I've stuggled with 'vertigo' for over 15 years now.
It started about two weeks after my mum died in 1993. I also had my one-year-old daughter to look after so naturally when the dizziness started - suddenly out of the blue - it was related to the stress of mum dying and looking after my baby.....the problem with that theory was, three years from the date of the dizziness started, I was still having terrible, frightening bouts of dizziness.
It started out of the blue February 1993. One morning, I awoke, turned over onto my left side in bed and the room spun......I was terrified.
I tried to get myself through the day, but each time I bent over to pick something up, my head spun.
My right side wasn't to bad, it seemed to be mainly the left side each time.
I recall phoning my GP and the receptionist was rather rude with her comments.....I asked if I would be able to see my GP that morning as I was feeling very dizzy......her reply....."We all feel like that love, you'll have to wait to see the GP".....
To cut a long story short, I eventually managed to get to my surgery, it was a real struggle, and I was given Stemitil.
I don't think the medication worked, or if it did it came back, because I was backwards and forwards to the Gp umpteen times during 1993.
They sent me to see all sorts of specialists....ears tested, nose, throat, x-rays of my bones and eventually to see a "Psychiatrist"....yep....they thought I was crazy, or making it up.
I lost all the baby years with my daughter, because I could bend down to pick her up.
The last time I went to see a GP, she said I have a curvature of the spine in the neck and maybe I have a trapped nerve, which was causing the dizziness.
They just didn't know.
I decided, this is something I'm going to have to live with, so with the help of relaxation and plain old Paracetamol, I managed to contain the amount of dizzy spells I had and they became intermittent.....that is until Easter 2008, when I had a very bad 'do'.
I will just add at this point, in June 2007, I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer which resulted in my having a Mastectomy. I'm fine now and living life to the full.
The dizziness started again, out of the blue last Easter. Agaian, cutting a long story short, I went to see my GP, who in turn sent me to see a Physio as he said I have Spondylitis in my neck and physio may help to relieve the trapped nerve.
The Physio sent me to see an Orthopaedic Doctor, who 'sort of ' examined me, I was the last patient and he wanted to get home.....he said it was just Benign Positional Vertigo and nothing to worry about.
He said it was the stress of finding out I had BC and the stress of life......
Strange that, because when I found out about my BC, I was fairly calm...OK....very upset, but calm.....
I asked if stress could be the cause when I had my operation in 2007 and it is now over 12 months ago in 2008....Yes, he said.
Am I being fobbed off yet again ? Is it stress causing the dizziness?
Has anyone else suffered with this type of dizziness? How do you cope ? I would dearly love some help from someone who's been there, done that.....so-to-speak.
Hi Linda,
I can't believe someone is going thought the same as me, its horrible is'nt it.
It started really bad last july 2007 with me, i've been for brain scan sent to ent and been to the doctors upteen times, the doctor told me i had bpv, to cut a very long story short how do i cope with it i don't i cry and i know this is horrible to say but i think i rather died than have this.
I would love to hear from you again
Victoria
I read a few web sites on vertigo exercises that are supposed to be very effective for the type of vertigo you describe. I've suffered from vertigo attacks for 4 years and live in continuous fear of them, mine however come on very suddenly and I feel like I'm spinning, not the room, and the attacks last up to 12 hours followed by 2-3 weeks of motion sickness. I was told it was an inner ear virus, however, I'm not convinced I had no symptoms of any other type. Definitely check out a chiropractor. I think it's the first 3 vertebra in the neck that can cause interference with balance. All it takes is weekly adjustments for a few months and "supposedly" it works wonders. Good luck in your venture!
Hi Linda,
I can't believe someone is going thought the same as me, its horrible is'nt it.
It started really bad last july 2007 with me, i've been for brain scan sent to ent and been to the doctors upteen times, the doctor told me i had bpv, to cut a very long story short how do i cope with it i don't i cry and i know this is horrible to say but i think i rather died than have this.
I would love to hear from you again
Victoria
Hi Victoria,
Yes, it is horrible, I hate it and I know exactly how you feel when you say you would rather die than have it.
The worst part is not being in control of your movements.
I find I have to be very careful which way I turn in bed and I make sure I never turn onto my left side, which is so resticting.
What I also hate, is the way I keep being fobbed off by the doctors. I know when I'm stressed and I control it, but this dizziness comes on without any warning at all. I literally wake up, turn over and 'pow' it's there......I just feel so alone - though now I know I'm not - and that the medical profession just don't care.
The person who answered my question ....ahall....seems to have an answer that might be worth checking out, though I do actually feel as though I have been there, done that....so-to-speak.
I found this website, it might help to know we are not alone.
If I can help you in any way Victoria, please do not hesitate to ask, if it helps to write about it, when you are feeling down, please feel free, I will always answer.
Touch-wood, at the minute, I don't feel to bad, but I'm always in fear of a relapse happening at any time and I'm very aware of it.
The website is: [url]http://www.iamdizzy.com/iknow.html[/url]
If your vertigo is Benign Positional Vertigo, and from your description it may be, there are procedures that a Dr. or Physical Therapist can do that may correct the problem. From what I remember from my research when my problems started 4-5 years ago, BPV is caused by movement of small particles moving in the inner ear. The PT uses specific positioning techniques to cause them to settle back where they are supposed to be and not floating around in the inner ear. You may also be able to do some things at home that will "desentize" you to vertigo with that motion. I was able to do this with my inner ear problem, but I have a form of Meniere's. Basically I paid attention to what movements caused the vertigo, and then in a safe environment (at home, sitting on the bed, husband there just in case) moved my head so that it caused vertigo, I did this 1-2 times a day for several months. This was no fun at all, but I was able to get to the point where I could ride in a car as a passenger again. Hope this helps some, I went thru he$% until I found my current ENT who decided that even though I don't have all the classic symptoms of Meniere's that it's probably what I have and treated it that way.
Hi Linda,
I can't believe the things you are saying its like your reading my mind can't believe someone going thought the same as me.
Thankyou for replying,same to you if you want to talk contact me on this website i'll reply or and thankyou for that web address really helpful.
Victoria x
If your vertigo is Benign Positional Vertigo, and from your description it may be, there are procedures that a Dr. or Physical Therapist can do that may correct the problem. From what I remember from my research when my problems started 4-5 years ago, BPV is caused by movement of small particles moving in the inner ear. The PT uses specific positioning techniques to cause them to settle back where they are supposed to be and not floating around in the inner ear. You may also be able to do some things at home that will "desentize" you to vertigo with that motion. I was able to do this with my inner ear problem, but I have a form of Meniere's. Basically I paid attention to what movements caused the vertigo, and then in a safe environment (at home, sitting on the bed, husband there just in case) moved my head so that it caused vertigo, I did this 1-2 times a day for several months. This was no fun at all, but I was able to get to the point where I could ride in a car as a passenger again. Hope this helps some, I went thru he$% until I found my current ENT who decided that even though I don't have all the classic symptoms of Meniere's that it's probably what I have and treated it that way.
Tigg.
Hi Tigg,
Thank you for your reply.
The GP I went to see, wasn't really thinking it was BPV in my case, simply because I didn't vomit when the dizziness came on. He felt if it was anything to do with my ears, I would also be sick.
I know the movements you speak of and I have tried them ....which you say....not pleasant, but Meniere's was ruled out for me quite early on in the investigation.
The GP still maintains that stress it at the root of my problems, yet I don't feel as though I am a 'stress-head' at all, I feel that I cope quite well with things that are sent to try me......and try me...they do.
Top and bottom of it is, they don't know what is causing it and I feel they have given up on me......
Thanks again for all your help and even though I know you suffer...actually that helps, to know I am not alone.
Hi Linda,
I'm going to the doctors again this week and i'm going to demand something new i can't go on like this i'll let you know what i'm talking to see if its any good for you.
I can't believe the amount of people who saying there GP can't do anything these GP'S have not got a clue, i read somewhere that GP'S only get 10% training on dizziness.
I feel dizzy now whilst typing this.
Victoria x
Hi Linda,
I'm going to the doctors again this week and i'm going to demand something new i can't go on like this i'll let you know what i'm talking to see if its any good for you.
I can't believe the amount of people who saying there GP can't do anything these GP'S have not got a clue, i read somewhere that GP'S only get 10% training on dizziness.
I feel dizzy now whilst typing this.
Victoria x
Good Luck Victoria,
Yes, please let me know how you get on at the doctors. At my peak, I had the dizziness three years none stop, now it just seems to be sporadic, never-the-less, I hate it and live in fear of it coming back, because there's no warning at all.
I'll be thinking of you....give them hell, tell them you cannot live like this.
I understand that Meniere's was ruled out, but they could be wrong. A friend of mine suffered for a long time with wrong diagnoses and all along it was in fact Meniere's, she just needed a better doctor. We all don't fit the "mold" of certain diseases, but it doesn't mean you don't have a different reaction to it than others do. I wish you all the best in finding the answers.
I know what it's like to not know what's wrong with you. I went for 12 very painful years before finally being diagnosed with endometriosis. I was told I did not fit the characteristics, so no one would bother to look. Something to think about. Are there teaching hospitals where you live? Maybe give them a try? God Bless and good luck!
I understand that Meniere's was ruled out, but they could be wrong. A friend of mine suffered for a long time with wrong diagnoses and all along it was in fact Meniere's, she just needed a better doctor. We all don't fit the "mold" of certain diseases, but it doesn't mean you don't have a different reaction to it than others do. I wish you all the best in finding the answers.
I know what it's like to not know what's wrong with you. I went for 12 very painful years before finally being diagnosed with endometriosis. I was told I did not fit the characteristics, so no one would bother to look. Something to think about. Are there teaching hospitals where you live? Maybe give them a try? God Bless and good luck!
Amanda
Bless you Amanda, thank you for taking the time to reply.
I will look into Meniere's and have another word with my GP, like you say, wrong diagnoses are common place and need to be clear from this awful thing, so thank you again.
I just hope they find out what is wrong so you can get the proper treatment, and move on with your life! I love my GP and I have been with him for many years. Regardless, at this point I would ask for a fresh set of eyes to look at me. I would recommend a rheumatologist and internal med doctor. You are in my thoughts and prayers. All it takes is one person, one new set of eyes to find the answer. I pray this happens soon. You have suffered way too long.
Your Friend,
Amanda
Last edited by butrfligirl28; 07-24-2008 at 04:24 AM.
Hi linda h,
Just thought i let you know how i got on at the doctors well just the same he gave me the same tablets as before which don't work which i was telling you about called Cinnarizine.
I'm fed up i started crying in the doctors, don't really know what to do i also told the doctor about this website and how it helps me, he told me to keep off these message boards as it will make me feel worst.
I just read someone reply telling you to get a fresh pair of eyes to look at you, which i think i'll do.
Please keep in touch i feel so sorry for you having it for 15 years.
take care Victoria x
Hi linda h,
Just thought i let you know how i got on at the doctors well just the same he gave me the same tablets as before which don't work which i was telling you about called Cinnarizine.
I'm fed up i started crying in the doctors, don't really know what to do i also told the doctor about this website and how it helps me, he told me to keep off these message boards as it will make me feel worst.
I just read someone reply telling you to get a fresh pair of eyes to look at you, which i think i'll do.
Please keep in touch i feel so sorry for you having it for 15 years.
take care Victoria x
Awe Victoria, I'm so sorry you didn't get the help you were looking for.
Is there anyone who is able to go with you to see your doctor, someone who will be able to back you up....mum, dad, brother, sister, husband ?
I don't understand how asking for help on the message boards can make you feel worse, unless he means sat looking at a computer, will make you feel worse.
I would ask to either see another doctor, for a second opinion, or ask to see a specialist. They cannot deny you this request.
Also, are there any relaxation class, or stress management class in your area ?
I found relaxation - for me - was a vital part of slowing down the dizzy spells and making me able to cope with them better.
I don't mean just relaxing in a chair or on the bed, it takes quite some learning to completely let yourself go and relax to the point of practically being comatosed.
After 15 years, I find I can cope, but when I'm stressed out from work or just life in general, then I have to take time out, as I can feel myself going....and I somehow manage to stop it before it gets a grip.
Please keep in touch, if you can and let me know how you get on.
Take care and most of all take time out for yourself. You need to get sorted, you cannot carry on the way you are.
Hi linda,
Have not heard from you in a while just wondering how things are going with the dizzyness.
Ive been feeling fine for the past couple of weeks but all of a sudden it came on this week when i go to bed, seek of feeling like this.
hope your ok
from Victoria x
Hi linda,
Have not heard from you in a while just wondering how things are going with the dizzyness.
Ive been feeling fine for the past couple of weeks but all of a sudden it came on this week when i go to bed, seek of feeling like this.
hope your ok
from Victoria x
Hi Victoria,
Good to hear from you. I've been on holiday over the last six weeks (I work in a school), not really away; anywhere, but out and about for day trips and doing some much needed cleaning in the house.
I'm so sorry to learn that you are still having problems. That is what happens to me, I can be fine for ages - whether it is because I manage to keep it under control or not, I don't know - then suddenly I will wake up, turn over in bed and 'bang' there it is.....it's awful I know Victoria and I feel for you because I know exactly what you are going through.
One thing I have taught myself not to do, is turn over onto my left side in bed, which is when I am affected.....it's been a hard thing to learn, but now it comes natural.
The only thing the last specialist said to me was, if I'm not vomiting with the dizziness - which I don't - then it is nothing to do with my ears.
He still maintained that it is stress related and I must admit, if I'm under stress of any kind, then I can guarantee the dizziness will start....so maybe he's got a point, though how on earth I avoid stress in my job....well.....I simply can't.
Of course, I'm always getting 'light-headedness' at the moment because last year I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and now I am on Tamoxifen for the next five years, which is putting me through the menopause, so I often don't feel well, but I do know the difference between the light-headedness and the full blown dizziness we both get.......light-headedness I can cope with....dizziness, I struggle.
I really don't know what the answer is and I don't think half the medical profession know the answer either. I just worry about when I'm - God willing - in my old age, I wonder how I will cope.....I just hope it stops suddenly, just like the way it started, suddenly....
Take care Victoria, please let me know how you are coping.
Hi linda again,
I'm sorry to hear you got breast cancer it must be really horrible for you, the things you were saying about turning over on your left side is exactly what i get and i agree half of the medical staff have not got a clue.
I used to work in a school i often wonder how i would cope with my dizzyness if i was back in work but you have to cope don't you i cope a lot better than i use to glad you had a holiday though.
keep in touch and take care love Victoria x
Hi linda again,
I'm sorry to hear you got breast cancer it must be really horrible for you, the things you were saying about turning over on your left side is exactly what i get and i agree half of the medical staff have not got a clue.
I used to work in a school i often wonder how i would cope with my dizzyness if i was back in work but you have to cope don't you i cope a lot better than i use to glad you had a holiday though.
keep in touch and take care love Victoria x
Hi Victoria,
I have taught myself not to turn over - in bed - onto my left side at all, it was difficult at first but I know if I do turn to the left, it will start my dizziness off again and I certainly don't want that, so it's right, right all the time.....
Sometime I can be just sat watching TV and maybe shake my head...like just moving my hair away or something.....and I can feel myself going....it doesn't happen all the time, but when it does I start to panick a little, which of course is no good for me at all.
I'm back to work tomorrow - Tuesday 2nd - but from now on I am going to make sure I take things easy and not compromise my health at all, it's not worth it.
I wish I could retire early, but I can't see me being able to afford it.....
I often wonder how 'ill' one has to be to claim sick benefit, goodness, I have Breast Cancer, I struggle with sever dizzy bouts, I'm 55 years old, but I have to work - according to my pension assessment - until I'm 63....God Help me..........crazy.
OK Victoria, please let me know how you are and try to relax and take care.
......crazy.
