I had an extreme case of vertigo in September of last year while at work. Blood test, MRI, CScans, antibiotics for possible inner ear infection), balance class-Epley exercises, focusing at a card on the wall -moving head up/down-side to side-tried Mezcline, Valium and nothing has helped. Busy wallpaper, shining floors (stores just waxed /buffed) sun shimmering through the trees, busy, noisy places all seem to disorient me. I finally quit my job due to the anxiety and "foggy" head - I was a manager for 22 years at the same company and couldn't focus. Now with insurance high and savings getting low I NEED TO GET A JOB! How do you all work when your light headed, foggy headed,feeling of off balance 24/7? Please-I need some suggestions. I have 2 job interviews set up this week and really need some pointers. The vertigo I had in September-I couldnt walk for a week or ride in the car-any type of motion set me off-no t.v., computer or reading. I know I am scared I will have an attack like the one in September. At that time I worked 10 minutes from home so I used to go home and lay down during my lunch hour. However now the job market when I live is slow I must drive almost 30 minutes to the jobs I am being interviewed for. PLEASE LET ME KNOW HOW YOU COPE AT WORK when you get these symptoms? Neurologist told me I was suffering from MAV cause from menopause. Suggeted Depakote (seizure) medication and at this time not wanting to take a seizure med if I can help it.

Hi Pat--

Sorry youre not feeling well. Unfortunately I had to leave my job too b/c of this foggy head, disoriented problem i'm having. I dont drive right now either cuz I feel so out of it.
I'm not sure how others on here do it, but you are not alone--it definitely is not a fun feeling at all. Are you going to try and take that medicine your doctor wants you to try? It may not hurt just to see if it actually would help you out. I would give anything to feel "normal" again.
Take Care
Sherrie

Pat,

I'm 36, I haven't worked in years. The stress of trying to make it on one income (my husband's) is about to do me in.

I just had to write to you, because I wanted you to know that I'm listening and I care. I know it's got to be sad to quit a job you've had so long. I"m sorry you feel so bad. I don't know how you've done it. But I also don't know if you should keep doing it. From what I read, there's no way you should be putting yourself through a 30-45 min trip to work. That's too much time in the car.
There is no way in the world I could work now, I'm scared to drive, the fog is so bad, I'm afraid I'm going to end up killing someone and myself.

I hope you keep trudging on as far as doctors and some meds that DO work. I pray you find some help. I know alot of us on here would give up limbs if it meant we'd feel better, and some of us would do it to help someone else feel better. (me) Hang in there sweetie.

You are in my prayers Pat,

Love from SL

Hi Pat,
I'm sorry that you are having such a hard time.
I can't say that I have extreme vertigo, but I do suffer from dizziness and disorientation pretty much 24/7, it started in October.
When it first started I didn't want to drive at all, so I found people to carpool with and alternative ways to get to work (my drive is 30 -45 mins.). After about a month of being a passenger in the car I was able to find enough courage to do the driving myself. I found that a big reason I was unable to drive was the anxiety. Once I got past the anxiety of actually being behind the wheel I realized I could get myself to work. It takes a lot of concentration, but I've gotten a lot better the more try.
I haven't been diagnosed yet, so I'm not sure if the driving serves as a method of VRT for me, or if just doing it everyday has made me confident enough to keep doing it.
As for work, I am very lucky to have a flexible job in a casual environment, so it was easy for me to explain what was going on. Everyone is extremely understanding. Even though it takes me a little longer to get my work done I do get everything in on time... I just had to re-adjust my "groove". I wish that everyone had this kind of work environment, because stress only makes symptoms worse.
I admire you for taking on such a big task of finding a new job, it's not easy under normal circumstances, never mind the anxiety of not knowing how you're going to feel.
Maybe it's worth trying the meds for a small trial period... are there many risks involved with taking the meds?
- Cori

I returned to work about two months after my first attack of labyrinthitis, I had to go on light duty for another 3 months as I am a firefighter. Three years later I developped BPPV which I can control with the Epeley manoeuver. It seems to me that stress and anxiety are really the biggest problems, and they can be overcome. I have been reading non stop on ways to deal with fear and anxiety and it really helps. The more I live in this fog and lightheadedness the more I realize that a lot of it is just in my head. By working through the fear that it maybe could happen again really helps. I walk myself through all of the scenearios, what if it happened at work, at the gym, on the way to work...then play it out. The truth is never as scary or fearful as the imaginary event you are playing over and over in your head. Remember, fear is: False Evidence Appearing Real. I am not saying those feelings aren't real, I have them too, but I know you can overcome the anxiety, it just takes lots of work, positive self talk, lots of self love and if all else fails: fake it till you make it. I would never endanger lives at work by putting myself is a situation where I could fall or worse. I find that when I am absorbed in a call at work, or dealing with something I don't give my feelings any time to control me, it's when I am hanging around the station with nothing going on that I pay attention to the feelings. I know the laybrinthitis was caused by a virus, support from this group has confirmed that these feelings, although common, don't mean another virus is imminent. We can't let this fear rule our lives and take over. Don't give these feelings the power to control you, take it back and fight for what's yours! Stay busy, get lots of rest, and be nice to yourself.
Working again is possible, just take it one day at a time. Take control of your feelings, don't let them control you.
Today has been a bad day for me, so I am going to take heed of my own advice and hit the cross country ski trails with my dog. Life will go on with or without you, so why not tag along for the ride.

Pat,

I also have been diagnosed with MAV. I have been dealing with the associated feelings of disequlibrium for almost ten years (April 9th will be my "anniversay").

I did not stop working at all, but in the first few years, I needed to take a lot of sick time. It was suggested that I could go out on Disability, but I chose not to.

For me, my symptoms can be alleviated somewhat by plain aspirin and Liquid Benedryl, so that helps a lot during my day, as needed.

Thinking about it, dealing with my symptoms for me is broken down into three "sections" - how I deal with my symptoms physically, how I deal with my symptoms emotionally, and how others deal with my symptoms.

From an emotional (stress-wise) standpoint, for me at work, a lot of my head symptom stress was from not feeling "safe" in my environment, meaning, if I was at work, and I needed assistance or needed to go home, who would "help" me? I also didn't trust myself to know that I would be able to cope with what I needed to (symptom wise), or trust my body that it would make it through a work day.

I have many of the symptoms that you described in terms of being "set off". That includes at work, walking down long hallways; trying to sit in a Ladies bathroom stall (I rarely lock the stall door in case I tip over and someone needs to get me out); sitting in company meetings; working on my computer. Sometimes just walking up to the front of the building to get the mail is challenging. But I still know that I can do all of these things at work, even with symptoms.

I also still deal with the "what if" worries. What if my symptoms get worse? What if I can't drive to/from work? Etc. I can understand why you are having such nervous thoughts.

I have changed jobs once since dealing with my symptoms. The first few months at my new job was emotionally scary because I didn't bond with anyone (yet) so I wasn't sure who would "be there" for me if I needed it. Plus, being in a new environment was difficult. I have learned that these is always someone at work who will take a moment to either accompany me to the Ladies Room, grab the mail, or even take me to the MD or home, if I need it.

Also at work, I no longer rush home or go into "panic mode" at the first sign of increased symptoms. Counseling helped me deal with learning how to be less reactive, more objective and have a "wait and see" attitude. That was hard work for me, as my symptoms triggered great anxiety and panic, and this panic mode was very difficult to get away from even when my symptoms were tolerable.

So I deal by "practicing calm", taking my aspirin/antihistamine when I need it, and taking things slower when I need to (like walking down the hall on a difficult day).

It became a matter of knowing my symptoms, trusting myself that I had everything I needed within to cope with my physical sensations and emotional worries, and trusting my body that it can get through a work day.

Driving was difficult (still is), but with counseling and learning ways to calm myself internally, it became something tolerable instead of just trying to "survive it".

The one thing that helps me a lot is to "try it" anyway. Meaning, if you think you just can't walk down the driveway to get the mail, try it anyway. You are stronger than you think, and you can do more than you fear you can't. You need to give yourself a chance, even if that means being afraid.

Remember that stress, anxiety, and fear can also play a huge part in how much you allow your symptoms to limit you, and can make your symptoms feel worse. I think once a person deals with something like vertigo, there is always that fear that s/he will get it again. It's a realistic fear. But if you experience it, you will get up again. And you just may have to deal with it again - but you will be able to.

I try to not let the future worries impact my current day. It's so difficult, I know.

Please let us know how your interviews go. Maybe you can choose to interview within a certain radius so you are comfortable with the driving distance. I prefer to work in a certain distance for that reason. There's nothing wrong with that.

And in the meantime, practice driving! Just try it. xoxo

Thank you for all your replies and encouragement. I've had two job interviews so far-but no offers. I still have the brain fog and this is the syptom that gets me donw the most. Aalso I still have strange problem with my eyes-at times when I move my eye or blink - the eyelid feels heavy like it is delaying or off. The muscles just don't feel right. Currently I am doing the MEP and eye exercises recommended by a physical therapist. I am driving some and have ventured out on my own. I still have alot of anxiety but am trying to deal with it on a daily basis. I have found-if I enter a room or store -I begin to get strange sensations- I now try to wait them out and get my bearings this has helped alot-at first I would leave the area and go home and lay down. Got a Dr. appt. next month hope she has some other suggestions. I have been walking almost everyday for the past few months-however the last two times I found when I came home-I started "asthma" like symptoms" coughing(very deep), wheezing and gasping for air. This lasted for about 10-15 minutes. I'm beginning to wonder if I have some allergy that is causing all my problems. The park had a "great Corn MAze" during the fall and has since harvested the corn-but the field is still there where I walk. It was a breezy day both times and I am going to discuss this with my doctor-hopefully I am not getting asthma now. Thats all I nedd menopause, MAV, BPPV and asthma! getting old really does ****.

Thanks-Again For your Help

I have some similar symptoms since May and I have no answers from doctors. I'm going to look into HBOT (Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy). I hear it does wonders for a variety of things.

I've worked most of my illness. I was off the first couple of months and cut down to part time at another point for a couple of months. In fact I interviewed for my current job at my absolute worst- I couldn't walk without holding someone (but made myself for the hour!), but I was a brilliant actress, could have earned an Emmy, and got the job. I found it helpful emotionally to work. Although it was a struggle most of the time, it kept my mind busy, and if I was at home I would be more miserable. In comparison it seemed like the best option. If you think MAV is the correct diagnosis, you really should consider a preventative med. There are several choices out there. Good luck!

hey there! sorry you are dealing with this junk. i was out of work for almost 6 weeks at the beginning of this (but i also had a severe allergic reaction to some antibiotics) that severly set me back even more. anyway, i started back SLOWLY...i think that is definitely what helped me get through the anxiety (and xanax too;) for the first month). i work in a salon, so i worked the slow shifts, but it still was very exhausting and hard. i am back at my normal 25 hours there ( i go to college full time) and i think the key was to ease back into it slowly. i don't know how i even did the last semester in the midst of the worst of this junk...but i did it...and sometimes just really had to go home early....if you have to--DO IT! don't be afraid to address your needs with this situation! i was lucky enough to have a very understanding boss and some online courses lol.

you should give the meds a go if ya can! i am on a preventative med for migraine called nortriptyline and starting about my 9th week on it. i am starting to see some mild improvements with my vision...(even if it's all in my head) as of the last few days--let's hope it keeps improving!:angel: i know one of the members here with MAV swears by the anti-convulsant/seizure med for successful treatment.

the way i figure it..may as well give it a shot...can't feel worse than i already did...and if ya do, you can stop the meds just as easily as ya started them;)


best of luck to you!!! just remember to take it easy and try not to put yourself in too many stressful situations with work---it definitely seems to make things worse.


edit:didn't see how freakin old this thread was..sorry, maybe it will help someone else though