I've been suffering chronic dizziness and vertigo for six years now. At present I notice that I am more prone to dizzy spells, feeling more unwell, more tired, and more visual disturbances pre-period. Simply said, everything gets just that little bit worse. I have also started to notice that a few other women are mentioning this too.
I was wondering if any gals have bought this up with their DR/Specialist and what has been said about it.
Just a note, I've been tested for Meniere's Disease and at last check that was all clear!
Re: Dizziness/Vertigo - Is your's worse pre-period?
Quote:
Originally Posted by DizzieBlonde
I've been suffering chronic dizziness and vertigo for six years now. At present I notice that I am more prone to dizzy spells, feeling more unwell, more tired, and more visual disturbances pre-period. Simply said, everything gets just that little bit worse. I have also started to notice that a few other women are mentioning this too.
I was wondering if any gals have bought this up with their DR/Specialist and what has been said about it.
Just a note, I've been tested for Meniere's Disease and at last check that was all clear!
Hello DizzieBlonde,
I also have been suffering with vertigo since 1980. My vertigo is not the spinning or feeling light headed. Mine is a vision jumpiness. My eyes don't move but everything I see moves. Even when my eyes are closed there is movement. Mine started when I had a very severe case of the flu. I've been to over 50 Drs. with this. Only one has even tryed to diagnose me and treat me like I wasn't crazy. Because my symtoms sound crazy. My vision jumpiness has never left me and I also got ringing in my ears (tinnitus) at the same time. But there are times that it gets so bad that I'm homebound and can't drive. Even when my husband drives me, I usually have to close my eyes because it feels like the road is moving and the car is sitting still. The Neuro-Opthamologist I saw several years ago was an excellent Dr. I started telling him all of my weird symptoms and he said stop--I'm going to tell you the rest. And he did. I was so thankful to God for him. He said this virus attacked the nerve center and did alot of damage to about 100 patients that he had seen. This is strange--he called it "Shopping Cart Syndrome"--because when we would go shopping it fells like the aisle's on each side are moving the opposite way that you are. I hate to go shopping now and I can't when the episodes are severe. Also when this is real bad, I have extreme fatigue and feel really bad--also nausea and just alot of strange visual problems. He gave me medication that helped for 6 mths. but then it didn't help anymore. I feel for you--I've had all the tests at least 2 times and some of them 3 times and nothing ever showed up. It's very frustrating. I haven't found anything that has helped much except prednisone and now it has caused alot of problems with my health--so I will never take it again. I pray that you find something that will help--but please be careful and wise about medications. precious49 God Bless You and Yours Today and EveryDay
Re: Dizziness/Vertigo - Is your's worse pre-period?
Well your certainly not crazy! It's so frustrating when dr's tell you it's in the mind.
I do have a good Dr in Sydney (Aust) it takes me 1 1/2 hours to get there by train but she is worth it. She is a Dr but also believes heavily in natural therapies. So the only medication I am on is for my Thyroid.
I take quite alot of vitamins (I live in Aust but am Vit D deficinent!)and changed my diet, since I have been going to her I my other health issues have improved (thyroid/ not longer pre-diabetic) and my autoimmune 'levels' have reduced. I even take a natural suppliment to support my mood - and it works great! Yay!
However I still battle with dizziness and balance issues in my daily life, bummer!
Re: Dizziness/Vertigo - Is your's worse pre-period?
Quote:
Originally Posted by DizzieBlonde
Well your certainly not crazy! It's so frustrating when dr's tell you it's in the mind.
I do have a good Dr in Sydney (Aust) it takes me 1 1/2 hours to get there by train but she is worth it. She is a Dr but also believes heavily in natural therapies. So the only medication I am on is for my Thyroid.
I take quite alot of vitamins (I live in Aust but am Vit D deficinent!)and changed my diet, since I have been going to her I my other health issues have improved (thyroid/ not longer pre-diabetic) and my autoimmune 'levels' have reduced. I even take a natural suppliment to support my mood - and it works great! Yay!
However I still battle with dizziness and balance issues in my daily life, bummer!
Hello again,
I'm so glad that you have a good Dr. I have a woman Dr. that is really trying to figure all of this out.
The dizziness and balance problems sometimes are overwhelming but I've learned to not turn around fast and things like that have helped.
I forgot to answer your question about pre-period---but actually, I can't, I had a hysterectomy when I was 28.
It really sounds like you're taking the best care of yourself and I agree with the natural products.
If your Dr. figures it out--let me know and I'll do the same for you. Everyone I've talked to that has vertigo seems to get no relief. It must be in a part of the brain that they just don't know much about, yet. I just know that I get really tired of it. But, Thank the Lord, I have a husband that has been very supportive and does more than his share when I'm really bad.
I pray that we both get better. Great talking with you. precious49 God Bless You and Yours Today and EveryDay
Re: Dizziness/Vertigo - Is your's worse pre-period?
Oh, and that's amazing that you travel so far to get to see you're Dr. Mine is 10 min. from my home. I think Australia would be an awesome place to visit. It only got to 28 degrees F here yesterday. I bet that it's warmer where you are? That is strange that you are deficient in Vit. D. Did the Dr. have an answer for that? precious49
Re: Dizziness/Vertigo - Is your's worse pre-period?
Yes, I am blessed to live in Aust, we are very close to the beach and as I have been getting some strength back (I go to physiotherapy too!) I have been walking in nice weather for about 40 minutes a day for the last two weeks.
Ironically we are told in Aust, to Slip (on sunscreen), Slop(on a shirt), Slap(on a hat), to avoid sun exposure, so that could cause a Vit D deficiency plus I also just read a study that thinks that if you carry extra weight it's stopping the Vit D from being released into the body (Vit D is a fat soluable, so that makes some sense). However I'm not too overweight
Plus I also saw something on Ophra, when Dr Oz was on for the Best Life Week, that connected Vit D, C-Reactive Protien (an inflamation marker), and autoimmune disorders.
Last edited by moderator2; 01-20-2009 at 07:51 AM.
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Re: Dizziness/Vertigo - Is your's worse pre-period?
Quote:
Originally Posted by precious49;38[I
52272]
It really sounds like you're taking the best care of yourself and I agree with the natural products.
It must be in a part of the brain that they just don't know much about, yet. I just know that I get really tired of it.
But, Thank the Lord, I have a husband that has been very supportive and does more than his share when I'm really bad.
Yes I had to as I had a complete meltdown at the beginning of last year when I got a temping job and tried to work full time. I can laugh about it now, but at the time Oh Boy! So even though the dizziness is still an issue, the fatigue and other pain in my body is much better. I had to put my self-care first. Just for your interest, my fatigue levels were shot because of underactive thyroid and being pre-diabetic, it won't hurt if your DR runs a few other general tests to check how the rest of the body is functioning. Plus the current management plan I have I don't have to put up with the side effects of medication (I have in the past tried a lot of meds).
Yes, they still don't know enough about what happens in the inner ear. One thing is they cannot look in it even via an MRI so it's a mystery.
I also have a very supportive husband who looks after me, I'm so glad to hear that you have support, it's much easier to cope when we feel our partners actually understand how dibilitating this condition can be.
Re: Dizziness/Vertigo - Is your's worse pre-period?
Good Morning, (well, at least it is here )
Walking is just the best exercise and you get to enjoy God's creation. I've started my exercise again. I've been doing it to Celion Dions'-One Heart. I started with just the 1st 3 songs now I'm doing 5. My husband would leave me for her.
Now, I understand about the Vit D. I saw something on the news about people here having that problem. That's cute about--Slip, Slop, Slap.
My Dr. keeps thinking that my problem might be an autoimmune disorder. I've been dealing with it so long that I don't even care if we find a name for it--I just want it gone. Several good things have come with it though--I've learned to truly depend on God and I've met alot of really good people on this site--And now a beautiful one from Australia--If I hadn't had all my illness, I wouldn't be as informed and am still learning. And when I ask someone how they feel--I really mean it and I really listen to what they are saying.
Thanks for the info on Dr. Oz. I really like him but I don't watch much TV when I'm feeling better. When I'm really sick--TV is about all I do. For 2 and 1/2 yrs. I was pretty much homebound until Sept. 08'. That's the longest that an episode has lasted--If I didn't know the Lord as my Savior and have an absolutely marvelous husband--I would have killed myself--I had no energy at all. Taking a shower was a horrible chore for me. I mainly would use a washcloth and wash my hair in the sink. I hated that I had to do that. It had never been that bad before. And I've never been faced with the deep depression that I experienced. Sometimes I would feel like I was on an island with no one around and no one that understood. Have you noticed that there are so many wierd illness' now? I think that we are killing this earth But I'm trying in every little way to do my part in making it better. Hope you have a good day and a long walk on the beach precious49 God Bless You and Yours Today and EveryDay
Last edited by moderator2; 01-20-2009 at 07:50 AM.
Re: Dizziness/Vertigo - Is your's worse pre-period?
Boy, I've just read your post - it can be so very hard to keep positive when one is ill. Two years of being housebound, that circumstance alone can bring on depression, life changes in a way we don't want it too or expect. You have obviously found great strength to keep you going through this time.
I have been watching a bit of TV lately, it's school holidays, so I sneak into the bedroom for a rest, and I saw something else on Ophra I liked. They were having a spiritual discussion and the lady on the panel said some thing like: We are not confronted with circumstances we cannot handle, and when we are faced with them we should think of the internal strength/characteristic (eg: courage/kindness) we need to enhance that will help us through our difficult time. And if we do we are able to grow. Wow, what a great philosophy!
I have an interest in sociology, so yes I have noticed that 'illnesses' have changed, historically this happens quite often as society changes and we 'adapt' to the new environment, like the industrial revolution. And we certainly didn't see video game addiction boot camps 10 years ago! Would make a good book, hey!
Re: Dizziness/Vertigo - Is your's worse pre-period?
Quote:
Originally Posted by DizzieBlonde
Boy, I've just read your post - it can be so very hard to keep positive when one is ill. Two years of being housebound, that circumstance alone can bring on depression, life changes in a way we don't want it too or expect. You have obviously found great strength to keep you going through this time.
I have been watching a bit of TV lately, it's school holidays, so I sneak into the bedroom for a rest, and I saw something else on Ophra I liked. They were having a spiritual discussion and the lady on the panel said some thing like: We are not confronted with circumstances we cannot handle, and when we are faced with them we should think of the internal strength/characteristic (eg: courage/kindness) we need to enhance that will help us through our difficult time. And if we do we are able to grow. Wow, what a great philosophy!
I have an interest in sociology, so yes I have noticed that 'illnesses' have changed, historically this happens quite often as society changes and we 'adapt' to the new environment, like the industrial revolution. And we certainly didn't see video game addiction boot camps 10 years ago! Would make a good book, hey!
Good Morning DizzieBlonde,
You are right about how hard it is to keep positive when you are very ill. I don't ever have a problem with it until I get housebound. And yes, I do have great strength in the Lord. That quote from the Ophra show is very good. My favorite thing to say is "If I can't fix it and God won't--Forget about it". I just don't worry over things that I can't change. And this virus that attacked me in 1980 has taken its toll on me at times--But with God's help and a supportive husband and family--I always make it through the bad times and I usually do learn alot about myself and others.
Well, get busy and write your book I've actually wanted to write a couple of books and one of these days--I will. My problem is that when I'm having one of my episodes and I'm homebound and would have the time--I can't get on the computer because my vision is so jumpy and it's impossible to look at the computer screen. And right now I'm so busy making up for things that should have been done--Well, I'm just really busy BUT I'm not complaining at all--I LOVE IT !!! I'm just so thankful for this site and I'm thankful for you!!! precious49 God Bless You and Yours Today and EveryDay
PS--Hope you have a great school holiday
Re: Dizziness/Vertigo - Is your's worse pre-period?
Ah yes I understand, in the early time of my balance disorder I couldn't get up out of bed (five min max to go to the loo). I still get quite alot of visual disturbances too. As time has progressed I can certainly get around better, but sometimes just can't and have to stay in bed - no choice. I have to be carefull everyday how I move around as I can provoke an episode, and I've had to sleep elevated for six years now.
Luckily if I have an episode outside of the normal daily thing it tends to be around for one day and I feel confident it will pass fairly quickly, so I just go with it. Sounds bad, but I really do very well, and graduated from College (as a mature aged student) in 2007!
It's been so hot here today but I can see a thunder storm rolling in - whew!
Re: Dizziness/Vertigo - Is your's worse pre-period?
Quote:
Originally Posted by DizzieBlonde
Ah yes I understand, in the early time of my balance disorder I couldn't get up out of bed (five min max to go to the loo). I still get quite alot of visual disturbances too. As time has progressed I can certainly get around better, but sometimes just can't and have to stay in bed - no choice. I have to be carefull everyday how I move around as I can provoke an episode, and I've had to sleep elevated for six years now.
Luckily if I have an episode outside of the normal daily thing it tends to be around for one day and I feel confident it will pass fairly quickly, so I just go with it. Sounds bad, but I really do very well, and graduated from College (as a mature aged student) in 2007!
It's been so hot here today but I can see a thunder storm rolling in - whew!
Lucy
Hello,
Sorry that I haven't gotten back to you sooner. I'm having another problem and had to go to the emergency room. But I'm better now. More tests from that visit next week.
What type of vision problems do you have? Have the Drs. actually given you a name for it? When my episodes are really bad, I sleep in a recliner and it seems to help only a little.
Congrats for graduating--I'm sure that it wasn't always easy My vision jumpiness has made it very difficult for me and I lost a great job because it kept me down so long that they had to replace me. I've really missed working and try to do home-based jobs but that hasn't always worked out. Right now I'm going to try to breed my Yorkshire Terriers and will hopefully be able to sell them. At times they actually helped me during my worst episodes, I would have to get up and take care of their needs even when I really didn't want to get up at all. They are so much fun.
It was really beautiful today. Warm and sunny--just like springtime. But it is suppose to get really cold by Saturday. Next week we might get snow. We really need the moisture.
Have a great day and I'll talk to you soon. precious49 God Bless You and Yours Today and EveryDay
Re: Dizziness/Vertigo - Is your's worse pre-period?
Oh that's no good, glad you didn't have to stay for long. I tell you, if it's not one thing it's another. I ended up with quite a few other health issues as a result of the balance, but I'm working on them and have had improvement.
Doctors are much better at telling me what I don't have. I don't have MS, or a brain tumor, or Meniere's, or BPPV!!! Other theories that have been tossed about are Atypical Migraine and Cerabella Ataxia.
Have you ever heard of sixth nerve palsy? Someone I know had a sudden onset of this at the beginning of last year. It affected her vision like you describe, I think they were able to diagnose by MRI, she had to do eye exercises and her condition eventually improved. However, I'm sure you've had MRI and eye tests - you must be sooo sick of Dr's.
I love animals, my beloved 15 year old cat died this year, it was very hard. A strange story though, she hated other cats but for some reason would tolerate this stray that started appearing in our lives. Turns out we ended up adopting him (by having him de-sexed) the same week she died. I had started feeding and encouraging him six months earlier, but he was so scared I didn't even get to pat him for the first four months. Now he is the biggest kissiest sook, we think he was a gift as he helped us with her loss.
Re: Dizziness/Vertigo - Is your's worse pre-period?
Quote:
Originally Posted by DizzieBlonde
Oh that's no good, glad you didn't have to stay for long. I tell you, if it's not one thing it's another. I ended up with quite a few other health issues as a result of the balance, but I'm working on them and have had improvement.
Doctors are much better at telling me what I don't have. I don't have MS, or a brain tumor, or Meniere's, or BPPV!!! Other theories that have been tossed about are Atypical Migraine and Cerabella Ataxia.
Have you ever heard of sixth nerve palsy? Someone I know had a sudden onset of this at the beginning of last year. It affected her vision like you describe, I think they were able to diagnose by MRI, she had to do eye exercises and her condition eventually improved. However, I'm sure you've had MRI and eye tests - you must be sooo sick of Dr's.
I love animals, my beloved 15 year old cat died this year, it was very hard. A strange story though, she hated other cats but for some reason would tolerate this stray that started appearing in our lives. Turns out we ended up adopting him (by having him de-sexed) the same week she died. I had started feeding and encouraging him six months earlier, but he was so scared I didn't even get to pat him for the first four months. Now he is the biggest kissiest sook, we think he was a gift as he helped us with her loss.
Hello DizzieBlonde,
Yes, I know exactly what you mean--I'm feeling pretty good but I'm falling apart And Drs. have told me also what I don't have. I've not heard of Sixth Nerve Palsy--I'll check that one out. I truly think that it will be me that figures this vision jumpiness out and not the Drs. I know that they can only do what they are trained for and the medical profession is such a money thing that they don't take time from making money to research something that it unusual or that doesn't show up on one of their tests. And yes, I am sooooooo sick of Drs.
I'm so sorry for the loss of your cat but it sounds like to me that she knew that you would need another cat to love. And what does "sook" mean--it's a really cute word. Oh, also this week, I had to give my smallest Yorkie "Sassy" mouth to snout resuscitation. I almost lost her--I've never had to do that before and I know that I did some things wrong but Praise God I kept her alive until I could get her food out that was caught in her throat. And Praise God she's fine. I call her "my little shadow" she's always right by my side. She's in here now as I'm typing.
I pray that you have a good day and maybe one of these days the Drs. will figure us out. precious49 (Donna)
God Bless You and Yours Today and EveryDay
Re: Dizziness/Vertigo - Is your's worse pre-period?
Ahh what we won't do for our 'fur kids'!
I remember giving our cat physiotherapy, cold/hot packs and brushing, when she had a blood clot that temporarily paralized her tail - it worked too!!
I didn't realize 'sook' was Australian slang, it means a bit of a crybaby - but I mean this in a sweet way.
Re: Dizziness/Vertigo - Is your's worse pre-period?
Quote:
Originally Posted by DizzieBlonde
Ahh what we won't do for our 'fur kids'!
I remember giving our cat physiotherapy, cold/hot packs and brushing, when she had a blood clot that temporarily paralized her tail - it worked too!!
I didn't realize 'sook' was Australian slang, it means a bit of a crybaby - but I mean this in a sweet way.
Yes, I do love my animals. And they are our "kids" now as our son is 37 and doesn't need Mom and Dad as often as he use to.
Well, I'll start using "sook" instead of crybaby. I just love talking to you. I pray that you're having a good day.
I'll be staying in today as we are having an ice storm. Alot of wrecks happening and my husband is a Deputy Marshal and has to be out in it but his supervisor called and said to get somewhere and stay put--so he came home and is watching TV and relaxing. Good Job!!! Good Supervisor!!!
Talk to you later. precious49 God Bless You and Yours Today and EveryDay
Re: Dizziness/Vertigo - Is your's worse pre-period?
We are experiencing opposites to the extreme, our weather here is very hot, it was 40 degrees the other day (I think that may be 104 fahrenheit). I am so thankfull that it has cooled a little, but I do have the laptop in the bedroom with the fan on!
Lots of headaches and vision disturbances in the last few days too - not sure if that is heat related.
Re: Dizziness/Vertigo - Is your's worse pre-period?
Quote:
Originally Posted by DizzieBlonde
We are experiencing opposites to the extreme, our weather here is very hot, it was 40 degrees the other day (I think that may be 104 fahrenheit). I am so thankfull that it has cooled a little, but I do have the laptop in the bedroom with the fan on!
Lots of headaches and vision disturbances in the last few days too - not sure if that is heat related.
Oh BTW - Is a Deputy Marshall a Police Officer?
Hello,
Sorry, I didn't get back to you sooner. Remember I said that we were getting really cold--well, we had ice also, and I fell in my driveway, Mon. afternoon--I landed on my right breast and my left knee. I don't know how I did that--I lost my breath for a bit and am really sore--yesterday was the worst--I don't think that I broke anything but it sure hurts.
I always feel worse in the summer when it's really hot. I stay in the house with the air-conditioner. I'm sorry that you're not feeling well. Did you ever tell me if your Dr. ever gave you a diagnosis?
Yes, my husband is a police officer. He retired from one department after 24 years. He got bored and we didn't have as much money as we wanted and the insurance got too expensive, so he went to work again with the Marshal's. They mainly pick up people that have warrants and they serve subpoena's. They don't have to deal with really bad criminal's like he use to but they do have people that run and he says he's too old to run after them He will catch them another day. But some of their tickets add up to thousands of dollars--so he still is very careful because some of them have fought.
Our weather has been crazy. One night this week it was 8 degrees F. and tomorrow, it's suppose to get up to 68 and be really nice. We still have ice and snow in our yard and on the street. I hope it's cooled down for you.
precious49 God Bless You and Yours Today and EveryDay
Re: Dizziness/Vertigo - Is your's worse pre-period?
I hope your feeling better after your fall? It gets frustrating when we are not feeling well anyway and one things happens after another.
I have been going to physiotherapy, for the last 8 months and kept hurting myself between visits, like twisting my knee, pinching a nerve in my back. We laughted when I went in January after a six week break and I said well the first thing I can tell you is that I didn't hurt myself/or have a new injury.
Actually my knee's have improved so much because of the exercises I do specifically for them!
I am interesting in how the US medical insurance system works - it sounds really bad, maybe you could explain it to me!
We have both a private and public system in Aus. The public system is called Medicare, you can access hosptial and many dr services for free. If you have Social Security from unemployment, disabity etc, you also get a Heath Care Card and get cheaper medicines, or don't pay for x-rays/mri's etc. You do need to pay for dental and cover a gap for some services like specialists. Don't get me wrong this can be very expensive and some people can't afford to go.
We personally have private health insurance, and this covers alot of dental, less of a wait for hospital if you need it as you are covered for a private doctor, and we get cheaper physio, chiro, and even some natural therapies. It is one of the bigger expenses we have but because we all needed dental we pay for the higher 'extra's' benefits. It's sure not perfect and I certainly aim to stay out of hospital but it sure seems easier than the US system.
Last edited by DizzieBlonde; 02-01-2009 at 01:18 PM.
Re: Dizziness/Vertigo - Is your's worse pre-period?
Good Morning,
Sorry that I haven't gotten back to you sooner. My fall caused me alot of problems the last several days. Just felt really bad. Finally went to the Dr. X-Ray was OK so I'm just going to be really sore for awhile.
I know what you mean--to feel have way good--I'm falling apart. I'm glad your knees are better. It helps to get at least one thing better!!!
As for health care--we also have private and government ins. The gov. ins. is also called Medicare here. It is actually pretty good but you also have to then pay for a supplement ins. to cover what Medicare doesn't. Both of my parents had both before they went Home to be with the Lord. The supplement ins. was expensive but they both needed cancer treatments and didn't have to pay anything for them and had access to the best Drs.
We are like you--we have ins. through the Marshal's with the city my husband works for and it is very good ins. Very little out of pocket expense. We do have a Primary Care Dr. and that is the most important choice because if you don't have a Dr. that will fight for you then the ins. co. can be frustrating and deny you medical care for what they deem unnecessary. The only problem that we have had is my husband had prostate cancer and had his prostate removed. The Dr. that did the surgery wanted him to take Viagra for blood flow and they have refused to pay for that--so we are fighting it--and our Primary Care Dr. is giving us samples of the drug until we settle. The reason my husband is still working is for the medical benefits. Our insurance has really been great as far as I'm concerned compared to some that are out there. When we go to the Dr. we pay $10.00--medications are $10.00, $15.00, or $25.00 for a 30 day script depending on the drug--dental pays about one-half of the total bill, that could be better. And we can see almost any type of Dr. that is needed as long as we go to the Primary Care Dr. first and she refers us to that Dr. Right now the expense for the ins. is very low and when my husband retires next year it will increase but not as much as some do.
Well, I've got to get busy but just wanted to let you know that I really enjoy talking to you. Oh, our weather today is going to be awesome so I'm going to get outside and trim my roses. Have a good day!!! Donna God Bless You and Yours Today and EveryDay
)
. 
But I'm trying in every little way to do my part in making it better. Hope you have a good day and a long walk on the beach
precious49 God Bless You and Yours Today and EveryDay
Lucy
My vision jumpiness has made it very difficult for me and I lost a great job because it kept me down so long that they had to replace me. I've really missed working and try to do home-based jobs but that hasn't always worked out. Right now I'm going to try to breed my Yorkshire Terriers and will hopefully be able to sell them. At times they actually helped me during my worst episodes, I would have to get up and take care of their needs even when I really didn't want to get up at all. They are so much fun. 
And Drs. have told me also what I don't have. I've not heard of Sixth Nerve Palsy--I'll check that one out. I truly think that it will be me that figures this vision jumpiness out and not the Drs. I know that they can only do what they are trained for and the medical profession is such a money thing that they don't take time from making money to research something that it unusual or that doesn't show up on one of their tests. And yes, I am sooooooo sick of Drs.
