Don't let Meniere's rule your life. Get your GP to prescribe SERC 48mg daily and take it regularily. Get referred ASAP to ENT specialist. Ask about physiotherapy- it helps. Look after yourself in terms of rest and sleep. Stop alcohol, smoking and cut down on caffiene. Try to eat more fruit and take plenty of fluid. Cut down salt too.
My attacks have lessened in their intensity and especially the vertigo. Early on from diagnosis try to remember how you felt prior to the attack. With me it's a stiff neck, irritability, tiredness and roaring Tinnitus. If I feel like this I lie down and breathe regularily. In 20 mins it seems to pass and I get on with life.
If I have an attack I take co-codamol, glucose and anti-sickness tablets. It seems to help speed the recovery. I also remind myself that the vertigo will pass and try to relax.
At first it feels incredibly depressing to have this condition and isolating, however, the condition fades with time. I find that low blood sugar seems to affect the Meniere's which is sorted by eating fruit mid morning and afternoon. Most of all look after yourself.
My ENT specialist reminded me that this condition is easily manageable and it is.
Glad you have got your Meniere's under control, but there are many different version of Meniere's and severity of attacks.
I to am on serc and still suffering badly years on, yes ive seen all the quacks and cut out all drink salt, ect ect ect.
Dont assume that cause your is under control that everyone else is the same, its already hard enough to explain to people.
Quote from a expert....
TMénière’s disease is a progressive condition, which means it will gradually get worse the longer you have it. he disease will normally begin by affecting one ear but, in 30% of cases, symptoms will progress to both ears. Although hearing usually returns to normal after an attack, repeated pressure increases can cause serious damage to the hearing cells which is why, in late stage Ménière’s disease, hearing loss is often permanent.
Attacks of Ménière’s disease may be frequent, or occur only every few months. Sometimes, they can last for several minutes, while at other times they can last for as long as 24 hours. The length and severity of attacks cannot be predicted.
(Ménière’s disease is a progressive condition, which means it will gradually get worse the longer you have it. )
Menere's is a progressive condition. Many physicians agree that the disease progresses through the following stages:
Early-stage disease: episodes, predominantly of rotatory vertigo, are sudden and unpredictable. Vertigo is accompanied by nausea and vomiting, and sometimes pallor and sweating. Attacks last from 20 minutes to 24 hours, and may be preceded by a feeling (aura) of fullness in the ear. During attacks hearing deteriorates and tinnitus increases, but between attacks hearing reverts to normal and tinnitus reduces or disappears.
Middle-stage disease: sensorineural hearing loss (affecting lower pitches initially) becomes established and progresses, but continues to fluctuate. Paroxysms of vertigo are at their maximum severity. Periods of remission are variable, often lasting up to several months. Tinnitus progresses.
Late-stage disease: the prime symptom is hearing loss that is non-fluctuant and progressively deteriorates. Episodes of vertigo diminish and disappear. However, general balance problems develop and the person may be unsteady, particularly in the dark. Tinnitus may be a significant symptom.
[quote:5f58dfd9f4=\"Sandy123\"]Glad you have got your Meniere's under control, but there are many different version of Meniere's and severity of attacks.
I to am on serc and still suffering badly years on, yes ive seen all the quacks and cut out all drink salt, ect ect ect.
Dont assume that cause your is under control that everyone else is the same, its already hard enough to explain to people.
Agreed he seems to want to preach when it sound like he just has a mild case of glue ear.
(Dont preach your not a doctor)
These stages dont mean you actually go through all of them.
Alot of people seem to get locked into one stage and never progress to the next. Do some more research you maybe shocked.
I posted my experience in the hope that it would help sufferers who were trying to cope. I did not wish to diminish the suffering of others but rather wished to say that there are ways to help yourself. Since diagnosis I have gone through many emotions including deep despair. Many of the experiences posted reminded me of how I felt at that time. I woke up one morning and thought I'm not going to be shaped by this disease. So I take it head on, as with any ailment if you are in good physical shape it helps. That's why I listed some tips-as it were-in case someone newly diagnosed read the experience-it may help them.
My experience with American sufferers has led me to this positive attitude.
I've also been taking Magnesium as a supplement and found that it really helps the Tinnitus. Has anyone else tried it?
I have late stage Bi-lateral meniere's. I have been in the \"Late stage\" for over four years now. I have had it for 16. I was young when I first had symtoms and they were very few and far between. Suddenly 4 years ago, it got worse and the extreme vertigo was consistent for over three months straight. After that I was deaf in my right ear. I had more mild attacks and then no attacks, Just a \"sea sick\" type motion which is consistent. We have ruled out sodium as a factor many times. although we do know the root cause is head trama. I am now loosing my hearing in my left ear and I am seeing two people (oto-neurologist and otologist) who specialize in the syndrome.
In my case I had to pretty much re-adjust my life to accommodate my interests and hobbies. But I took it all in stride and do have a good quality of life.
I have suffered with MD for a number of years without too many problems. About twice a year i would have a huge attack that would keep me in bed for a couple of days.
4 months ago i suffered a very big attack that lasted for 4 days, I couldnt walk, turning over in bed make me vomit and the screaming in my ear was painfull. Since that attack i have been having atleast 2 a week and i am dizzy every single day. ENT put me in to have a grommet fitted but this has made no difference, the meds dont work anymore and i am feeling very issolated, scared to leave the house incase i have an attack ( had 1 on the street and i dont ever want that to happen again ). I havnt been able to work and I dont know where to go from here.
Dont let it rule your life is easy to say but not so easy to do when you cant walk upright 90% of the time.
Thanks for your post. I am inspired to take a positive approach. Thanks also to the responders for their expansion and their addition that Meniere's is varied in its manifestation in different individuals.