Vestibular neuritis finally diagnosed after 4 months GP visits!
Posted , 12 users are following.
Hi. I am hoping someone/anyone! Can relate to me. It all started when I had a 'funny turn' at work back in November 2013. I'll never forget that day as I haven't felt the same since. I thought I was having a panic attack as I just felt wrong. Strange not really here sort of panicky feeling so I went home and went to bed. I woke up to an even worse fuzzy vision panic feeling and had to lie on the floor while calling nhs emergency number as I didn't have a clue what was happening to me. I calmed down eventually and made my first visit to the doctors who said it was a panic attack and prescribed diazepam. At the time I didn't want to take medication as I felt so unusual. I knew something wasn't quite right. I continued feeling extremely anxious panicky and off balance for weeks on end along with continuous tearful visits to the doctors explaining that my vision was disturbed and my eyes were flickering along with pressure inside my ears. Eventually after about 8 weeks of hell I got an appointment with a balance clinic who did testing and confirmed right ear damage and confirmed vestibular neuritis. I am just posting to see if anyone has experienced the same symptoms as me as when I read posts about VN it seems that I can never find the same symptoms as mine which scares me to death ) : here goes: - I can't think straight, avoid people because I feel I can't hold a conversation because I'm sort of panicky and don't feel like the old me, I have moments of real panic that come out of the blue because I just don't feel right, very small things stress me out like even just someone at the door! I know it sounds silly but I'm just a panicked mess having to put on a front to everyone. The worse symptom at the minute which has gone on for a long while is a pressure in my chest/back that doesn't go. I've read somewhere it's muscle strain due to my balance but I just don't know what to believe anymore. My thoughts are just different since I've had this, I don't know where my old personality has gone. It's like I'm hyper aware that I'm not right. Anyone's advice would be much appreciated, I've had this since November 2013 and I am doing gaze stability exercises 5 times a day. I'm having good and bad times but generally feel a nervous wreck. It's so draining. Alcohol doesn't even relax me anymore, it just makes me more lightheaded and panicky. Sorry for such a long mo any post but no one can understand why I have been so weird for months. Please help. Leanne.
4 likes, 32 replies
joanne05863 leanne34327
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I am so sorry it has taken so long to diagnose this awful condition the problem is GP"S do not understand enough about this condition and people with this illness need more support. It is common with Vestibular damage to experience all the things you are experiencing, supermarkets bright lights loud noises even being around people in large crowds can really affect this, I cant hold a conversation with someone for long periods.
Try and get as much sleep as you can as this does help with the syptoms, go back to your Gp and ask for further tests balance tests, ear presure tests as dont no if you feel as though you have lots of presure in your head its like wanting to pop a balloon and let the air out.
Also different weather can affect your syptoms if its stormy for instance, Dont give up I no its not easy believe me. Try not to drink alcahol it will only make you feel worse I used to enjoy a drink to relax but since I have had this illness I cant drink anymore.
Please go back to your GP and tell them how bad you are feeling I have found antidepressants have helped with my symptoms and enable me to try and cope better with it. You are not alone with this Leanne. JoJo xx
leanne34327 joanne05863
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joanne05863 leanne34327
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Honestly they really do help with the symtoms and to be honest who wouldnt get depressed living with this illness, I am on o Fluoxetine 40mg a day, it may make you feel strange at first but give it at least 2-3 weeks to see any difference.
Also ask foe Betahistine they have also helped me, Hope you sort things out JoJo xx
leanne34327 joanne05863
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joanne05863 leanne34327
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leanne34327 joanne05863
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joanne05863 leanne34327
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Make sure you get the ear plugs for the flight JoJo xx
leanne34327 joanne05863
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leanne34327 joanne05863
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joanne05863 leanne34327
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Soory Ive just checked my computer, I am 48 and Ive had this six years a bit older than you lol, Leanne its not unusual for you to be having these symptoms and it sounds as though you are getting anxiety attacks on top of the vestibular problem you really do need to try and relax as it will ease all of this.
And the anti-depressants will help with all the crazy things that are happening, sometimes when I go to bed I feel as if Im on a boat its horrible, You need to take some kind of medication Leanne to help with the anxiety, I got very anxious when I fisrt got Vestibular problems I worried about other things being wrong with me because I was feeling so ill.
It does get easier but you really do have to get plenty of rest otherwise it is awful. If you think about your day is it worse when you have been rushing around I no I feel dreadfull.
Please ask me anyhing sorry to have got back to you so late JoJo
leanne34327 joanne05863
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joanne05863 leanne34327
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joanne05863 leanne34327
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Please let me no how it goes with the consultant, I saw a proffesor Luxon Queens square London she is fantastic but a long waiting list. Please dont stop messaging me ok as you now have someone who really understands how your feeling ok. Do yourself a favour and write down everything you need to ask ok otherwise you will forget as this can play with your memory too. JoJo good luck
leanne34327 joanne05863
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joanne05863 leanne34327
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Also try this site http://www.labyrinthitis.org.uk/links.htm when I was first diagnosed I found this site and it was a godsend, I met and became good friends with another lady and we have stayed friends since give it a go you can find out so much information, But remember Im here ok JoJo