Hello, I fell out of the back of a truck when I was 7 years old and fractured the left side of my head behind my ear, the side I have Meniere's on now. The ENT thinks that started the process and in hind sight every time I would get under a truck to work on it or bend down quickly I would get dizzy. I was dipping tobacco at the time and never really thought about it because I figured I was from the dip. I went on until about 2 years ago when the tinnitus started and the vertigo was very noticeable. I went to a ENT he said I have Meniere's to learn to deal with it, went to another and another they all said the same thing but a little nicer. I went to the last ENT and he really tried he gave me a sac decompression surgery but that did'nt help anything. So I am now learning to deal with it lol and Meniere's really is a miserable disease. I also felt alone until I found this support group you will find out you are not alone quick and it helps a lot. My memory is shot and by the end of the day I am worn out. The doc says it's because I'm fighting all day to stay upright. I really have to watch how I enteract with my family because of the mood swings. My hearing loss is all over the place I forgot what the doc called it . I got a hearing aid and it helps the hearing but nothing else.
I wish you all the luck with this mess and feel free to post any questions you have this is a great group!

Thank you

MD can often be misdiagnosed. I suffered with tinnitus for 5 years before I started having vertigo and hearing loss with the vertigo. It was another year before the actual diagnosis. I knew something wasn't right but it was not diagnosed until symptoms confirmed MD and other possible causes were ruled out.

I was told, by my specialist, not to spend money on hearing aids. For me, the lower levels are gone in the one ear but he indicated a hearing aid would not help. That speaks to my case only, so your best decision can be made with your physician, research and, I believe there are some places that offer a 30-60 day refund policy on hearing aids. Do your homework, get second opinions and follow your best instincts.

A hearing aid was mention to me due to my problem hearing at times. But my ENT is slow at what she does. My MD said nothing can be done no help. But I am gonna try to get a phone for person who are hard of hearing and my MD agrees with that. I have no hope with my MD nor ENT. Am to see a neuro if that ever happened. Its just frustrated. Thanks, so far I have learned a lot from this group and understand a bit more. But still frustrated. and moody.

Hi, Rose, and welcome!

Please know that you are NOT alone in this! We are all in the same boat. I was diagnosed about five years ago and have had many injections and surgeries, but still take valium every day to control my balance issues. Today was a horrible day for me because of a storm coming and weather is one of my triggers. I ended up leaving work early to sleep it off. I do wear a hearing aid that helps me understand what people are saying.

As far as the mood changes and memory issues--I think we're all in the same boat again. Some days I have a lot of "brain fog" and other days I'm still pretty sharp. It really frustrates me a lot when I'm having a bad day.......I am personally on anxiety meds that help me control the anxiety and depression that comes with Meniere's. I sometimes still feel extremely isolated, because I have a hard time in public places. The crowds, bright lights, movement, bright colors, parallel lines (like rows in a store), loud music, etc. are all triggers for me, so I pretty much just go to work and home. Who wouldn't be depressed? I just try to take one day at a time.....or one hour at a time.....whatever gets me through the day.

You have found a place where people will understand your feelings, so please continue to post. We understand because we're feeling the same things.

God bless,
Marlene

keep on fighting it if you give up the fight then it wins don't let it beat you .we all have bad days but it makes us appreciate the good days all the more good luck in your battle and remember that you have all of us to back you up don't be afraid to ask for help or advice were here for you!

Today was the first time I knew that loud noise triggers mines. Thank God I have my meds with me. I probable would had fast out. I am glad I joined this group, I have so much to learn. I like the advise I can use them. Thanks so much.

Moveing my head fast triggers me.

You are not alone. I had dizzy spells on and off for 20yrs. I was given medicine & it went away. It got so bad in 2002 & because I didn't have ringing in my ears, the doctor thought it was due to medication for HBP. It got so bad that I was in his office every week & it was so hard to drive myself there! He finally ordered an MRI to rule out a brain tumor, so when the results came back, he referred me to my new PCP. She sent me to an ENT specialist. By this time, I couldn't drive & my husband had to drive me to appts. It took 2 hrs of testing & the ENT said he thought that I had Meniere's. By then it was February 2003. He sent me to a hearing and balance specialist, who confirmed I had Meniere's. I went through the whole gambit of treatments, including 2 yrs of vestibular therapy. Steroids didn't work. Steroid shots through the ear drum didn't work. When I had the sac compression surgery, the doctor found that my sac was abnormally small. 6 mos later, I had the shunt taken out due to massive scar tissue. Finally, after complying with everything recommended to me, he declared me disabled. I've learned to recognize "triggers" and try to avoid them as much as possible. There are a few that have surfaced throughout the years, but I've learned to accept the good days and understand that when I have bouts that leave me spinning, just to go with the flow. Those good days are great. I've had to learn to "slow down" on those days. It can lead to two steps forward and a few steps back. All of us understands what you're going through & the support here is awesome! Hang in there! We're here for you!

I think slowing down will be an issue for me. I had no rest this weekend and that is me. Sometimes an attack slow me down but as it is over am back to being me always on the go. I am still learning what will trigger mine. Last, Thursday I eat a small pieces of chicken and found out it was very salty. All I had was one piece and I was sick for two days. So I am learning.

Today I had a relapse. I was standing on the bus while it was moving and an attack came on. I am still feeling sick