Frustrated and sad - Inner Ear Disorders Message Board

willholl · 10-07-2008, 07:33 AM

I've been having a hard time recently. I've had to work at home since Thursday afternoon, and while I know I should feel fortunate that I can work at home, I just don't anymore. I want to feel well enough to go to work and do my best. While I've mostly managed to go to work through feeling ill, I know I'm not doing anywhere what I used to be capable of. I also can't run anymore, and I used to be a marathoner. Now it's a good day when I can walk a mile. I considered it an accomplishment yesterday to drive to Petco and the local library. That would sound foolish to anyone else...

And I used to be able to eat whatever I wanted, and remain at a constant weight. Now, with following the migraine diet, most of my old favorites are off limits, but I've still put on a lot of weight. How can you not enjoy eating, and still be gaining weight?!?

And the dizziness remains, and sometimes gets worse. I feel congested and sneezy, headachy and sinusy and dizzy. I wake up at 4AM and can't go back to sleep. I don't like taking drugs, but I probably need to give the Verapamil a try, even though I'm nowhere near convinced that I have migraine. Last year, a good dose of antibiotics really seemed to help with all my symptoms, but none of the doctors see any reason for them now.

I'm doing everything I can think of to feel better, and I'm sad that nothing seems to be working. Patience has never been my strong suit, but I was always so healthy before, and I'm feeling very let down by my body now. I watch my cats, and wish I could have their vestibular systems!

willholl

lookng4answrs · 10-07-2008, 07:38 AM

willholl,

HAve you had your thyroid checked? That can cause weight gain.

Have you started on the verapamil yet?

Have you ever tried a netty pot for allergies? It's a good natural way to clean things out.

Hang in there. With the weather approaching us we might be feeling the effects of the barometric pressure changes.

L4A

gloria2936 · 10-07-2008, 07:56 AM

Willhol,

I felt this same way for so long (years) until I started improving. It was a gradual process, but am making it to the end. I promise you that you will have better days. I know how hard it is to believe this when you feel so ill and just so warped out of your mind and every day you wake up it is the same thing, but please believe, things will get better. I know they will because I've been through it.

I was very afraid to try a med, but it has really helped me. I would give the verapimil a try. Go very slowly and try and wait out the initial med side effects. You can always stop taking it if it doesn't not help you.

Don't let the anxiety and depression get the best of you. I did that for years and it only made the whole condition worse and caused more medical problems.

The weight gain you may be experiencing could be the stress you are putting on your adrenal glands particularly if it is around your abdominal area. You will get back to running. I remember walking in the park and seeing this young women speed walking and as happy as can be. I cried because I couldn't not do that and thought I would never be able to again. I have joined back up at the health club this past January and I can not believe how intense my workouts are again.

Chin up.

Hugs,
Gloria

violet6 · 10-07-2008, 08:48 AM

I'm with you, Willholl! I have a lot of these same feelings. I have been feeling better in areas that are my comfort zones--like my house and various places nearby...I have learned to function in these places better over time. However, when I go somewhere new and challenging, (like over the weekend to a bday party at an amusement park--yes, a nightmare for the vestibularly challenged), I feel like a complete freak in my head--I realized I'm so far from getting better, but then I try to tell myself that I tried something new and that's what's important.

I was also working from home until my work made me take sick leave. I was lucky to have the income at the time, but I also felt very isolated. Since I stopped I've had time to build up more of a network of folks close to my home and that has been good for me--we need human interaction, after all!

Hang in there and focus on Gloria's message--that we will get better somehow, someday!! Sometimes we even feel better in a few days at least for a while. I'm hoping the verapamil will help you soon and in time the VRT may do so as well. Keep in mind we've got lots of treatment options...there is something out there that will help us!

I think the coming winter just makes things gloomier...perhaps the weather change is affecting you a bit? Last winter my mom got me special light bulbs for that

.

Take care, Willholl!!

Violet