Aloha MM Friends. Checking with you to see what solutions you may be using to deal with cochlear hydrop attacks. I currently take betahistine twice a day (36mg), consume 65-80oz of water, and try to limit my sodium intake to 1800mg. I’ve been having on and off attacks, which last a few hits to a day. Typical symptom begins with pressure in the ears or with the tinnitus escalating. I also have to manage hyperacusis when the attacks come using noise cancelling headphones or foam ear plugs. Recruitment seems to happen at the low frequencies.
David, my attacks are as follows: I feel like something heavy hits my head and immediately, within seconds, my head feels like it turns to concrete and is very heavy. I only have about 30 seconds to lie flat and chew up a motion sickness pill. Sometimes I have severe vertigo and sometimes it is slight. Very scary and very dramatic. My heart races and my breathing is rapid. I am so afraid to be alone because I feel like I’m going to go unconscious or die. So far I just try to get flat as soon as possible. I try to do deep breathing to get me through the worst of it, like the breathing we did in childbirth. I can’t imagine having it for 10 years. Are you able to go places and function or hold down a job?
Candy, I haven’t reached that level yet (fingers crossed), and that’s why I’ve been religious about my diet and medication. This current episode is weird in that I can hear my hear beating in my ear and when I shift positions it feels like I have liquid sloshing around. The pressure is there too. The part I hate the most is the sensitivity to noise.
I have heard people say they have sound deadening headphones they wear when they have that hypersensitivity to sounds. I hope things get better for you.
I’ve purchased a set of noise cancelling headphones from Sony—top of the line and they work great. I alternate between headphones and ear plugs. Yes, I use the deep breathing as well to get me through the slight vertigo. I’m still able to hold a job, so I’ll continue the measures I have in place to deal with the disease. Are you taking any medication or supplements and if so what is working and not working for you?
David, I have only been diagnosed for six months and I had had very few attacks until this past week. I have had five attacks since last Wednesday. Right now I’m shaking with fear to try and get out of bed and take care of the people that need me. I’m calling the doctor this morning to get on betahistine. You have been an encouragement to me to drink more water and watch my salt and I will do that, also. Keep fighting.