1. Community
  2. Ears, nose, throat and mouth
  3. Meniere's Disease

Work

Posted , 5 users are following.

scott3865796
scott3865796

I’m 53 I work in a pulp mill driving clamp truck, operating an automated packing line with my hands close to move chain conveyors etc. 

I’m recently diagnosed with Ménière’s, I’ve been off work for 5 months going to physio 3x a week. I’m still off balance and the ENT and doctor has told me I need to consider new work that doesn’t involve rotating shift or such close work to equipment. 

I’m unable to be balanced for more than a few hours. 

Anyone else in my position or am I alone? 

Thanks 

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • WMDAVIS99
    WMDAVIS99 scott3865796

    Posted

    You are not alone.  I was fortunate that I worked a Desk Job when I was first diagnosed.  There were still days where I could not work. 

    Be patient, but above all be vigilant about your diet.  Learn what your triggers are and avoid them.  Every time you want to cheat, don't remember how you feel on your worse day and vow to get better.

    It have been over a year since I had a Vertigo attack.  I have days where I am little unsteady, but have found the means to recover in 15 minutes or less to get on with my day.  I also find that when I have an episode it is because I slipped on my diet.  Another reason to be extra vigilant.

  • mary16977
    mary16977 scott3865796

    Posted

    Scott,

    You are so far from alone. MD is slightly different for everybody so you'll have to learn what works for you. Like the previous poster said, learn your triggers and adjust accordingly. There is a lot of compensation involved with MD and fortunately our brains are good at compensating. Are you on any meds? I've heard great things about betahistine.

    Click here to view image

    A job change might be in order, I'm not gonna lie...but you can do this. Keep talking to your docs and pushing for answers.

    All the best,

    ~Mary

    • scott3865796
      scott3865796 mary16977

      Posted

      Thank you 

      I’m on betahistine and now Wellbutrin for anxiety. No salt, no caffeine and no alcohol. I’m good for about 2-3 hours then off balance and in a daze. I’m also doing physio 3x a week an hour each visit. That finishes my day. The ENT says it takes time. 

      I have no idea what other work I can do and maintain at 53 it’s difficult to think of different work when you can’t be reliable. 

      I’ll get through it I know, I’m hoping my benefits will take my Ltd claim and offer some retraining. Most of the posters I’ve read are in the US, I’m in Canada. 

    • Newfie1
      Newfie1 mary16977

      Posted

      I have been on betahistine for months trying different doses but I have to say that it has not been working well for me. I hope it does better for you
  • christine_35821
    christine_35821 scott3865796

    Posted

    Hi Scott. Are you on any medication?  Betahistine is good at controlling most symptoms although it seems not to work for everyone. It’s worth trying though. I had to give up my job as a CAD technician as scrolling across a graphic screen all day set off vertigo. I was past retirement age anyway and I’d suffered enough embarrassment wobbling out of the office to throw up. My vertigo is controlled now and my balance is fine. Hearing loss is inevitable though. Lots of nodding and smiling these days. 
Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.