frustrated with Meneires

I have felt like this first 2 months it was hell and I was depressed! I started a new job and was calling out so scared i could be fired. Night classes I dropped because I was missing so much it would effect me.

Now finally I am doing acupuncture, on duiertics, and take Valium and ativan when I feel the dizziness is coming. I am waiting to see the Dr again for a second opinion and ask when I can go back to enjoying my life like the gym and social gatherings.

I wish I could drink a few cocktails! I'm terrified I've read it could trigger it.

For me I think I got mineres because of my stress and anxiety levels.

Hello momo45.

I was diagnosed with Meniere's for many years. I did not have the disease. I was having frontal lobe seizures. 

You need to see a nurologist and get an EEG - or the best test now to look at your brain. Meniere's looks like several other problems. It is worth a try. 

Dan T.

My concern is what is the main cause of your not being able to function ?fatigue due to Ativan ? And I you may need to see other specialists if you haven't about these symptoms to see if it's the menieres causing you not to be able to function .

I am not sure where the fatigue comes into the diagnosis. I know it is an issue as you are not the first person to say that the fatigue was to the point of being disabling. For some reason, it does not get the attention that is needed and for that I am sorry that every one who suffers from it must do so because you "don't look sick". I wonder if you have spoken with your doctor about how problematic this fatigue is and if a trial of one of the newer antidepressants like Lyrica may prove beneficial. Sometimes all that is needed is something to help with this added stressor in your life until you find your balance again. You will need to make changes in your life because of MD but it need not make you miserable. It would be a good idea to see a cardiologist. I had very frequent PVCs. Turned out that I was in premenopause and the hormonal changes were driving the PVCs. I was given Metopranol and was able to come off of it after I went into menopause and the hormonal drive was gone. These changes can also add to your fatigue and depression. Take care of yourself.

Dear momo45,

I completely get your feelings around these symptoms you're having.  Whether MD or not MD, those symptoms cause a lot of anxiety and fatigue.  In terms of looking normal:  I had a long talk with my ENT one day, about why more isn't done to help MD patients.  He said it's been slow going to build awareness because in between attacks, MD patients LOOK pretty normal!  We may not feel terribly normal, but we do look pretty normal (when we're not on the floor barfing or "furniture surfing" when the vertigo hits.  He also said fatigue and anxiety are very common complaints from MD patients.  I felt terrible fatigue and anxiety for the first year....It was horrible.  I had to cancel so many plans at the last minute, and friends just didn't get it.  My last year's vacation was 11 of the most expensive days I've spent on a couch!  If you do get a confirmation that you indeed have MD, there are further steps you can take, if the episodes of vertigo are debilitating:  There are inner ear injections with steroids, which have been very effective for many people with severe MD (including me!). Some have gotten relief for long periods with inner ear injections with more potent drugs, but with more radical side effects.  These are all things you need to discuss with your doctor, one s/he has ruled out every other cause for your symptoms.

Are your episodes of vertigo associated with hearing loss and/or fullness in one or both ears?  That's one defining characteristic.  And, the MD pattern of hearing loss is peculiar, and easy to see on an audiogram.

I sincerely understand you frustration.  This is something that hits you during middle age, when you're the busiest and most productive.  I'm so sorry you're having to deal with it.  

Perhaps you'll end up having something else altogether, and will simply need a more targeted treatment.  But if you DO have MD, just know that you haven't exhausted all the treatment protocols, yet.  There's still hope that you can feel a lot better.  

Wishing you all the best.

Sincerely,

J-

I TOTALLY UNDERSTAND.WE AREA JUDGED ACCORDING TO HOW WE LOOK BUT NO ONE KNOWS HOW WE FEEL.IF POSSIBLE LET THE DR.EXPLAIN MENIERE'S TO THEM . IT'S HORRIBLE.

I can totally relate beer does make it go away for the moment! Three years I suffered until theyfibslly diagnosed me.. I have daily attacked but more of a side by side feeling.., high anxiety will provoke it immediately..,, I'm afraid to swim I don't go on rides cuz I don't know when a attack will happen, I do get vomit attacks out of no where..... I'm trying to live a stress free lifestyle as I am only 38! My balance is so off but I have learned to control it!! Does anyone on here have these symptoms? My ears ring I have nystigimus and after a attack I need to sleep...., some people say they run I can't imagine running? Love someone ones input