Doesn't look like anyone replied, but maybe you've received some information in the meantime. I wouldn't worry about having a shunt inserted or even the gentamycin injections....blogs I've read seemed to be positive for both(nothing to be scared of), and as always, different results for different people. Read theru some of the Meniere's Support Group blogs and you'll find more answers! Good luck.

I am sorry I am not familiar with a caloric test. I had a balance test that was done where they put heavy glasses on and then there was lights that were generated in different ways and they changed my position. While this was happening they could watch my eyes and determine the balance issues I was having. It was about an hour and the glasses/goggles were heavy. When it was over, I had to sit for about 15-20 minutes because it does generate the feeling of vertigo. I'm not sure this helps you.

I will say that I made an executive decision on my own to get off the Triamterene that my doctor had me on. I've been off it for three months and feel so much better. I keep a careful eye on my sodium, keeping the meals all similar sodium content each day so there isn't much fluctuation. Being off the med I can now exercise and that has made a huge difference in my balance and general wellness. I may regret my decision but wanted to get back to normal.

I wish you the best in your journey.

Thank u to both of you for replying..I have been reading different MD sites and blogs for information and treatment...I guess I'm just worried because my vertigo attacks and daily balance/dizziness issues have just got worse and worse over the last year,since it's started in my other ear too...I can't keep putting treatment off anymore because I'm scared..but it's just building up the courage to go and have these tests and treatment done (as my biggest fear I suppose is that whatever they do to me,I'm worried if they make my vertigo worse,because it's just unbearable as it it)
Schwindel,I was referring to the test where they run the water into your ears to bring on the vertigo attack..and they make u wear glasses/goggles to track your eye movements...I just keep putting it off as I can't bare the thought of them doing that to me,I'm not familiar with the test you had done either...but thank u again to both of u for replying...I just hate what this illness does to our lives.

dizzyjulie, Please don't put off having what needs to be done to determine how to help you with your meniers. I have meniers and have had a slew of testing...
Rotary chair
VNG
coloric test
It was by having these test done that treatment for the symptoms of vertigo, off balance, hearing loss, tinnitus,
I will be honest with you the tests are a challenge and the coloric test if done with warm air and cold air wont hurt. I had it done and I had no reaction to the coloric test. I had to have ice water done since there was no response with the warm and cold air they blow into your ear. Even with the ice water there still was no reaction and that told them that there was something wrong with my vestibular nerve and a different test was performed, that was the rotory chair test. in the end due to all the different tests they had me do the rotory chair told them that my vestibular nerve isn't working and with all tests done I was put on meds.
Yes I still have bad days and good days but atleast with the different tests they were able to pin point what my problem was.
I had to file for S.S.D.I. since the vertigo attacks were keeping me from holding down a job. I wasn't allowed to drive anymore either.
I was granted ssdi after I filed. it took 98 days for them to find me disabled due to the vertigo, meniers, vestibular nerve damage.

Don't put it off, your not going to get the right treatment if you don't do what you need to do for yourself and that is to have all tests that are prescribed to you, in my case having the coloric test was the test that told them something wasn't right.
good luck,
Tracey

Hi Tracey,I know ur right..and thank u for telling me ur side to having this ugly illness...I'm from England,and over here they do the caloric test with water..I would prefer if the test was done with air...I don't know about u but since having this ive become a nervous wreck...Like u I can't work,lucky for me that my husband supports me as I don't claim any benefits and definatly could not hold down a job...I basically just stay indoors all the time coz I can't walk very far at all..the more I try and do the faster my spinning gets..life is pretty poo at the moment so I really do need to have all this done so I can start the treatment as no tablets seemed to have worked for me (serc -etc) thank u for ur reply :))

I have had a grommet in place for about 3 years. It is a must for the Menitt Device and it makes it easy for Profusions (Injections of gentamycin or steroids). With the shut in place there is less pain, because the needle is placed in the grommet. Like everything about this disease, it is a case by case basis. The grommet stays in place for me for about 6 to 9 months. You have to put a ear plug in place if you are going swimming or in the shower so water does not get into the grommet.

hi fayle,once i get these horrible tests out of the way..the grommet and menitte device is the 1st thing im going to try...as my hearing is still pretty good so i was a bit worried about going for the gent injections 1st...i know this illness is very unique to each person but i would like to know if ur symptoms improved since u had the grommet fitted :)