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Currently getting steroid injections for MD and wondering also about a specific diuretic.

Posted , 5 users are following.

smith05390
smith05390

I was diagnosed with Meniere's a year and a half ago.  I am currently trying a steroid injection series of four and have had two without any significant (if any) help for the vertigo/dizziness.  I was prescribed a diuretic, but haven't taken it yet (it's trimterene-HCTZ, 37.5 Mg).  Two questions....Does anyone else take that specific diuretic and if so, what's been your experience?  And, if you have had steroid injections, did they help right away or take awhile?  Thanks. I'm from the US.

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • JMJ
    JMJ smith05390

    Posted

    HI!  

    I've been taking Triamterene-CTZ 37.5mg, 2 tabs daily.  I started with taking one/day for a few weeks, but when I didn't feel better, we bumped it up to 2 and I felt an improvement. I've experienced absolutely no side effects from these meds.

    I began inner ear injections with steroids, back in December.  I was VERY sick when I began with them.  That week, I had to be hospitalized for the Meniere's. But I would say that it took 4 injections before I began to feel real  improvement: A significant reduction in both the frequency and intensity of the vertigo.  It hasn't been fast, by any stretch of the imagination, but I'm willing to be patient.  Now, nearly 6 months later, I'm having 2 week stretches of feeling clear and strong...just like I felt before this nightmare started! So, I'm willing to keep going with them.  My hearing has not improved as yet, but there's a possiblity.   I'm told there is no limit to the number of injections you can have.  

    I hope you have great luck with this treatment plan!  I know that some people respond a lot faster than I have!  I hope that' you'll be one of them!

    Take good care.

    J-

    • smith05390
      smith05390 JMJ

      Posted

      Hi, J  So sorry I haven't gotten back to you since your helpful reply, but I lost all internet connections and finally got my computer fixed so I am back on line.  Anyway, I have now finished my fourth steroid injection and although I still have at least one dizzy spell a day, they are mild and I can still function.  I'm going to hold off on taking the diuretic and see what happens with the steroids.  I go back to the dr. in six weeks to see if I should continue them.  Anyway, I might also look into the relexology that a couple of people have talked about on this site.  It makes sense.  I also take very high dose vitamins and a Chinese herbal pill from Tao of Herbs called Inner Ear Balance.  These things I believe help as I haven't had any major vertigo for over a year, just quick dizzy spells that can leave me feeling "off" for about another hour following them.  We just have to keep positive and support eachother.  It's so nice to be able to talk to people with the same problems.  Thanks again, 

      J (also!)

  • cherylgold
    cherylgold smith05390

    Posted

    The diuretic is a must! I take it. Mused it for a few days after feeling better and darn MD hit me hard! It'll take a week or so to really start working. Stay on it.

    It's mild although I have noticed (and it got better) some integestion and stomach discomfort in the beginning. However, I am EXTREMELY sensative to most meds.

    I take one capsule in the morning, every morning with my breakfast.

    If you notice stomach or integestion, take an over the counter pepcid.

    I have not tried steroid injections .....

    I've heard the the genimisyn injections are much more effective. But it's best if you hear from someone in this forum that has had the injections. My info is only from what I've read and heard.

    Don't forget, low sodium diet too!

    Good luck! Keep us updated?

    • smith05390
      smith05390 cherylgold

      Posted

      Hi, Cheryl  Thanks for your input about the diuretic, but I am going to hold off on that until I see what the steroids injections do in helping the dizziness attacks.  I just finished my fourth one and now will wait six weeks to see if I will continue to get them.  My dizzy spells have been mild, not enough to make me unable to function, but they are still scary because you just don't know when they'll hit.  

      I am against the gentamiacin because that is a permanent destruction of the inner ear (actually stopped use of the drup in the 60's I believe and then the doctors couldn't come up with anything better, so have begun them again.  

      I am still hopeful that stem cell research will be able to bring about a cure for this damned plague that we have.  If only more money were allocated for research for it, but since it doesn't kill us, it is sort of shoved under the rug.  Anyway, thanks for your response.  I couldn't get back to you before because my computer internet connection got fried from a brown or black out with the weather and I just now am able to get back on line.

      J.

  • lana56327
    lana56327 smith05390

    Posted

    I have taken triamterine HTZ for 7 years now.  It is a must for me.  I tried to cut back, but the MD attacks started coming back.  So I take it faithfully.  It can cause dehydration, so remember to drink water throughout the day.  My doctor told me that the only way to know the diuretic works is if you don't get any more attacks.  It doesn't stop the aural fullness or tinnitus.  It took me a year to stop fearing an attack would come, but I finally had faith.  Last year I had a few minor vertigo attacks so I had the 4 sets of steroid shots.  That stopped those vertigo episodes, but ENT doctor said if they recurred, he'd another series.  So far so good.  I wear a hearing aid in the bad ear, which helps the tinnitus and keep to a low sodium diet.  Good luck!  The diuretic really worked for me.

    • smith05390
      smith05390 lana56327

      Posted

      Hi, Ian  Thanks for your response.  I am still holding off on the diuretic to see how the steroid shots work.  I just finished my fourth and now must wait six weeks to see how it goes.  My dizzy spells have been mild.  I have already lost 80% of hearing in my left ear, and am pretty much used to it.  I hate the filled up feeling in the head, but luckily my tinnitus really isn't too bac and doesn't bother me.  I watch salt intake religiously, take high dose vitamins, and Inner Ear Balance from Tao of Herbs (Chinese remedy).  They seem to help, I think.  Anyway, thanks for your response, sorry I took so long to get back but my internet connection was lost and I am just now back on the internet again.  Good luck and hope you stay dizzy free!

      J.

  • Lizzie1453
    Lizzie1453 smith05390

    Posted

    I have had four steroid injections and have found they helped as haven't had so much noise from my ear as usual.

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