, I
shook like I was on 15 cups of coffee, Hydrochlorothiazide did
not make any differece, I tried diazide and I felt like I had
found the cure I felt great, but after three days broke out in a
rash, was taken off those, I am at a loss, The diazide is the
first time in two years I felt good, is there any body out there
who knows of anything similar? I am at a really low spot right
now and everyday is a struggle with the fatique and
bouncyvision. Help, any info will be welcome. Thanks. Brenda
Meniere's and memory loss Dan Thompson
7:49 pm friday march 22, 2002
I have managed to post two garbage messages, sorry.
Have any of you had memory problems after the on set of Meniers ?
My left ear joined the right a month or so ago. Perhaps it is
the sterio that is causing the memory problems. I can not recall
many things that I know are in there. If I work on what I want
to remember I can find it, most of the time. This is affecting
my preformance at all levels. Thanks Dan T.
living with Meniere's Donna
2:08 pm saturday march 23, 2002
Greg:
I'm so glad I found your site. I have been living with
Meniere's since I was diagnosed over 11 years ago at age 31. I
was under the care of Dr. Michael Glasscock at the ENT Clinic in
Nashville, Tenn.
The first few years I did great with diet, exercise, proper rest
and was only on dyazide daily and Meclizine as needed. About
three years ago I had a major drop attack after a trip to San
Francisco. (Now, I take an antihistamine days before the flight
and that helps.) It seems like it has been downhill since then.
Recently, I have been expereincing prolonged fullness in my left
ear. My famlily practioner diagnoised me with fluid over a month
ago and gave me an antihistamine to take at night. After a
visit to my ENT he assured me there was no longer fluid and I
was expereincing the progression of the disease. I usually have
the classical Meniere's symptoms. This is unusual for it to be
so prolonged.
I am taking each day at a time. It is realy difficult with the
pressures of daily life, a streeful job, a two year old and a
nine and twelve year old. I am so blessed to have a patient
husband.
This is my first time openly discussing Meniere's.
Donna
I have a question debbie
1:48 pm sunday march 24, 2002
If a person has meniere's and are on a lot of medicine, should
they drink acholic drinks? Such as Vodka? What could the side
effects of this be? Wouldn't it make the meniere's worse, let
alone make it difficult to keep anything on your stomach? Please
email me the answer too.
re: Meniere's and memory loss Carrie
1:30 pm tuesday march 26, 2002
Hi Dan.
I suffered a great deal with memory and a "brain fog." I've had
tremendous luck with the herb Vinpocetine for this. Please go
back to this web sites archive discussions and look at page #8
and the date of January 2, 2002 for my writings on Vinpocetine.
Better yet....here is the cut and past version....
BEST OF LUCK TO YOU.....
Late last August I started taking vinpocetine for my MM.
Vinpocetine has apparently been used for many years in Europe for
the treatment of MM. It is a derivative of the periwinkle plant,
so it?s within the herb family. As I took vinpocetine I saw my MM
symptoms become less severe. I was just about ready to write this
message at the end of October when I caught a cold and had a
slight setback in improvement. I continued, though, to take the
vinpocetine. As I write this today, my symptoms of MM have
improved tremendously. I have minimal fullness and pressure, my
ringing has improved, brain fog is gone and my hearing seems to
have improved tremendously. I still have some flectuation in
hearing, but nothing like it was 4 months ago. Is it the
vinpocetine that is helping me, or am I in a 'good spell'? I?m
thinking it?s the vinpocetine. My thoughts come as the result of
being without vinpocetine for 13 days. The company from whom I
ordered my supply of vinpocetine messed my order up. The first 4
days were good, then each day I experienced more MM symptoms
return. By the time I finally received a supply I was
experiencing every symptom, even dizziness, a symptom that I had
never before had too much trouble with. After 7 days of returning
to taking the vinpocetine, I have the improvement I spoke of
earlier. After 3 weeks of taking 30 ? 40 mg daily I?m back to
just a humming in my left ear (the original ear affected by MM).
I also keep my sodium intake to under 1000 mg daily.
As I mentioned earlier vinpocetine is in the herb family. I also
take dyazide and I?ve have not experienced interactions between
the two. The only side effect I?ve had with vinpocetine has been
a dry mouth. That is all. Most of the information you?ll read
will indicate it?s for memory loss, dementia, etc. It?s humorous
to note that they refer to it as the brain viagra; it increases
blood flow. I could tell you more about vinpocetine, but below
I?ve supplied web sites with information for you to begin to make
your own decision. It?s worth noting that since vinpocetine is an
herb, it does take time to get into your system and begin
working. I would suggest a month or two. I hope it works for
everyone as well as it has for me.
I will continue to investigate any information on vinpocetine I
can find. Right now I?m concerned about long term use. But I can
say my quality of life has improved tremendously.
While the web sites below may be advertisements for purchasing
vinpocetine I?m only sending them to you for you to see that this
herb is known to help hearing/inner ear problems. I am not
sending these sites to you for you to order products, only for
information purposes. Please be aware that some of the suppliers
add caffeine to their pills. I couldn?t handle the caffeine, and
caffeine and MM are a bad mixture. If you have questions about
dosage or about ordering from the different companies, please
feel free to contact me. I?ve had some good experiences in
ordering and some very bad experiences.
Here is just a start of some of the web sites that will provide
you with information about vinpocetine. I urge you to investigate
further by surfing around.
http://www.smart-drugs.com/article-JamesSouth-vinpocetine.htm
http://www.raysahelian.com/vinpocetine.html
http://www.clubnatural.com/whatisvin.html
http://www.vinpocetine.net/articles.htm
http://www.life-enhancement.com/displayart.asp?ID=470
any advice?? charla
10:37 pm wednesday march 27, 2002
Hi, I am new to this place, and I am so happy to find others
like me. Basically since my ear surgery last Oct, I have had
dizziness, nausea, popping sounds,ringing, eye pain, and feel so
hot like I am gonna pass out when it happens. My ENT dr. put me
on Vascor (like verapamil) to increase blood flow because he
thought it would help with the headaches and seeing black spots
in my vision. If anyone has had this problem or is taking
vascor, please let me know. I am going to a Neurologist this
week for tests. Also sometimes my jaw and teeth hurt when I have
bad spells. Any advice or info is greatly appreciated. Charla
re: cheryl heather
1:24 pm thursday march 28, 2002
I am wondering if you have tried the homeopathic Vertigoheel
(bring that word up to learn more about the product). I started
it two weeks ago as I have tinnutis, no hearing loss but
terrible dizziness and imbalance since I had the flu in Feb.
It does seem to help but reports say to be on it for 6 wks
before giving a final judgement. It comes in drops and tablet
form. In Canada it is known as Ventigoheel. (can be ordered on
the web from Canada which makes the pricing better if you are in
the US)It claims not to have any med interaction or side
effects. Has been used in Europe for some 30 years and the AMA
has approved it in 1998 to have the same benefits as SERC.
re: living with Meniere's gail 7:47 pm friday march 29, 2002
Hi Donna,
I am about your age and also have a stressful job and 2 daughters.
I have only had meniers for about 3 years. I also went through a
bout with severe pressure in my left ear. I think weather is a
big contributing factore to mine. It lasted about 1 month
(February) and then I woke up one day and the pressure had
disappeared. I went for 3 hearing test that month. Each time it
was worse and worse. I went back in march for another test, and
my hearing had almost returned to normal.
I did take 3 weeks short term disability from work. I found that
getting my stress level down did help. My office is now working
with me to allow me to work, but to be able to get in done in 8
hrs and not have to put in 10 or 12 hours.
I hope all works out well for you.
Gail
re: I have a question gail 7:50 pm friday march 29, 2002
I have an answer for that. The first thing my doctor said with I
was diagnosed was to cut alocohol, caffiene and sodium from my
diet.
I wasn't even on medication then. I am on a diaretic and if I am
going to have a drink, I drink alot of water during the day. The
diaretic and alcohol could case dehydration.
I also know that when I have to take the Meclizine, I would not
drink. I know the effects for strenghen.
I hope this helps.
Gail
Meniere's Eric
12:46 pm sunday march 31, 2002
Hello All,
I was tentatively diagnosed with MD 3 years ago (at 32 yrs). I
had vertigo, tinnitus, etc. The whole deal, being flat on my
back, vomiting evertime I got up, you all know. After an initial
Dr. visit who gave me dose of meclazine which worked, I went to
an ENT who said I had all the symptoms of MD and suggested a low
salt diet. I tried for a while (3-4 months) and gradually quit.
I have had no symptoms (nothing major) for the last 3 yrs until
yesterday. I woke up with ringing & vertigo. My wife went & got
some meclazine which settled the vertigo but there is still some
significant ringing today. I'm reading a lot about a possible
allergy connection which I don't remember seeing when I first
had symptoms. I have always had chronic sinus problems & we just
completed our oak tree & orange blossom bloom here which is a
big sinus nightmare. It seems odd that my two attacks have
occurred almost the the exact day of the year. Is it typical do
go so long between atacks when first diagnosed? Is allergic
reaction a good guess to my problem? Any info is appreciated
How do you get a diagnosis? Lainey
1:59 pm monday april 1, 2002
Here is my story; I am 43, have had three major vertigo attacks
in my life, all starting a couple years ago, although I have
been to many Drs. of the dizzy feeling. I have allergies and am
almost always stuffed up. The first time the vertigo hit it was
in the middle of the night (actually woke me out of a sound
sleep) Taken to the ER I was given meclizine and it cleared it
up immediately.
I had had a cold prior to this episode. Then two years later I
am sitiing in church (actually standing) and I suddenly become
hot & sweaty, I sit down and then the room starts to spin out of
control....UGH.....given meclizine again and BAM, its gone. I
always have some ringing in my ears, some worse then others.
Then the most recent episode, I'm sitting chatting with a
friend and out of nowhere I start to feel a little dizzy ("so
what" I tell myself, I feel like this all the time) Then my left
ear rings so loud I could barely hear anything over the
ringing!!!! Talk about a panic attack!!!! I go to my room and
lay down and slowly it subsides but then I feel like my ear is
plugged. I have had my ears cleaned out every 6 months or so
since I was a kid...always clogged with wax. Been to two ENT's
and never told anything about Menieres. This last summer I spent
two weeks so dizzy and off-balance (felt like I was on a rocking
boat) Drs. gave me antibiotic and sent me on my way.....How do
you get a proper diagnosis???? Please e-mail me with info.
dropping lorraine 1:12 pm tuesday april 2, 2002
my mother in law has sufered for some years. She has always
suffered dizzy spells, however, she now collapses to the floor.
Is this likely to subside as she is frightened to go out incase
she collapses again. The last time this happened she was taking
her young grandson for a walk and she fell onto him!
re: How do you get a diagnosis? Gail 7:51 pm wednesday april 3, 2002
Lainey,
Keep looking for a good doctor. I was diagnosed 3 years ago. I
always have the ringing and mild bouts of dizziness.
I went to my primary care doctor who after i described the
symptons immediately sent me to an ENT and said to tell him that
she suspected Meniers. I talked to the ENT for about an hour and
had some test done. He verified that it was Meniers and had me
see an surgeon to see if surgery was an option.
I think you need to find a competent doctor, have you ever asked
about meniers or demanded some testing?
I have learned so much from this sight. That when I do have an
appointed I go in loaded with questions.
I hope you get some relief soon.
One of the best things I have done is go on a low sodium diet
(approx 500-1000mg daily). I find that If I cheat to much, the
dizziness becomes worse. They also have me on a diuretic which
helps also.
I wish you the best
Gail
Bi-Lateral Annie
2:04 am tuesday april 9, 2002
I would like to hear from anybody that has bi-menieres. How have
you coped ? Physically and emotionally ? I was dx about 3 yrs
ago. To compound the problem, I had a vestibular nerve section
back in 1985. I would love to communicate w/anyone out there
that may be in my shoes ! Look forward to hearing from you..
Associated Symtoms of Menieres Len
11:01 am wednesday april 10, 2002
I was diagnosed with MD in 1993. Since that time I have had
recurring typical attacks of vertigo. I also have loud tinnitus.
In the past six to eight months I have been having symtoms of
another kind. It usually starts with what feels like spasms deep
inside my skull, followed by varying degrees of unsteadiness to
vertigo. If I close my eyes the spasm sensation stops, until I
open them again, but the unsteadiness remains for as long as 4
or 5 hours or as short as 5 or 10 min. I went to a specialist
(?) and was told it is related to my menieres. I have read many
of the posting and have not seen anything that in similar. Has
anyone else experience these type of symtoms or know anyone that
has? Can anyone point to a path of research I could follow?
I am going to my primary care doctor and demand that I get a
referral to test for allergies - thanks for the encouragement.
Thank You
Len
Len Tami 11:53 am wednesday april 10, 2002
Len,does the feeling you have feel like your head is vibrating
inside?I have not been diagnosed with mm but I suffer from some
of the same symptoms,they feel mine is a migrane problem.I do
get a feeling in my head that no one understands it feels like
my brain is always moving inside my skull and like I get a
internal massage like feeling run inside my head and body.Let me
know if this is like what you suffer from.Tami
Gail Tami 12:00 am wednesday april 10, 2002
Gail, how have you been doing?I hope all is well and the
symptoms are not too bad.I had my mri on Friday so I hope to
have a answer to whats been going on inside my head.Sometimes it
is so hard to want to get out of bed when you feel so crappy all
the time but with kids you have too.I have been having a very
rough month trying new drugs that I have been reacting badly to
so I am on a new one I hope will help.I have been feeling very
sorry for myself lately but with the weather finally warming up
I hope getting out will help.Well better go hope all is well,Tami
re: Len Len
1:36 pm wednesday april 10, 2002
Tami, It feels more like a muscle spasm. Like you might get in
your arm or leg and it spasms rapidly 5 to 10 times. I do have
times when my tinnitus is so loud that I get what feels like
vibration, but just when the tinnitus is really loud
Tami,reactions Brenda
11:06 am thursday april 11, 2002
Hi Tami, I have been on this site quite a few times, I too have
MD, had a vestubelur nerve section last May. I am having trouble
with meds they are trying on me and I break out in rashes, and
feel awfull, I need to be on a dieuritic but none of them agree
with me. I have also been really down when the fatique and the
bouncy vision hits it is hard to function. I am lucky that I
don't have any children to take care of every day. What meds are
you having trouble with? It has been 8 weeks of me being the test
rat for drugs and I can't seem to find a allergest that knows
what he is doing. Altough My ENT and Surgeon are great but my
primary care Dr. is just guessing. Well I hope you feel better, I
know what you are going through,The anxiety is enough to make you
go crazy huh ? "Those who can dance are considered insane by
those who can't hear the music" George Carlin, I love that
because it feels like that for all of us MD Folks. Talk to you
soon...Brenda, as the world spins!!!
Brenda Tami 12:11 pm thursday april 11, 2002
Hi Brenda,I have the same symptoms as meniers but the doctors
feel that I have a migrane problem.The drugs they gave me were
Verapimil and that made my heart feel like it was beating out of
my chest and then they tried Elivil to try and prevent any
migranes and this sent my Blood pressure through the roof and
made me have the worst headache I have ever had.If bouncy vision
is where it looks like things jump.If I look at a object at a
distance it lookes like it moves up and down.The inside of my
head always feels like it is moving it sounds crazy but it
always there.What are your symptoms do any of these match mine
and do you have hearing loss?Let me know Tami
re: Associated Symtoms of Menieres steve
8:29 pm thursday april 11, 2002
I get the very same and i have it worst when i amtired I spoke
with two specialist and they both said that i should rest when
feeling tired and not try and carry on as though nothing was
wrong .I find my tinitus is very bad at present but It usually
lightens a little.
hope this helps .keep up a positive attitude and think on how we
are able to help others and hopefully it will help cope with the
meniers
re: I have a question steve
8:36 pm thursday april 11, 2002
Well acholic drinks are not the best thing to be having however
that said there might be a temptation to drink in order to feel
relaxed and happy but in the long run it will make things worse.
I would suggest a few nice walks with a good companion who
understands your condition and try a relaxing thereapy to help
you sleep like a sound machine or cassete player.
Hope this helps
re: living with Meniere's steve
8:45 pm thursday april 11, 2002
Hi Donna
Sorry to hear that you are having a bad time of it.I get much
pressure in my left ear (totally deaf in that ear).
I tried a Hopi ear candle for about 6 times and it did help by
giving som erelieve .you will need some one to help you but it is
worth it for the relief in tinitus and pressur you get.I would
suggest that you chat with a homepathic doctor to find out more.
When the candle was sugested to me I laughed then it just got so
bad I thought anything is worth a try .
Meniers is bad but it is controlable it is just a case of
learning what makes it worse. Pressure of work will not help.
Wishing you well Steve
reply Tami Brenda
8:57 pm thursday april 11, 2002
Tami, Thanks for getting back with me. Yes your description
sounds like bouncy vision, They say it is a eye problem
associated with MD, Who knows. I do not have headaces to speak of
just fatique, bouncyvision, the sounds in my ears are so loud
sometimes. I use to have drop attacks before my surgery, but the
surgery just stopped them not the symptoms of MD. I am always
lightheaded, I can't be in a mall for long, shopping is a
nightmare as I lose concentration and am unable to make
decisions, This is so hard for me as I have always been a ball of
energy with the abilty to multitask, well I can hardley keep up
with my household chores. I am not feeling sorry for myself it is
the reality of this. I am so afarid that it is going to go into
my other ear, I already don't have a balance nerve on the left.
It seems strange that Migrains have the similar symptoms as MD. I
felt fine yesterday and today I have slept a lot, the one who
suffers the most is my husband.Yes I have profound hearing loss,
I wear two hearing aids.Have you gone to a ENT DR? keep me posted
it is great to speak with people who are in the same rocking boat
as you. Take care Brenda
vetigo and life! Sharon
4:56 pm friday april 12, 2002
Hi,
I am new to this web site. I was in a car accident in Dec. 2001
and life has not been close to the same since. I was told by my
ENT that my left inner ear is working at about 49%. I am in
vestibular therapy, take Meclize 3x a day and even recently
started acupuncture. (anything!!) My ear is either ringing or
has a painful, pressure "wooosh, wooosh" sound that is so loud,
I can't hear from that ear. Beside all that, I'm constantly
dizzy and off balance (feels like I am walking on a matress).
Any suggestions out there?? Am I missing some medical or
holistic journey??
Thanks,
Sharon
re: Gail tami 8:09 pm friday april 12, 2002
Hi Tami,
I am sorry that you are still feeling so lousy. I really hope
the MRI shows something.
I am doing ok. I am getting into my good time of year (spring
and summer). I get minor bouts of dizziness but nothing to bad.
I go my hearing aid. I love it. It blocks out the ringing and
banging in my ear during the day. I wish I had gotten it sooner.
I have really been watching my diet and trying to walk every day.
My employeer has lightened up my work load and that has helped.
I hope this good feeling last for a while.
I wish you the best.
gail
re: vetigo and life! Gail 8:17 pm friday april 12, 2002
Hi Sharon,
It is tough to deal with that dizzy off balance feeling. I am on
a low sodium diet and that seems to help some. I am also on a
diuretic.
i also get the loud ringing and wooshing noise in my ear. I went
and was fitted for a hearing aid. The noise would be so loud
that I couldn't hear people talk. The hearing aid is helping. It
brings in outside noises into that ear and I find that I dont
hear the ringing or wooshing when it is in.
You may find that the dizzyiness comes in waves. Mine will be
good for a few months and them come back full force. i am
usually worse in winter and fall.
I have meclizine also but find that all it does it make me
tired. I only take it if I am having a really bad day.
I wish you the best.
Gail
re: stumbling Ann 8:41 pm friday april 12, 2002
Brenda
I have menieres I have been out of work a month and a half.I have
fallen twice very,very hard.I THINK I am better. I do not get sick
so I don,t toss the cookies, but I FEAR hard surfaces.MY husband
thinks I can just overcome the fear.I am on a dieuretis and a low
salt diet. It seems to help.I am suppose to start phycial therapy
soon.Have you tried any of this? Soom people don't understand.
GOOD LUCK/
re: stumbling Brenda
7:08 pm saturday april 13, 2002
Ann, I know the feeing of fear!!! I have Meniere's also now for
two years, I use to have drop attacks and the fear of falling
kept me home a lot. I had a vestubular nerve section last May,
the drop attacks are gone but I still have the Meniere's
symptoms, I am lucky like you and do the COOKIE thing. I lost my
job, from too many sick days from meniere's. It has been two
years since I have worked. I am also on a dieuretic, I finally
found one I can take. What willphycial therapy do for you is it
called vestubular rehabilitation? I am suprised by how many
people don't know about this disorder. when you tell people you
have it they look at you weird. You look fine to them so what
could be so wrong with you? "Those who can dance are considered
insane by those who can"t hear the music" George Carlin, good
quote huh, kinda fits all of us!!!! Talk soon, good luck at PT,
let me know how it goes. Brenda, as the world spins!!!!
re: vetigo and life! ann 7:26 pm saturday april 13, 2002
Gail
Thank goodness you have the wooshing I thought I was the only one
who knew what that was.I had it for years and no one seem to know
what i was talking about,but i didn,t have it all the time,and it
was only at night when i layed down.Are you able to work? I have
been out of work about 2 months.The ringing is not to bad. I
sleep with a fan on at night it does help.I am on the same
treatment that you are.My worse time is spring.I have a fear of
falling,because I fell real hard twice on pavement.But I think
I am getting better. I HOPE you are doing the same.
GOOD LUCK
ANN
re: dropping Ann 7:36 pm saturday april 13, 2002
Hello
I know what you mean. I do the same thing. I am not so bad now
but I am scared to go out sometimes .Has she seen a dr? Let me
know what is going on.
website for device for fluid in ears Brenda
1:51 pm tuesday april 16, 2002
This was on a local news channel about a DR. who has meniere's
go to the website and check it out,I could not use this but I am
sure quite a few of you might be interested. Here is the site
anyone who knows anymore about it share with us!!! www.xomed.com
Here is my latest quote by george carlin."Those who can dance
are considered insane by those who can't hear the music"This
fits us with MD, spinning out for now Brenda.
re: Bi-Lateral Larry
5:06 pm thursday april 18, 2002
Hi Annie,
I just wanted to let you know that there is another bi-lateral
menieres patient out here. I have had menieres for appx 4 1/2 yrs
now with my right ear being worst.(hearing is gone)
My left ear is starting to really get some fluctuations in the
hearing so I've been concerned also. My Doctor that I've been
working with has said to really watch my salt which I have been
doing already, and the only other thing I can do is try to reduce
any stress. Yeah Right, I'm in a high stress company with lots of
layoffs, I got Two teenager's at Home, my 10 yr old likes to
impersonate the teenager's so maybe I should say I've got three.
Actually they are really good kids and have been allot of help
when I have been hit with a attack.
I have some relief when I'm able to communicate whats on my mind
whether verbable or in writing which helps and sometimes it just
helps me be more aware of what I need to work on.
I pray alot because I know I could not go thru this alone.
the serenity prayer is pretty neat:
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change,
the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the
difference.
I feel there is a reason for everything.......
God only gave me today.......
Sometimes... I can only look forward to this to shall pass,
and I try to make the most out of the good days.
This is my first time in a group discussion so I hope I helped
you.
You are not alone,
Larry
re: vertigo and life! gail 8:29 pm wednesday april 24, 2002
Hi Ann,
My whoosing sound comes right before I get dizzy. I use that as
a warning system. When I here the noise I sit still and do deep
breathing. I can usually work through it. If however I move
when I have the sound the vertigo sets in.
I did take a month off of work, but am back now. I do ok. I
have about 3 mild dizzy spells during the day. Fortunetly they
only last about 1 minute. I have to watch out because when I
feel the dizzy ness come one I tend to get excited and almost
cause a panic attach. That is why I work hard on the breathing.
I am into my good time now. I fear winter. I am always bad
between December and February. I think the stress of the holiday
season contributes to it. My 2 trigger factors seam to be stress
and if I am overtired.
I find that I have a tough time in malls, or large spaces. the
doctor said that high ceilings and flouresant lights could make
it worse.
I have been to 2 surgeons and each have said the same thing.
There is nothing that can be done and I have to live with it.
That is when I forced myself to get back to work. there may come
a time when I can't work, but right now I'm willing to give it a
try. Work has been working with me and has lightend my work load.
I hope all works out well for you.
Gail
Vertigo, My Cross To Carry (Web -Site) tony ruggieri
10:24 pm wednesday april 24, 2002
Can you add my web site to your discussion group.
URL address: www.geocities.com/ajr54s
re: Vertigo, My Cross To Carry (Web -Site)Rick
12:17 pm monday april 29, 2002
Have you investigated food allergies as a possible cause? My
story is the second one on the page.
http://couponmaniacom.homestead.com/Success.html
Rick
re: Meniere's and memory loss Diane
6:50 pm monday april 29, 2002
Hi
I just decided to exolore the web and came upon the memory
loss you had experienced, I had no idea there was a link to
the menieres, I have been afflicted with it since 1997, I am
functional but lately I scare myself when I forget things in my
life that are every day happenings. I keep saying it must be
age. It is things that I should not forget, I eventually
remember after racking my brain for a time. By then it does
not matter, it is too late and everyone laughs at me. MY
attacks were so severs in the beginning, I thought I was
going to die of a brain tumor or something. After many tests
and loss of work, they finally diagnosed me with menieres. I
lost 30 lbs in a matter of 2 months for fear of eating the
wrong thing and set it off. Salt is my biggest villian and foods
that are have all the preservatives. they are the worst thing I
could possible eat. It sets a real bad attack, my last one was
so bad, I was ready to clal 911. My daughter called 911 twice
in the beginning. She found me on the bathroom floor . It
was quite scarry. I have it pretty much under control, I only
seem to do it to myself when I go off my diet that i know better
than to eat that junk. I buy every thing unsalted or low salt
and limit myself. It takes alot of self control or the thought of
what i can do to me. Lessoned my caffaine intake also.
I would like to hear more about the memory loss. It makes
me feel a lttle better then to think I was getting alshimers.
thank you
Tips for Flying? Jan 8:49 pm tuesday may 7, 2002
My sister has Menier's and a history of feeling violently ill
when flying in an airplane. Does anyone have tips on how to
help her fly (alone) on a 3 hour plane trip? She takes
meclizine. Would earplugs, eye shades, and aisle seating help?
Any other medications or strategies?
Thanks, Jan
re: Tips for Flying? Carrie
3:53 pm wednesday may 8, 2002
Jan -
I've had a little success with the following, although, it
doesn't sound like my flying problems are severe as your sister's.
They have an earplug out called *earplanes*. They are suppose to
help regulate ear pressure. You insert them a certain amount of
time before take off. Instructions on the package will tell the
time. At the same time I insert them into my ears, I begin to
vigorously and continuously chew gum. I must look like a site
sitting there with little things sticking out of my ears happily
chomping away on gum, but, hey it helps a little. I hope your
sister will find relief in whatever she tries.
Best wishes,
Carrie
re: vetigo and life! evelyn
5:10 pm friday may 10, 2002
Hi, well I guess I,ll just jump right in.I've had the same
problem for years but I didn't know what was wrong until last
year.I was 25 when it started with me.Just the ringing and I
started loseing my hearing a little each year.Now I'm 58 last
year I started getting the wooshing.It would happen about 3
times.The 3 third time vetigo would take over.I would have to
craw through the house I couldn't stand or walk.It was like being
on a merry go round and everything was going around but you.It
would come on so sudden,I would be driving and could't see. If I
had to stop for a train I had to look down if not ,it would start
couldn't go shoping because looking for what I wonted would start
it.Sometime just turning over in bed at night would start it.I
have high blood presure the vetigo will also increase the B/P
that would send me to the hospital.The doctor would put me on
meds. and that would keep me in bed.Spring is my worse time to.my
sinusitus will set it off to.it will block the tube in the inner
ear.I,m doing good now, I still have a little problems but I can
keep going.I don,t have to take much meds.and not so often.They
can,t cure Meniere's but they can do something about the side
efects.I had to have the nerve distroyed in my right ear.I still
hear the ringing,but I can't hear anything in the ear .I was
losing my hearing anyway.left ear take up where my right one
ended.SORRY such along note (smile)It's really help to know you
are not a lone.My fear of falling is mostly at night or in the
dark.I use to be off 2-3 months at a time.Now I,ve been back to
work for 1 year and maybe missed 2 weeks and that was to stay off
to take my meds because they make me sleep.good luck
re: Meniere's evelyn
6:40 pm friday may 10, 2002
hello, I was diagnosed with MD last year and I've been taking
meclazine since then. It do help but sometime I have to take
Promethazine for the nausea.And when it really get bad I have to
take Diazepan.I have problems with my sinus too.what happen is my
the tube thats in my inner ear get blocked and it causes problems
with my balance,which start the vetigo.So when we have prob;ems
with out allergic it can sometime bring on THE VETIGO.Sometime
almost any movement can bring it on.It seem like the older I get
the more it bother me.I'm 58 and mine started when I was 25.I
didn't get diagnosed until last year.I started loseing my hearing
a little each year.along with the ringing. until last year.since
then I've had my nerve destroyed in my right ear, and my left ear
take up the balance where my right one left off. But yes you are
right Allergic can bring on a atack. And its at those time when
we will have more problems.You should always keep some Meclazine.
yOU NEVER KNOW WHEN YOU WILL NEED IT.You can feel fine one moment
and it can come on all at once. there is no cure for it they
don't know what cause it.They can treat the side efects,so you
can live with it.They know more about it to day than they did
years ago.I've been ringing since I was 25 and now I,m 58 and
still ringing(smile)I learned to live with it and sometime I
forget about it but it is still there.you learn to tune it out or
or it drive you up the wall. Good luck
LABRYNTHECTOMY KENNY
5:26 pm sunday may 12, 2002
I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM SOMEONE THAT HAS HAD A LABRYTHECYOMY I
AM TO HAVE IT DONE 5/13/02 ON MY LEFT EAR
Going deaf Steve
5:27 pm wednesday may 15, 2002
Hi to you all,
I am looking for some help.I got menieres 18 mth ago with total
hearing loss in left hear but now my right hear is getting
rapidly worse .I have not had an attack recently .Can any one
give suggestions on why this is happening and how thre cope with
hearing loss in both ears.
Regards Steve
re: Associated Symtoms of Menieres Steve
5:36 pm wednesday may 15, 2002
I have the same and my doctor told me it is related to menieres
but he did say that he was not altogether sure as to why these
things happen.I spoke with a specialist and he said that meniers
effects people in different ways even if symptoms are simular.
I have been told to rest and take things steady and not to expect
to much of myself.
My own doctor says i will not be able to return to work and my
driving must be to a minimum.He did say that getting involved in
a project will help in keeping mind focused.
Sorry no more information but lets face it we have it and we have
got to do our best .so keep in touch and hope you keep up the
bright side.
Steve
re: vetigo and life! Steve
5:44 pm wednesday may 15, 2002
Hi Sharon,
Sorry to hear of your accident but it is strange that I had an
accidnt and then a few months later i get this meniers i wonder
if there is some kind of connection or is it just coincedence.
I am afrtaid that the vertigo will stay for a while untill your
medicine gets well into your system.However you must take plenty
of rest and do not feel that you have to justify it.
If you are tired the vertigo will not stop so you need to take
control and make time for you .I did and I have not had an actual
attack for a good while (hope it stays that way).
You take care and keep us posted
re: Tips for Flying? Tami 9:55 am thursday may 16, 2002
Jan,just before you fly take a decongestant,i've been told that
allegra-d works the best.Good luck,Tami
re: LABRYNTHECTOMY Brenda
2:48 pm sunday may 19, 2002
Kenny, Hi , I had a vestubular nerve section on my left side May
2001, They decided to do that instead of doing the shunt . Where
are you having this done? A friend of mine had the labrynthectomy
and ended up 6 mo. later having the nerve section done. I came
through my surgery pretty well, but I am still connected due to
my anatomy, and don't want to go through another surgery, I no
longer have drop attacks. Do you have drop attacks? The pain
involved after surgery is minimal and I was up and around the
next day, very slowly but up. The dizziness wasn't very bad
either all in all the surgery and recovery went well I had mine
done at the House Ear Clinic St. Vincent Hospital In L.A.
There are three kinds of Labrynthectomy,transcanal(done through
the ear canal) transmastoid(done via incision behind the ear
followed by a mastoidectomy translabyrinthine vestibular nerve
section . Which one are you having done.? Keep me posted. Brenda
re: LABRYNTHECTOMY kenny
10:12 pm monday may 20, 2002
Brenda,Hi 5/13/02 i had surgery on my left by way of incision behind the ear had hearing and
balance nerve was cut .It was done at candler hospital by DR GOLDSMITH .Last year i had surgery for what
was called sac reduction it helped for a while. then i had the injections of gentamicin NO HELP >SO WITH
my hearing gone in left ear my balance getting worse we decided to go with this >SO FAR i am doing good
aweek after surgery No dizzines my balance already better > but the ringing is about to drive me nuts> could
you tell me about drop attacks . i dont know exatly what that is but hear about it . i am 53 years old have had
Meniers sense 1997 I Thank you listening Kenny Savannah Georgia
Diagnosed with Labyrinthitis....??? Amy
8:14 pm tuesday may 28, 2002
Hi,
I was just diagnosed today with Labyrinthitis. I found this web
page and am still uncertain as to what it is I have. I have had
these symptoms before - but on the persistant days they would go
in a matter of a few hours or after hours of sleep. This time
the on-set was 4 days ago and got progressively worse - at 7pm
last night it just never went away. I feel like I'm constantly
trying to focus and keep getting the pulsing feeling in my head
(& eyes). It feels as though things are in slow motion. Is this
a condition that will continue through my life or are there
episodes? Also, I went scuba diving for the first time about a
month ago and had some problems with the pressure in my ears -
could this have caused such a volital episode? Any help/advice
is much appreciated.
Thanks.
re: LABRYNTHECTOMY Sandra
5:28 pm thursday june 6, 2002
Hi. My Dr. suggested I have that if my dizziness ever got
worse. But in my case mine started May 1999 and had surgery Nov
1999 and only proved to be 40-50% helpful. I still have good
days and bad days ...
I was told that a labrynthectomy meant a great loss of balance
afterwards and 6-8 months of rehabilitation (learn to walk/gain
your balance again) is that true ? how did it feel after the
surgery ?
Sandra
URGENT!!!!URGENT!!!! Susan Meeske
8:57 am wednesday june 12, 2002
I have seen several doctors about my Meneires Disease, even
"specialists", and they all told me there was no cure and I just
had to live with it. WRONG!!!!! I refused to accept that my
life had to be so miserable. I have found a cure!!!!! My
Meneires is, or was, aggrevated by the salt in my diet and
stress, although doctors told me I was overreacting when I told
them stress aggrevated it. I have an Endolymphatic Shunt placed
in my ear but it only helped for a couple of months. Through
research of my own I found out the doctors had me overdosed on
the Diazide they had me on. I took myself off of that and about
a year and a half later found Network Spinal Ananlysis (NSA), it
has cured my Meneires Disease COMPLETELY!!!! Check out this
website for more information. www.schaal.com you can even
e-mail my doctors on that website.
BPPV Steven
6:30 pm sunday june 16, 2002
I have been diagnosed with BPPV. I'm looking for a website
and/or Discussion Boards devoted to that. I realize this is
closely related to Menieres so if anyone knows, thank you
for the information.
onset?? Kerryn
0:06 am wednesday june 19, 2002
I am experiencing some possible Menieres symptoms lately and
wondered is it something that comes on suddenly or creep up on you???
re: Meniere's joyce
4:51 pm friday july 5, 2002
hi,two day ago I was told I had Vertigo.Ihave had two experiences
in five weeks.What happens is_----The ringing in the ear then
great pressure.followed by nausa and diarrea.I become incoerant
can't keep my eyes open and want to sleep. It takes 24 hrs to
become kinda normal. I do not know were to begin to seek the
right treatment. thanks for listening. Joyce.
shunt procedure success Donna 2:44 am monday july 15, 2002
I had the left Endolymphatic mastoid shunt (plus dexamethasone
perfusion) surgery almost three weeks ago and am doing great. I
experienced almost immediate relief from the dizzies. Still
experiencing fullness in ear. Going for post-op this week.
Hearing is improving each day. Hope it will last.
Gail Tami 11:20 am tuesday july 16, 2002
Gail,how have you been making out?I check out the group once in
a while and wonder how you have been?Tami
depersonalised all the time! Shelly
10:47 pm tuesday july 16, 2002
Hi All,
Many years ago I was diagnosed with an inner ear balance
disorder.
My condition is not typical Menieres.I don't have hearing loss.
For the last week I have been experiencing odd and frightening
sensations.I feel discontected to my body and surrounds.My head
is very fuzzy,I have trouble concentrating and communicating.
I feel like I'm in a dream state or been given a drug like LSD.
I'm very lightheaded and often feel as if I might faint.
Watching TV is strange because sometimes peoples movements
seem to make me feel more odd and the sound seems a little
distorted.
Sometimes I make a movement like folding the washing and
it feels like a catch up effect or perhaps I din't really make
the movement?
Everything seems weird and unreal.
I have some buzzing in my ears,althuogh I have had tinnitus for
a long time.
Last week I had severe nausea and stomach cramps and chills that
I thought was related to a pain I have had in my lower left side
of my abdomin for several weeks.
I still have some nausea.
I have had these odd symptoms before but not as severe or for as
long.
My symptoms have alwyas been worsened by travel or motion,even
scrolling on the computer makes it worse.
The symptoms lately seem different,more weird sensations
and less obvious balance symptoms.
I'm feeling very alone and desperate,each day is a struggle.
Any ideas?I tried serc it does'nt seem to help
Thanks Shelly
Shelly Rae 1:51 pm thursday july 18, 2002
Hi Shelly sounds like you may be having panic attacks,serc helps
with the dizzies but not with anxiety.I went through a stage of
this and found life very hard to deal with.My head feels like it
is buzzing all the time they finally diagnosed me with a migrane
problem that started with a virus.You can also take 2 serc 3
times a day that may help or give bonnimine every 4 hours that
helped me what I finally did was go on proxac to deal with how
crappy I felt and found that the symptoms are easier to deal
with.I hope you have luck in finding something that works you
are not alone!
RE: Shelly steve
7:21 pm thursday july 18, 2002
Hi Shelly sorry you having a bad time of it.If serc not working
could it be you under stress or are more tired than usual.
When I stresed or tired I get very simular feelings at times it
gets that I feel something really bad going to happen .May be
you need rest and a nice chat to your doctor if he is
understanding of your condition .
When you last have a nice time out .
keep in touch with us all
regards Steve
re: Gail tami 7:39 pm thursday july 18, 2002
Hi Tami,
I'm doing ok. This is my good time of year. A couple of small
dizzy spells during the day, but nothing I can't live with. I
just received my new hearing aid. It is great. It really helps
cut down the ringing during the day.
How are your doing? I know you were going to see and
specialist. How did you make out. It didn't seem as if you were
doing well a while ago.
let me know.
I will try and check the sight more frequently.
Gail
shelly gail 7:47 pm thursday july 18, 2002
Hi Shelly,
That is an awful feeling. I get that detached feeling
sometimes. I also get it when stressed or over tired. I did
wind up going to a psychologist for a couple of months. She gave
me some really good coping techniques and also some meditation
skills. I find that when I get these feeling, I work on my
breathing and destressing myself. This help with the anxiety.
Untill my Meniers gets worse, I try to limit any drugs that I
take. I do take a diuretic which does help with the pressure.
Other than that, I really try to use the breathing exercises and
just try to focus on something else.
I also find that when I feel that way, I do avoid the Tv and alot
of noise. I find that that makes it worse.
I wish you well.
re: depersonalised all the time! Rick
9:51 am tuesday july 23, 2002
Here's a message I posted to someone else at another board. But
some of the information may be helpful to you. Serc is histamine
so if Histamine is causing your problems then Serc may not help.
This person had noticed that she was getting dizzy everytime she
ate and this post attempt to point out all the ways Histamine can
enter the blood stream and effect the inner ear.
".....I know this is real confusing so I'll try to explain this
the best I can. First of all you are right, the stomach isn't
causing your vertigo attacks directly. But the stomach can cause
the vertigo attacks indirectly, at least in my case it does.
.....Let's start with what is directly causing the vertigo
attacks. It's a chemical called Histamine. Now in my case, it's
not the only chemical that will cause me to have a vertigo attack
but it causes about 90% of my problems.
....Let's imagine that we could buy Histamine in pill form. It's
real easy to see that if we take one of those pills we would get
a vertigo attack. Let's also suppose that histamine is an
ingrediant in a soft drink. Every time we drink some of it we're
going to have a vertigo attack. Of course that would make it easy
and all we would have to do is quick taking Histamine pills and
Histamine cola and our problems would be over.
.....Now lets get back to the real world. If Histamine is causing
our problems then we are going to have to figure out what is
causing the Histamine to be released in our bodies and in
particular how the Histamine is getting into the blood stream.
First of all, Histamine is one of our bodies first line of
defenses against invading viruses. Which brings us to one of your
questions. There is a growing belief among Dr's that the damage
to the inner ear is caused by a strain of the Herpes Virus. I
tend to believe that any virus can trigger a histamine release
and since the virus in the bloodstream then the Histamine would
also be in the bloodstream, thus able to reach the inner ear and
cause a vertigo attack.
....Histamine is also released by an allergic reaction. The rash
we get from Poison Ivy or the anaphalactic shock we get from a
bee sting is not from the venom or the poison ivy but from the
histamine that is released to combat the allergens. Asthma
attacks are caused by Histamine that is released for some reason.
I often call Meniere's, "Asthma of the inner ear" because it is
so simular to asthma except that the histamine attacks our inner
ear instead of the respiratory system. In fact I get great relief
from Primatene Tabs which is an Asthma medication. Topical
releases of histamine like that with poison Ivy and those from
airborne allergens don't usually cause vertigo attacks because
the Histamine doesn't get in the blood stream but it does in some
people.
....The biggest problem I have is with food allergies, mainly to
wheat, oats, barley, and Rye. Now you have the allergic response
taking place in the stomach and intestine and thus easily able to
get in the bloodstream and then to the inner ear. This was my
major breakthrough but I was still having frequent vertigo
attacks but not as many.
....This is when I found that Histamine has another role in our
bodies that I wasn't aware of. It has a major role in the
digestive process. Our bodies often use Histamine in the stomach
to stimulate the stomach to release Hydrochloric acid (HCL) which
is the main ingrediant for digesting food. This usually takes
place before we eat and is the way the stomach gets a jump on
digestion before the food gets there. Once the food gets in the
stomach, acid can be produced without the Histamine. I don't know
why but that's what I've read. This is why the new antacids work
so well. They are actually Antihistamines that keep the histamine
from binding to the cells in the stomach to create HCL. But an
important point is that Antacids do NOT prevent the Histamine
from being released, the antihistamines only stop the Histamine
from attaching to the cells of the stomach. Now once again, if
you take one of these antihitamine antacids, your going to have
an accumulation of histamine in the stomach which will now be
able to get into the blood stream and to the inner ear.
.....So how do we prevent the Histamine from being released by
the stomach? Well from what I've read, it's the ph of the
stomach. If it gets to high, it triggers the histamine release.
That's why Tina and I have a hard time drinking straight water.
It raises the ph and here comes the histamine. Thats why I drink
lemonade or grapefruit juice. The ph of lemons are almost the
same of HCL and grapefruit juice is very close. Vinegar is also
very good which is why I eat pickles and Tina mentioned the
teaspoon of vinegar. Not only do these foods keep the ph low in
the stomach they also help with digestion. Some foods I avoid
eating by themselves, because they can raise the ph and cause
problems, are Bananas, carrots, cabbage, milk, and cheese. If I
eat these, I make sure that it is with other foods.
....Another way that Histamine can get to the blood stream is by
some foods. Fish that has not been frozen fast enough will
develope Histamine as will some other foods. Foods that are over
ripe tend to build up Histamine. In fish it is called scombroid
poisoning.
....Another symptom that you and I share is low blood pressure. I
haven't heard Tina mention this so I don't know if she has this
symptom or not. But a big symptom of histamine in the blood
stream is low blood pressure. In fact that is what is the big
killer in anaphalatic shock. Here's an exerpt from an article I
fond on the internet:
.....Anaphylaxis happens when the body makes the wrong kinds of
antibody, a kind called immunoglobulin E (IgE for short) to
protein in our food or to something like a drug. IgE sticks to
cells in our bodies (mast cells and basophils) which can release
substances which have powerful effects on our blood vessels and
air passages. When the same protein or drug reaches the IgE on
the cells, these substances are released, causing blood vessels
to relax, which makes them leaky and can cause swellings and a
fall in blood pressure. At the same time they can make the
breathing passages become narrow.
Histamine is one of these substances released from the cells.
....One of your questions was about Magnesium and calcium. You
may not be allergic to either one, but if when you take them,
they raise the ph of your stomach, then you might get a histamine
release. I know Calcium is a base which is why you might have
problems with Milk. Not necessarily an allergy but a ph thing. If
your not familiar with "ph" you may want to surf the net for info
about it.
....As for allergy testing, I had it done and didn't show any
food allergies, but I know that wheat, oats, barley, and rye will
cause a vertigo attack with me in 15 minutes. So I would go ahead
and get the testing but bottom line is, " If you eat something
and you get a vertigo attack, Don't eat it any more".
....I hope I shed a little light on the subject and that it made
sense."
Rick
Shelly Rae 1:51 pm thursday july 18, 2002
Hi Shelly sounds like you may be having panic attacks,serc helps
with the dizzies but not with anxiety.I went through a stage of
this and found life very hard to deal with.My head feels like it
is buzzing all the time they finally diagnosed me with a migrane
problem that started with a virus.You can also take 2 serc 3
times a day that may help or give bonnimine every 4 hours that
helped me what I finally did was go on proxac to deal with how
crappy I felt and found that the symptoms are easier to deal
with.I hope you have luck in finding something that works you
are not alone!
RE: Shelly steve
7:21 pm thursday july 18, 2002
Hi Shelly sorry you having a bad time of it.If serc not working
could it be you under stress or are more tired than usual.
When I stresed or tired I get very simular feelings at times it
gets that I feel something really bad going to happen .May be
you need rest and a nice chat to your doctor if he is
understanding of your condition .
When you last have a nice time out .
keep in touch with us all
regards Steve
Desperate for help, lightheadedness Stephen Staedtler - 10:22 pm monday august 19, 2002
About three years ago, I was as healthy as a 27 year old could
be. In the course of three years, I have had so many problems,
it feels like I am existing, rather than living. I am no fun
for my wife to be around (let alone anybody), I have short
attention span, and various other social problems I never had
before.
It started basically in 1999, when during softball games I
started getting lightheaded, as well as having popping in my
ears. I have frequent pressure type headaches that get worse as
the day goes on, and seem to be worse inside than outside. Ear,
nose, and throat guys found nothing, though my nose seemed
incredibly dry and I have had extreme pressure in my head. My
right ear feels worse, in regards to pain and popping when I do
the opposite of swallowing. My hearing is reduced, but none of
this shows up majorly on a hearing test. I can't focus on two
people talking at once. My neck is often very stiff and
inflexible as well. I have been to neurologists, taken MRI's
and cat scans, and been to doctors at Jefferson Hospital in
Philadelphia, and throughout it all, I have found nothing. I
even tried some alternative medicines. I typically try to blow
out my nose to try to clear my head. In fact, the only time for
a millisecond I feel a little release of pressure is when I am
swallowing fluids. Does anybody else have similar symptoms, and
has anybody found a cure? Or even if you can give me any ideas,
I'd appreciate it. I have probably been to 35 doctors
appointments and came up with a big zero, so far.........
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