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Long Term Effects of Gentamicin Thereapy

Posted , 6 users are following.

benjamin80326
benjamin80326

I have posted on this site before asking about the side effects of a labrynthectomy.  I recently had my 4th gentamicin shot several weeks ago and it appears that the vertigo episodes have all but disappeared.  I would like to know if anyone has had gentamicin regimen and have had vertigo not come back for an extended period of time.  Although the gentamicin seems to be working I am still apprehensive and episode by occur at anytime.  Thank you.

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • tanney
    tanney benjamin80326

    Posted

    Hi Ben. I'm glad to hear that you have completed the Gentamycin injection therapy and that you have not had a vertigo episode since. That's terrific!

    I had the injections in my left ear over 40 years ago when it was a relatively new procedure in the USA.  I have not had a vertigo episode from the left ear since the injections!  However, 3 years ago I developed bilateral MD and started having vertigo from the right ear.  I have been on diuretics and betahistine since then and have not had a vertigo attack from either ear.

    Your anticipatory anxiety about vertigo is unfortunately very common even when vertigo has been controlled.  My recommendation is that you now seek professional therapy to overcome the anxiety that has been building up.  A psychiatrist will help you cope through either behavior modification therapy or medicine.  You have accomplished a lot by controlling the vertigo of MD....now please take the next step and cure your anxiety.  It can be done with professional help and support. 

    Another piece of advice is to go through vestibular physical therapy which will help you to fully recover your balance function that often is compromised with gentamycin therapy.  Even if you feel "normal" now, vestibular therapy is recommended. 

    Congratulations and the best of luck to you.

    • benjamin80326
      benjamin80326 tanney

      Posted

      40 years ago!  Wow that's a long time running.  Hearing that it makes me hopeful that perhaps my gentamicin therapy has done me right!  Time will tell.  Thank you for the words of encouragement vis-a-vis my anticipatory anxiety.  I'm apprehensive about being about by myself, but I do venture out, e.g., going to church, marketing, etc.  I drive only locally where I can always pull off to the side, whereas I don't go on the interstate.  The long term effectiveness, should it last, will certainly allay some of my anxiety.  As for therapy, I do go weekly for some balance problems.

      Sorry to hear about your bilateral MD.  I hope you're able to overcome it.  Good luck, Tanney and thank you for taking the time to respond.  Appreciate it.  This forum has been very helpful.

      Aloha

  • john02577
    john02577 benjamin80326

    Posted

    Hi Benjamin I have been informed that I too will be given gentamycin due to my severe attacks I know you asked the question but I have one for you was there any severe side effects for you when you received your first injection the anxiety you feel is what we all experience when we have a reprieve I don't know any menieres disease sufferers being told your disease is over and your cured Regards Johno

    • benjamin80326
      benjamin80326 john02577

      Posted

      Hi, John:

      I had my first gentamycin shot about six months ago, which provoked some episodes of vertigo but abated for a while, but in the short term the vertigo episodes resturned.  After each gentamycin shot the longer the the periods of no vertigo.  I'm on my 4th shot and crossing my fingers that this has turned the tide.  Sometimes I do wish to have the labrynthectomy to bring an end to the episodes completely.

      Oh yes, after the first shot there was a period of poor body balance and blurred vision, but it only lasted for about a week.

      Hope this helps, John.  Good luck.  Let me know how your gentamycin works.

      Ben

  • cathy63119
    cathy63119 benjamin80326

    Posted

    Hi Benjamin, years ago I had a,series of 3 shots and today I have low level daily vertigo, I was supposed to do 5 but got too sick, so I feel they work long term, but when getting them I was so sick with the meniere's, so just stopped. I know it does not make sense, nothing about this disease does..stay with the,shots if you can handle them. Did they make you worse?

    • benjamin80326
      benjamin80326 cathy63119

      Posted

      Hi, Cathy:

      Do you mean you would experience vertigo after the gentimycin shots?  After the first shot I had a few expisodes but it abated for a while then returned as it has with subsequent shots.  The fourth shot went well without any vertigo since except for some dizziness which is being addressed by physical thereapy.  Has your doctor considered a labrynthectomy?  If this last shot does not work for me my otologist says we should then consider that procedure.  I hope this helps.  Hope you get better.  

      Ben

  • cathy63119
    cathy63119 benjamin80326

    Posted

    I pray you get better to, I feelvetter shots have deadened the nerve that causes the vertigo, ifit sneaksback again I would opt for the surgery, my ain problem now is the horrible TINNITUS sound. Never subsides..
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