Hi everyone -- I'm new to this board. I started feeling dizzy (off-balance) and experiencing vertigo (I've heard it described as a sensation of "false movement" which is basically what I feel) about two months ago. It began right after I was treated for a chronic sinus infection and at about the same time I was treated for an ear infection.

My question for you guys is what kind of experiences you have had with decongestants -- what has worked, what hasn't, what do you recommend staying away from, etc. My doctors told me to take Sudafed and Nasacort but after two months and little improvement I'd like to try something new.

Also, has anyone experienced a feeling like there is water in your ears? Do you have any advice on what to take for it? (does a decongestant help with this problem?)

Lastly, I just want to say how good it feels to know that there are other people out there who are dealing with this too and supporting each other -- thanks guys!

Hi dizzyinboston.....I am also new on the board. Just happened to be reading about your problem and I have recently started using Flonase. It really seems to be helping. I use it every night. You might want to try that and see how it works for you.

I know what you mean about finding other people dealing with the same problems. Even though you really don't want anyone to have to deal with this. It sure makes it easier on those of us who are.

Anyway, if I can be of any help please let me know.

Sincerely,
Animallover05 :wave:

I have a problem with my ears feeling plugged up too and what I take is Sudafed. I don't feel like it really helped alot, but I only took half the dose, since I am sensitive to meds. You can try different ones to see if something works better for you.

Thanks -- I think the Nasacort I'm taking is similar to Flonase -- I'm not really sure if it's helping or not. A few days ago I switched to taking Claritin D (high dose of sudafed with a little antihistamine thrown in) along with gingko (I saw on one of these boards that it might help) and having been feeling somewhat better... I hope it lasts!

Hi,

I take Sudafed and it helps immensely. I take a half (30mg) almost every morning. When I have a cold, I take it accordingly to suit my symptoms.

I do have problems with sinuses and eustachian of the left ear.
That plugged and "in a cave" feeling is relieved when I take it.

Antihistamines might help the fluid in the ear feeling.

I have a friend (with menieres) who SWEARS by stinging nettle tea. It's an antidiuretic (and other stuff). Never tried it myself but maybe will give it a go if I come up with worse symptoms. He only drinks one or two cups a day..

The suggestions from all of us, although so subjective, might click for you. Hopefully you'll get some relief and feel better soon.

quincy