twokatss
03-26-2004, 07:36 PM
I was finally diagnosed with Menieres today after being wrongly diagnosed with a stroke twice. My symptoms---sudden vertigo, vomit, sweating,anxiety,low pulse. I have had 3 cat scans, a stress test, echo cardio, chest xray---all normal. I am on HBP meds, high colesterol and blood thinner, 81 mg aspirin. I wear hearing aids since work in a factory for 30 years.
Please tell me what your symptoms are and how have you been helped.
My DR put me on SERC antihistamine. It is supposed to help. The probelm really interferes with your life. Are any sufferers able to drive???
58 year old ,M, 210 lbs. non smoke or drink
Please tell me what your symptoms are and how have you been helped.
My DR put me on SERC antihistamine. It is supposed to help. The probelm really interferes with your life. Are any sufferers able to drive???
58 year old ,M, 210 lbs. non smoke or drink
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Antoniadante
04-03-2004, 09:05 AM
I was finally diagnosed with Menieres today after being wrongly diagnosed with a stroke twice. My symptoms---sudden vertigo, vomit, sweating,anxiety,low pulse. I have had 3 cat scans, a stress test, echo cardio, chest xray---all normal. I am on HBP meds, high colesterol and blood thinner, 81 mg aspirin. I wear hearing aids since work in a factory for 30 years.
Please tell me what your symptoms are and how have you been helped.
My DR put me on SERC antihistamine. It is supposed to help. The probelm really interferes with your life. Are any sufferers able to drive???
58 year old ,M, 210 lbs. non smoke or drink
Hi,
What you've got certainly sounds familiar. I was diagnosed with Meniere's about 3 years ago (when I was 52) but I'd in fact had it for some 15 or so years (only occasionally) and hadn't consulted a doctor because I thought it might be gastro-enteritis with vertigo and vomiting. Then I started getting bad vertigo+vomiting attacks (lasting a full day) which led to the series of tests and finally the diagnosis.
Now almost 3 years since I was diagnosed the bad vertigo attacks seem to have lessened but the inner ear damage requires observation and there are other residual symptoms that remain. However this really depends on the individual, and not everyone suffers from Meniere's (or its aftermath) in the same way.
I've made two important adjustments to my life through having Meniere's. The first is that I try to live as calmly as possible and try to avoid stress.(Easier said than done, of course). The second is that I reduced my salt intake to a minimum (I don't salt my what I cook, nor what I eat and depend on natural salt in food) however I don't recommend anyone to do this unless they consult with their doctor or specialist first :nono: . I found that this seemed to help stabilise my vertigo + vomiting attacks and I've continued adjusting my diet to low salt intake during the past 3 years. (Some medical web sites discuss this question of low salt intake in relation to Meniere's and also offer diet plans).
In answer to your question about driving, there was a time when, like you, I feared I wouldn't be able to drive. But I do drive, and after the attacks (when I felt well enough) I got back in my car as soon as possible. I'm glad I did.
I don't take any ongoing medication and hope to avoid it for as long as possible. In case I have vertigo I keep Tanganil (tablets) on hand at all times.
You ask about symptoms others have, in my particular case I have residual symptoms following the bad vertigo+vomiting attacks of the past years. These symptoms are the increase in tinnitus and the effects of barometric pressure on the loudness of it. As well, there are days when I feel physically off balance and heavy-headed/knocked out, or occasionally I'll get fleeting moments of spinning vertigo (usually at night).
I think mind over matter has a special importance in any situation in which people have to deal with vertigo or dizzyness. Let's face it, it's a health problem that can undermine our belief in our ability to be independant (you asked about whether you'd be able to drive and that's an example) so it's important to make sure we don't let our fears of what might happen undermine the reality of a situation. I find myself battling with my fear of vertigo sometimes (I call it my personal psychosis :D ) but when I begin to add up the better days against the bad ones, it does help to calm those fears and gives hope for more better days ahead.
I hope this helps,
Antoniadante
Please tell me what your symptoms are and how have you been helped.
My DR put me on SERC antihistamine. It is supposed to help. The probelm really interferes with your life. Are any sufferers able to drive???
58 year old ,M, 210 lbs. non smoke or drink
Hi,
What you've got certainly sounds familiar. I was diagnosed with Meniere's about 3 years ago (when I was 52) but I'd in fact had it for some 15 or so years (only occasionally) and hadn't consulted a doctor because I thought it might be gastro-enteritis with vertigo and vomiting. Then I started getting bad vertigo+vomiting attacks (lasting a full day) which led to the series of tests and finally the diagnosis.
Now almost 3 years since I was diagnosed the bad vertigo attacks seem to have lessened but the inner ear damage requires observation and there are other residual symptoms that remain. However this really depends on the individual, and not everyone suffers from Meniere's (or its aftermath) in the same way.
I've made two important adjustments to my life through having Meniere's. The first is that I try to live as calmly as possible and try to avoid stress.(Easier said than done, of course). The second is that I reduced my salt intake to a minimum (I don't salt my what I cook, nor what I eat and depend on natural salt in food) however I don't recommend anyone to do this unless they consult with their doctor or specialist first :nono: . I found that this seemed to help stabilise my vertigo + vomiting attacks and I've continued adjusting my diet to low salt intake during the past 3 years. (Some medical web sites discuss this question of low salt intake in relation to Meniere's and also offer diet plans).
In answer to your question about driving, there was a time when, like you, I feared I wouldn't be able to drive. But I do drive, and after the attacks (when I felt well enough) I got back in my car as soon as possible. I'm glad I did.
I don't take any ongoing medication and hope to avoid it for as long as possible. In case I have vertigo I keep Tanganil (tablets) on hand at all times.
You ask about symptoms others have, in my particular case I have residual symptoms following the bad vertigo+vomiting attacks of the past years. These symptoms are the increase in tinnitus and the effects of barometric pressure on the loudness of it. As well, there are days when I feel physically off balance and heavy-headed/knocked out, or occasionally I'll get fleeting moments of spinning vertigo (usually at night).
I think mind over matter has a special importance in any situation in which people have to deal with vertigo or dizzyness. Let's face it, it's a health problem that can undermine our belief in our ability to be independant (you asked about whether you'd be able to drive and that's an example) so it's important to make sure we don't let our fears of what might happen undermine the reality of a situation. I find myself battling with my fear of vertigo sometimes (I call it my personal psychosis :D ) but when I begin to add up the better days against the bad ones, it does help to calm those fears and gives hope for more better days ahead.
I hope this helps,
Antoniadante
fritzy
06-16-2004, 10:35 AM
hi
i was diagnosed with menieres in 2002, i am 30. they think that i've had it since i was 20 as i kept losing my balance and having tinnitus, hearing loss, and pain on and off since then. when i was diagnosed, they said that it wont tend to get worse cos i've had it more than 2 years. my left ear is affected more - hearing loss and tinnitus, but generally if i get it i get it in both. i too dont add salt into my diet, dont fly too often, dont smoke, dont swim anymore (which i used to love), dont drink more than a couple,try not to stress, and as a result, i haven;t had a serious attack for a year and a half. my attacks when serious tend to last for roughly a week, with some residual problems for about three months afterwards. some loud noises or noises of a certain pitch hurt, and i also have to watch peoples mouths when they talk. you might find that after a while you can recognise the signs of an attack beginning (abit like epilipsey)i also sometimes have wonky moments. i am lucky that i dont have 'drop attacks' with the vertigo but tend to find that i'll wake up one morning and find i cant get up. you have to force yourself to move around after the initial attack, otherwise it doesn't help - i tend to try and clean the house after a couple of days. my doctor gave me prochlorporazine to take when i have an attack, but to be honest they just knock out my other medication, so i try not to take them. my friend has menieres too and gets some fantastic tablets when on holiday in cyprus, but i cant read the label to tell you what they are. will try and find out. sometimes i feel so tired and wobbly, and other times like nothings wrong.
i'm also learning to drive, and sometimes when i worry too much about it i do have to concentrate more to stop driving off to the side, but driving is good. you mustnt let menieres stop you from doing too much, still live your life as well as you can, but remember, some things must be in moderation.
also, sometimes i have a fear that i will have a bad attack too, especially when sometime good is planned, but try not to do that as of course, stressing about it could bring the attack on.
take care
louise
i was diagnosed with menieres in 2002, i am 30. they think that i've had it since i was 20 as i kept losing my balance and having tinnitus, hearing loss, and pain on and off since then. when i was diagnosed, they said that it wont tend to get worse cos i've had it more than 2 years. my left ear is affected more - hearing loss and tinnitus, but generally if i get it i get it in both. i too dont add salt into my diet, dont fly too often, dont smoke, dont swim anymore (which i used to love), dont drink more than a couple,try not to stress, and as a result, i haven;t had a serious attack for a year and a half. my attacks when serious tend to last for roughly a week, with some residual problems for about three months afterwards. some loud noises or noises of a certain pitch hurt, and i also have to watch peoples mouths when they talk. you might find that after a while you can recognise the signs of an attack beginning (abit like epilipsey)i also sometimes have wonky moments. i am lucky that i dont have 'drop attacks' with the vertigo but tend to find that i'll wake up one morning and find i cant get up. you have to force yourself to move around after the initial attack, otherwise it doesn't help - i tend to try and clean the house after a couple of days. my doctor gave me prochlorporazine to take when i have an attack, but to be honest they just knock out my other medication, so i try not to take them. my friend has menieres too and gets some fantastic tablets when on holiday in cyprus, but i cant read the label to tell you what they are. will try and find out. sometimes i feel so tired and wobbly, and other times like nothings wrong.
i'm also learning to drive, and sometimes when i worry too much about it i do have to concentrate more to stop driving off to the side, but driving is good. you mustnt let menieres stop you from doing too much, still live your life as well as you can, but remember, some things must be in moderation.
also, sometimes i have a fear that i will have a bad attack too, especially when sometime good is planned, but try not to do that as of course, stressing about it could bring the attack on.
take care
louise
barbie pocket
08-11-2008, 12:25 PM
I was finally diagnosed with Menieres today after being wrongly diagnosed with a stroke twice. My symptoms---sudden vertigo, vomit, sweating,anxiety,low pulse. I have had 3 cat scans, a stress test, echo cardio, chest xray---all normal. I am on HBP meds, high colesterol and blood thinner, 81 mg aspirin. I wear hearing aids since work in a factory for 30 years.
Please tell me what your symptoms are and how have you been helped.
My DR put me on SERC antihistamine. It is supposed to help. The probelm really interferes with your life. Are any sufferers able to drive???
58 year old ,M, 210 lbs. non smoke or drink
I, too, have Menieres. I am 44 years old. I was diagnosed 2 1/2 years ago. Mine came on very strong and disabled me for several months. I had the genomiacin treatment (wick inserted into my eardrum and genomiacin administered) This finished destroying the nerve in my left ear. After vestibular rehab. I was able to return to work. It did help with the frequency of vertigo attacks but did not completely eliminate them. I have constant fullness and ringing even when the vertigo isn't happening. My attacks are triggered by lighting, noises, movement, other's movement, moving objects, therefore, I do not drive because I cannot distinguish if a car or the lines in the road are "really" moving towards me or away from me However, don't be discouraged by my story, it is rare. I know many others with Menieres who drive and live very normal lives with little problems. Many Menieres patients go months, even years without symptoms. I pray that one day I will be one of those people. I will keep you in my prayers, you are not alone.
Barb
Please tell me what your symptoms are and how have you been helped.
My DR put me on SERC antihistamine. It is supposed to help. The probelm really interferes with your life. Are any sufferers able to drive???
58 year old ,M, 210 lbs. non smoke or drink
I, too, have Menieres. I am 44 years old. I was diagnosed 2 1/2 years ago. Mine came on very strong and disabled me for several months. I had the genomiacin treatment (wick inserted into my eardrum and genomiacin administered) This finished destroying the nerve in my left ear. After vestibular rehab. I was able to return to work. It did help with the frequency of vertigo attacks but did not completely eliminate them. I have constant fullness and ringing even when the vertigo isn't happening. My attacks are triggered by lighting, noises, movement, other's movement, moving objects, therefore, I do not drive because I cannot distinguish if a car or the lines in the road are "really" moving towards me or away from me However, don't be discouraged by my story, it is rare. I know many others with Menieres who drive and live very normal lives with little problems. Many Menieres patients go months, even years without symptoms. I pray that one day I will be one of those people. I will keep you in my prayers, you are not alone.
Barb
sonic
08-31-2008, 04:52 PM
Hi ..i have had MM for 8 yrs but just diagnoised last yr..i tried serc, it didnt help. so i just watch my diet & try not to get anxious.
i saw a naturopath that suggested ventigo-heel,not sure if it helps but i take a few every day. i think its the same as Coculus?
i hate this..i cannot work & im always nauseated.:(
i hate going out in public incase i get the spins..its embaresing.
i saw a naturopath that suggested ventigo-heel,not sure if it helps but i take a few every day. i think its the same as Coculus?
i hate this..i cannot work & im always nauseated.:(
i hate going out in public incase i get the spins..its embaresing.
twokatss
08-31-2008, 05:55 PM
Hi Sonic: I first posted in 2004. The SERC seems to help me. Been on it 4 years...I do feel "off balance"..I cannot walk on anything that is not flat or I am really dizzy.....
I take Paxil also , for anxiety attacks. That seems to work also....
I noticed you are from Ontario....any chance Kitchener/Waterloo area????Just asking...
I take Paxil also , for anxiety attacks. That seems to work also....
I noticed you are from Ontario....any chance Kitchener/Waterloo area????Just asking...
sonic
09-14-2008, 11:26 PM
Hi twokats..
I am in Hamilton. :D
think i will ask my dr for serc (again) do you have any side effects from it?
also..is paxil an anti-depresant? I was thinking of going back on the Celexa too....i dunno...i really hate the numb feeling it gives me.
I am in Hamilton. :D
think i will ask my dr for serc (again) do you have any side effects from it?
also..is paxil an anti-depresant? I was thinking of going back on the Celexa too....i dunno...i really hate the numb feeling it gives me.
twokatss
09-15-2008, 09:19 AM
I take the SERC twice a day. No side effects..Yes PAXIL is an anti depressant.. I take 20 mg for anxiety attacks. Feel pretty good....no attacks in 3 years....
Go tiger cats.....
Go tiger cats.....
mod-anon
09-16-2008, 04:19 PM
In an attempt to speed up the system for all users we are closing threads that are more than a couple of months old. Please feel free to start another thread on this topic.