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My future with Meniere's

Posted , 5 users are following.

Me-N-ears
Me-N-ears

I was just diagnosed with Meniere's about 2 months ago. As a "Commercial Truck Driver" I had problems with night time driving for a long time. My problems progressed to day time problems( above 35 MPH) to a point where I can't currently work. I've been to a few doctors(including ENT) and had the Audiology tests and I'm wondering what the future holds for me.

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • JMJ
    JMJ Me-N-ears

    Posted

    Hi,

    I'm so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. It has pretty much consumed the past two years of my life.  In terms of what the future holds:  That's a difficult question to answer.  Meniere's is typically a progressive disease, but it manifests differently in everyone.  My advice would be to focus on the prevention of hydrops - "Meniere's episodes," as this will help to reduce hearing loss in the long run.  

    You don't mention how severe or frequent your episodes are, or if you're currently on any sort of regime.  I was completely debilitated by frequent and severe episodes of vertigo, nausea, vomiting, aural fulness and hearing loss.  In between episodes, I was exhausted, had no sense of balance and my brain was foggy.  Conservative measures (low salt diet and vestibular depressants) alone, were a big failure.  Finally, after a year of that, I was referred to an otolaryngologist who recommended that I immediately begin inner ear injections with steroids. I received 10mg Dexamethasone every 4 weeks. After a couple of months, symptoms began to decrease in frequency and intensity.  After  6 months,  I felt a real "shift"...All the foggyness disappeared and I begain to get better very quickly.  A complete of months later I was 100% symptom free.  

    So, my recommendation to patients who don't get relief from conservative treatment in short order, is to find a specialist - an ENT or an Otolaryngologist, and begin treatment with  steroid injections.  They get to the root of the problem, rather than just treat the symptoms.  And best of all, there are no negative side effects, as there are with a few of the other options for Meniere's. 

    I wish you the very best of luck!

    Sincerely,

    J-

  • kevin_90530
    kevin_90530 Me-N-ears

    Posted

    What happens when you go above 35? I am just curious becuase I am having a similar issue...however, I think one eye is not working right due to enflamed inner ear. This tosses me off balance. 

    Thanks,

    • Me-N-ears
      Me-N-ears kevin_90530

      Posted

      I'm getting motion sickness and the faster I go the worse it gets and I know its the trigger for my vertigo. I was just asking about other peoples experience with night time issues.

  • Me-N-ears
    Me-N-ears

    Posted

    I'm sorry because my question was about night time nystigmus. Does anyone else experience this?

  • angela84522
    angela84522 Me-N-ears

    Posted

    It really depends on how fast it progresses.  Everyone is a little different.  I would suggest getting on Pine Bark to help the circulation in your inner ear.  You can Google about Pine Bark.  It has really helped me.  There are several other things that can help you too as you progress.  Best Wishes.
  • louise98846
    louise98846 Me-N-ears

    Posted

    I am so sorry to hear this.  Driving is an issue for me also right now.  I was diagnosed with Ménière's last September but the Dr. said I probably had it for many years.  I have a 40 minute commute each way and am currently not working.  The driving is a huge obstacle as the route I take is somewhat winding.  I actually had a vertigo attack once while negotiating a long curve in the road.  I have had to call relatives to come and drive my car home.   As JMJ has mentioned, getting the vertigo under control is the #1 goal.  Balance testing is usually ordered for a Menieres diagnosis, although it doesn't tell the whole story.  Right now, I am on 48 mg of Betahistine twice a day.  This is double my previous dose. Some countries don't use Betahistine.  I am hoping to get back to feeling well enough to drive longer distances again.  I hate depending on others!  It's difficult to say what the future holds but Menieres is cyclical in nature.  Having a good Dr, who understands this condition is very important.  Wishing all the best!  Do not get too discouraged, things will turn around!   

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