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My Meniere's is 90% gone, working on last 10%

Posted , 6 users are following.

idahored
idahored

About 3 months ago, I had just sat down after dinner to watch the news, and the TV screen started spinning. I thought, what the heck is going on ! My wife said I may be having a stroke, so to the ER we went. I received an EKG, then a CT scan of my head to check for a tumor, then a MRI to see if maybe I had a mini stroke, all negative. The ER doctor said he felt I had a case of vertigo. I made an appointment to a physical therapist and was checked for BPPV which was also negative. I was diagnosed with Meniere's Disease . I was given a few exercises to do each day, I.E., stand on a 4" foam pad, counting for 60 seconds with and without my eyes closed, turning my head side ways and up and down. I've came a long ways, and the only problem I currently have, is perfect balance , and trying to walk a straight line when I walk across the street to get my morning paper. I have a tendency to wander a bit. I'm now thinking about buying a bicycle and try riding it around the neighborhood to see if that helps with my balance problem. I'm 80 years old, and still (up till now) rode my Harley motorcycle, and hate to give it up. Wish me luck ! 😃

0 likes, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • tanney
    tanney idahored

    Posted

    I'm glad you are feeling so much better. I wonder, though, if you really have Meniere's Disease. Did you have a hearing test? What were the results? Do you have ear fullness and tinnitus? Have you been seen by an ear/nose/throat specialist?

    • idahored
      idahored tanney

      Posted

      I originally went to get a hearing test from the physical therapist, but first she checked me for BPPV. Then did several balance tests, and then told me that it would be a waste of time to get a hearing test, because she could tell by the tests she had me perform, that the hearing test would come to the same conclusion she did, which was Meniere's disease. On occasion, I have rumbling in my left ear, but not often. I do know, that I'm having to ask my poor wife to repeat herself more often than I did. I was told by my regular doctor, that if the rumbling continues, then I should make an appointment with a ear/nose/throat specialist. May be something I should consider doing.

    • Bluesmann
      Bluesmann idahored

      Posted

      a physical therapist cannot diagnose Mennieres. doesnt mean shes wrong there are just so many other things that are curable that mimic mennieres. Find a good ENT.

  • john02577
    john02577 idahored

    Posted

    Hi if you have balance problems dont buy a bike I have full blown menieres disease and can no longer ride a bike I've tried but to no avail if you can not properly balance yourself then you will not ride a bike .

    But that's me some people may prove me wrong good luck my friend

    • idahored
      idahored john02577

      Posted

      I figured I'd give a bike a try first, and if I land on my noggin, then I'll figure it's time that I should sell my Harley 😦

  • richard93707
    richard93707 idahored

    Posted

    Good luck.. Its been ten years since my balance nerve was cut. I still have a tendency to go off course when I'm walking. The worst thing for me is the tinnitus. I control that with Hydrocodone and Diazepam.

    • idahored
      idahored richard93707

      Posted

      Thanks. The only problem with ear noise, is the rumbling which sounds similar to a faint roll of thunder. Only hear it occasionally and only when I'm doing the balance exercises. I just made an appointment with an ENT specialist in Boise, and maybe they can shed some light on what is going on. I'm very close to getting over this condition, and only have a slight imbalance left to fight.

    • Bluesmann
      Bluesmann idahored

      Posted

      sounds like you are in the beginning stages of nennieres good luck to you!

    • Bluesmann
      Bluesmann richard93707

      Posted

      Hi Richard,

      Do you get spinning at all since having the nerve cut? I have been under fairly good control with betahistine but thinking of having the nerve cut if it eliminates any dizziness....

  • NeddyO
    NeddyO idahored

    Posted

    I realise from your posts and the replies so far that you are probably in the USA which may explain why no-one has mentioned Betahistine (Serc). This drug, taken in high dose for 6 months or more, has completely stopped my Meniere's and enabled me to keep my driving licence . I suffered tinnitus and hearing damage before the diagnosis was established and betahistine prescribed. I am aware that in the US it is not generally available but there are compounding pharmacies that will prepare it to a personal prescription. I believe it is available in Canada.

    You will need to find a good ENT or Aural Physiologist expert in this field to make progress.

    I would strongly advise you to get onto this drug if you want to carry on riding your Harley - stay safe.

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