Ack!! - Inner Ear Disorders Message Board

White Sneakers · 06-18-2002, 12:06 PM

Hi Board,

I haven'tbeen on in a while; I was on here a lot for a few weeks, and it got me thinking about my woozy symptoms TOO much. So I needed a break. Anyone else ever feel like that?

I have had a few wonderful weeks of being almost woozy-free. I am so grateful for that! However, I also deal with anxiety issues, and I keep telling myself that "if only my wooziness went away"...I would be free from fear and do EVERYTHING, and my worrying would go away....!!

Only, that's not so. When I am woozy-free, I am still stuck in old habits of waiting for it to come back or worrying about it. I also find myself still doing old behaviors like avoiding doing things (even the fun stuff) and still being moody when I should be gracious. So I have things to work on!

Today is the first day in weeks that I have my symptoms back - so I find myself back at these boards for a little comfort.

Today however, I am a bit "spinny dizzy feeling" although I normally don't have that. That scares me but I am still at work.

For the ladies who experience their dizziness (vertigo,wooziness, etc) do you find that during the week of getting your period that your symptoms get more bothersome? My period is coming on this week (I am spotting) and I feel that this has contributed to today's symptoms.

I hope everyone is doing well. Take care.

Subie · 06-20-2002, 10:36 AM

Hi Whitesneakers,
Sorry to hear you're having a down day. You and I have chatted before (not sure which board) but you told me about amytriptyline (sp?) and I want to say thank you because it has been helping me with my dizzy/lightheadedness I've been contending with for the past year. I have only been on it for about three weeks to a month, but I do have times when the dizziness is non-existent and I am so grateful for that. I know you mentioned the ampty. worked right away for you, but I think it will take a little more time with me. Even though this is an anti-depressant and helps with anxiety, I am more than happy for this to be my problem. After all the testing and Dr's appts. with no answers and that I'm "normal" I was searching and searching for what could be wrong with me. I wasn't feeling like ME! I am still searching from time to time because I'm not completely convinced that anxiety has caused my dizziness, full ears, stiff neck/shoulders, etc.
Again, I want to say thank you for your help!!! I hope you start to feel better. Also, you asked if my symptoms get worse the week before or during my period..I haven't noticed any changes.
Thanks Subie

JoyceAnne · 06-22-2002, 03:35 PM

Hi White Sneakers I was wondering how you were doing.I know exactly how you feel about needing a break from thinking and talking about your problems. My symptoms also were worse around my period. I have now gone about 8 months without a period and will probably have to address the idea of hormone replacement and I am afraid this might make my symptoms worse. I guess I should look on the bright side and hope it might improve things.

Subie. I am glad you are doing well on the Amytriptyline. I see a neurologist next week and I am going to ask him about it. I also get lots of headaches and maybe this could help with this and my lightheadedness etc. What dose do you take? Does it make you sleepy? Please let me know. Thanks

optimist · 06-22-2002, 05:34 PM

Another med that I have found very effective for sleep is Trazadone. I take 25 mgs at night. I sleep all through the night and have minimal drowsiness first thing in the morning. I have found that all my dizziness has been caused by a hormonal imbalance. It has taken me 2 years to finally discover this.
I have had symptoms for 18 years that became unbearable after a hysterectomy. You would be surprised the myriad of symptoms caused by a hormonal imbalance-dizziness and lightheadedness is one. I suggest reading the book The Hormone Solution.
Christina Northrop also wrote an excellent book about
Menopause. Her book is also a great resource about
one's hormonal system--not just about menopause.
It is worth looking into if the ENT shows no inner ear disorders and a neurologist finds nothing.
I have finally found relief.

optimist · 06-23-2002, 09:17 AM

Alittle more info about my discovery of a possible hormonal imbalance. I read books and internet sites on Chronic fatigue and Fibromyalgia. My symptoms pointed to these 2 syndromes. There are many theories about the causes of CF and FMS, one is that it is caused by a hormonal imbalance that does not show up on regular blood work. Since this is treatable, I decided to approach my problem as a hormonal imbalance--I definitely had other symptoms that would point to that diagnosis--losing hair on head and arms; symptoms worsened after a hysterectomy and many other problems. The two books that I mentioned before are: The Hormone Solution--Naturally alleviate symptoms fo Hormone Imbalance from Adolescence through Menopause by Erika Schwartz M.D and The Wisdom of Menopause by Christine Northrup, M.D. I am presently on 60mgs of Armour Thyroid, progesterone cream, 150 mgs of Effexor XP, 25mgs of Trazodone at bedtime I also take many supplements--nothing out of the ordinary with the exception of 1 capsule of raw adrenal gland to support my adrenal gland because of all the stress of these problems. The interesting point about restorative sleep is that sleep is the time thatmany of our hormones are produced, i.e. growth hormone. If you are not having restorative sleep this hormone replenishment is hindered.
I am finally feeling better--it has taken 2 years and looking back, I have not felt truly well for 18 years.
It has taken alot of reading, a very open mind to try many things and a postive outlook that I would overcome this. I pray I continue to feel better. I have worked very hard to get to this point. I was afraid of losing my "world" --my happiness, a job that I love, an incredible husband whom I adore.
I hope you find an answer--this is just a suggestion,
not a diagnosis of your problem.