I recently started seeing a new doctor who sent me to the Balance Center to be tested and am seeing a physical therapist that gives me exercises to help get my balance back. At times my balance is so bad that I have to use a walker. The balance center test will show what is causing the balance issue and the physical therapist can assign appropriate exercises. In two days I will be tested for hearing aides which should help. I have significant hearing loss. I'm seeing an Oto-Neurologist. I'm getting much better results that I ever did with ENTs. I always wondered if people thought I was drunk the way I was walking. Best of luck to you and hang in there. It's been a long tough battle but I'm finally starting to see positive results.

I have menieres since2004 in 2014 not knowing what else to do for me to help with my vertigo attacks, hearing loss I wear 2 bte aids. I was sent to balance center since they determained my verstibular nerve was at only a 5%.

I was shocked when I tried to walk that long yellow stripe down the middle of the room. toe to heel,toe to heel. I couldn't step twice before coming off the line. I laughted and said oh boy I hope I don't get pulled over and made to walk the line I will fail lol

it upset me so since I use to be a gymnast and walked the beam with no problems back in the 1970s. I also could not close my eyes and stand on the squshy mat with one foot . I was told that no amound of therpy could help me since my vestibular nerve isn't functioning like its suppose to. I had a rotory chair test done to see what was going on with my vertigo attacks and unusual walking gate looked like I was drunk. had to give up my career in nursing an now collect SSD since I worked for 37 yrs. it took 3 months from beginning to end for them to award me ssdi. I wish I could still have my career in nursing but it is what it is.

Hi alecsnana23,

I know what you mean. The tinnitus is like a constant reminder that you have Menieres. Even though it doesn't make it completely go away, I take something called lipoflavonoid for the ringing. It's helped me get to a point in my life where I'm not longer dictated by my tinnitus. The ringing is low and manageable, which I like. https://lipoflavonoid.com/

As far as the balance problem, yes, I deal with that as well. If you can't walk fast don't let it bother you. Don't worry about anyone else walking behind you or passing you. They may be in a rush but you're not so don't even pay attention to people. It also helps to walk with someone and hold their hand.

I have had Meniere's Disease since 2007 and I agree, except for the loud tinnitus, I am pretty normal. I do take dyazide daily and keep my sodium intake between 1,500 and 2,000.

I want to let you know, just in case you don't, that the other "white poison", sugar, can cause problems. In the last year I have had a few, very short episodes, like a day, where I feel a little dizzy and my balance isn't quite what it usually is (which is pretty good). I figured out it was an increase in sugar, or possibly chocolate since they go hand in hand for me, that caused the problem. It happened several times last year after holidays or occasions where I was eating more sweets. I never had an issue with sugar before. My blood sugar has always been normal.

It just recently happened after only a small piece of chocolate cake and it lasted 3 days. Today, finally, the feeling is gone and my balance is back. That really scared me because it never lasted that long and it usually took a lot more sweets over a period of a week or two to happen.. I read your post when I was having the symptom and wanted you to know. If you don't carefully watch your sugar intake, you might want to give it a try and see if that helps with your balance. I hope it helps.

I am exactly the same, not bothered so much by the tinnitus but my balance is off. I was diagnosed with MD mid 2014 then they found a large golfball size brain tumour by MRI and I had a craniotomy Oct 2014. I thought the tinnitus and balance issues would go away once the tumour was removed (it was benign) but no such luck. I still have MD and I too walk like a drunk at times. Interesting to hear cna08865 say they were a gymnast as I was a National grade gymnast also and it horrifies me that I can't walk with the balance I used to have. I agree NYNancy that sugar can also affect us and I have reduced the amount I take dramatically. Keep positive everyone and just walk at a slower pace and watch the ground in front of you. Have a handhold of some kind-my hubby holds mine!!! :)

Seems a bunch of us are a lot alike. Gymnastics was my jam. Became a nurse, raised the fam, then wham menniers came a calling. I too held my husband on one side and cane on the other (bum leg). The dizziness and other crap lead me to a rollator. So i no longer go walking off in one direction, or fear falling anymore. Did the balance training wich helps. So far, 3 mnths post training and have not had to get high prednisone doses to stop an ongoing dizzy spell.
you know, the ones that last weeks. still doing the exercises of course. dx with menniers bilaterally, left with nueral component. Whatever that means. Good luck with your journey.

Today I will be happy.

I bought a walking stick from Bazo.com and use it when my balance is low or rather off. Helps a lot and it doesn't hurt my wrist like a cane does.

I also have balance problems because of menieres. sometimes it is so bad I have to bring out my pink cane. when my hearing and tinnitus get worse so does my balance. I started on betahistine about 6 months ago and that does seem to help. I follow the menieres diet religiously and have not had a severe episode since January this year.

For NYNANCY...If you are taking Dyazide, you may need potassium as well. check with your doc.

manac, thanks for the comment. I don't take a supplement, but I do make sure to get enough potassium.

I last year had a lot of symptom symptoms but then my balance act up but then better and now only ringing. I get sick at times like last Friday after recovering from an ear infection. But my balance is ok just the ringing that drive me crazy at times especially when both ears rings. But apart from that am ok.