Surgery scheduledoesn't in 4 days; input would be appreciated!

I am unsure as to how to delete this post, but I made a mistake. I did not mean to say I haven't had an episode in almost 8 months...I meant to say 8 weeks. I haven't had an episode in almost 8 weeks*

Hi Brittany.  Since you have not had an episode of vertigo for 8 months I think you should wait on the surgery and try other non invasive protocols first.  What have you done in the past 8 months that you think might have stopped the vertigo episodes?  Something seems to be working for you....try to identify it. 

Most folks with MD have tried the following protocols BEFORE Decompression surgery.  You might want to do this, too....

1.  diuretic such as Dyazide of 25 or up to 50mg/day along with eliminating salt, caffeine, alcohol.  Dyazide contains potassium so that you do not risk dehydration side effects.

2.  control stress episodes with Ativan or similar sedative which also helps control tinnitus and ear fullness.

3.  have your ENT doctor prescribe Betahistine.  They will probably start you on a low dose of 4mg or 8mg three times/day and work up to 16mg three times a day.  The dose will likely be increased even further if you still have episodes. Betahistine eliminates vertigo for many MD sufferers but might take up to 2 months to be effective.  It is absolutely worth trying.  If you are in the USA, any compounding pharmacy will be able to fill the script for you.  Insurance normally does not cover.

4.  Discuss having intratympanic steroid injections to relieve inflammation and fluid in inner ear.  This has been effective for many patients and has almost no side effects and can be done in doctor's office.  Just be sure doctor is experienced doing this procedure

5.  If all of the above still fail to relieve vertigo then I would try gentamicin injection which is effective in eliminating vertigo in about 85% of patients.  It has side effects so discuss carefully with your doctor.

6.  If that still fails then consider the decompression surgery.

As you can see there are a lot of "steps" to consider before decompression surgery.  Good luck! 

Oh Britney, I feel for you so much. Big hugs sweet pea! I went through life with early MD exactly like you. There does seem to be a progression and for a lot of people those violent attacks subside and other issues remain...tinnitus, hearing loss, balance issues and dizziness but it sounds like you have been prescribed the standard beginning treatment options. 2 months with no episodes since you started treatment? That's promising! I've had MD almost 2 decades and have never had any surgeries but in the beginning I didn't seek treatment for years because I thought I was experiencing extreme sinus issues . I'd never heard of MD and I was 35 and healthy...who woulda thunk? Lol

I have bilateral hearing aids now and my vertigo is controlled and I think my brain has done a good job tuning out the dumb tinnitus. Sorry I'm not more help but I wanted to chime in to say there is a long, full life to be lived even if you have MD. Hang in there, you'll get this licked!

~Mary

Hi Britney, I read your story and did some research on this kind of surgery since none of the many ENT doctor's I've seen have mentioned this to me. There are numerous medical studies full of information regarding this procedure if you do a search. It sounds like a very viable option for relief with few side effects. I have had MD for about 2 years now, have lost all hearing in left ear and live with tinnitus 24-7. The vertigo has subsided considerably in the last 6 months. I have had only 5 or 6 episodes in the 6 months. I have a T-tube in my ear. Not sure if it helps, just thought I would add the information. I am 65 years old but age seems to mean little with this disease. I have a low salt diet, no alcohol and do not smoke. I am in good health otherwise. I take amitriptylinenight so I can sleep. The support drugs I take when I have a vertigo attack are Meclizine for dizziness, Cloazepam (Valium) for panic attacks and vertigo symptoms, Glycopyrrolate for nausea. They all seem to help me when I have an attack. I recover much quicker and the symptoms are less severe. Not sure if I helped, just thought I would offer some of my backround. You can't have enough information with this awful disease. I wish you the best and hope you can find some relief so you can carry on with your life.

Hi there Britney and thank you for sharing your story about your MM. I would suggest what Tanner mentioned. Try the non-invasive approach before you have a procedure like this done. As with any surgery, there are complications some more serious that could make things worse. Triggers are a big part of this. For me, it’s a combination of diet and stress. For diet, I control just about everything I put into my body. It’s a big lifestyle change, but when I was presented with surgical options I opted for the non-invasive approach. One question. Ménière’s is difficult to diagnose. How did your ENT come to that conclusion? Can you share your diagnosis?

YOU are welcome. Again, I appreciate your willingness to share your story. I think you’ve made a good choice, so let’s see how things go for you. A few things to note. Low sodium is described as 1500mg or less. Some MM sufferers drop to 1000mg. You’d be surprised how much sodium exists in food especially processes food. Eggs for instance, I love them, but they each carry about 70mg. Three eggs for an omelet pushed you to 210. Add a piece of toast and you’re at 400mg. Also, you want to spread your intake throughout the day, so you would only have 100mg left. Add milk or butter and you’re past the limit per meal. I now use 2 eggs and mix in a lot of vegetables like spinach and broccoli. Also add mushrooms and tomatoes and soon you have a very filling meal. And still below the limit. It’s not easy, but it takes time. Did you increase your diuretic to 50mg? Try that for a few months and monitor your kidney function. So much to talk about. Anyway, good luck.