I was diagnosed with Menieres 2 1/2 years ago. I experienced sudden and severe onset of vertigo, pain/pressure/tinnitus to me left tear. I unfortunately had to go on FMLA and when that was exhausted, I was let go from my job as a nurse and had to go on short term disability.

The doctors treating me tried prednisone, benzos, betahistine, and three rounds of steroid injections into my ear, all of which were unsuccessful. Eventually, after about 8 months of unrelenting symptoms, the symptoms slowly began to resolve which was great! I eventually was cleared to work again. I started working again as a nurse at a different company, but this time in an office as opposed to the hospital, as I figured it would be better for my condition.

Unfortunately, about 4-5 months in, the symptoms slowly started to come back. I tried to ingnore them at first, but they progressively got worse. Now all the symptoms are back, worse than they ever were before and I’m also experiencing migraines with them. I have had to call out of work all week. I’m not eligible for FMLA, as I’ve been at my job for just shy of a year. I was told by HR the only option I have is to ask for a leave under the ADA. My concern is this current flare feels exactly the same if not worse than before and I worry I’m going to be out of work again for months before symptom relief. Because I have been at the job less than a year, I really don’t have much job protection. I’m only 31 and hate the idea of going back on disability. The doctor that previously was treating me moved out of state so I can no longer see him. I did see a generally ENT last month (before this current flare) but he basically said there was nothing more he could do for me at this point and referred me to a Menieres specialist at Penn. I can’t get into to see him until March. I’m desperate for some kind of relief before then but feel I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place until the appointment. Praying this will subside soon!