Hello and welcome.
I don't take serc, but there have been comments in the past about this medication. Instead of the water pill i keep my sodium intake very low (about 500mg/day). I also use nasal spray. I also use yoga to help improve my balance issues.
How long have you had MD? How long have you been fighting it? Do you get vertigo or drop attacks?
Yes, emotional tolls are part of it. Finding others who relate and share what you have is so important. The more you educate yourself about MD, the more you can tackle it... not conquer it.... but learn how you can live with it best.
There are several younger women who have posted their comments. I hope they get in touch with you.
I'm glad you found this website. It is the most important positive help I have found. Ask lots of questions, vent, encourage others...
God's blessings to you.

I take Serc 44 mg 3 times a day. I started at 16 mg 3 times a day. I think it helps me a lot and I have no side effects from it so I keep taking it. I also take a water pill, and use a Meniett Device 3-6 times a day depending on how symptomatic I am. Like Rachel I keep my sodium between 500-700 mg a day, and of course no alcohol, caffeine, chocolate and refined sugar. Glad you found us!!

Hello...I took the Betahistine (sp?) but had to stop cause it made me Dizzy. My Doc told me he has Never heard of this med making anyone Dizzy. But it Did make me Dizzy. So i am currently just on the water pill called Lozol.... Not helping much... :(

Thank you RachelT, texanspotlight123, and reallyreallysickofit for your replies! I never thought of doing yoga to improve my balance. I will have totry that. I was diagnosed a year ago and m symptoms started about 18 months ago, just after my son was born. I am not familiar with drop attacks. What are they? I suffer mostly from vertigo,but my vertigo attacks aren't usually the huge episodes that I hear some people explain. They are more like an off balance,dizzy sensation that can last for days. Really even on a good day I don't think it's every gone.
I only take Serc (Betahistine) twice a day. I think it helps, but I am not really sure. I askedmy ENT about taking it 3 times a day (because thats the literature inside the box reccomends) but he said twice should be enough. And they aronly 8 mg each. I don't want to take more medicince, but if it would help I would in heartbeat. I was a healthy new mom 18 months ago on no medication and now I have 6 prscriptions and feel like a different person.
This might be a stupid question, but how do you all limit salt to such a low amount each day? I have never had to watch what I eat and that is proving to be my biggest stuggle right now. Even things that I thought were 'healthy' have a lot of salt. I really don't know what I am allowed to eat, so I end up getting frustrated and eating whatever I want.

Geez, sorry for all the typos on that last post. I swear on one of these 'dizzy days' it's like my eyes are crossed!

Hi all, I've just been diagnosed with this, so do you take the serc every day no matter if you're feeling ok? Also is there anyone out there that is under 25 suffering from this? Thanks for all blogging about everything because it is very reassuring :)

Hello achaille24, I too am new to this post. I am in my mid 50s but have had MD for about 18 years. My balance is really bad evident by the bruises but that's part of MD. I paddleboard for better balance. If I fall so what I just get right back up and enjoy the ride. I have found the best all day help with balance are Sea Bands. I wear them 24/7 you can get them at the corner drug store or buy more stylish ones on line or camping/boating stores. I too have used the Meniett and it works well. Salt is key. Step away from the salt. Right now I am staying away from alcohol to see if it is a trigger, I don't drink much so this is no biggie. I wish you all the best with MD and above all I have learned from this site you are not alone.

Welcome. It is always bitterweet to find someone new. The only question I can answer is yes it can affect you very young. My story is complicated but the thing that is important is I have had symptoms since middel school. It didn't take me out until menopause but that is only because I didn't know what attacks were. I blamed them on other things. Ask as many questions as you want. You have friends here
Kerry

Hi again, achaille,
The low sodium is very hard at first. I never had to watch my diet before either. When I had to start low sodium, I had a bad attitude because I loved my salty things. Simply put, find a few favorite things you like that are low sodium and always have them available. Besides that, start liking your fruits and vegetables. Look at your meat packages for sodium count. Some meats are over 400 mg per serving, others are only 75 mg, so you have to get to know which brands.... and then buy LOTS on sale. There are no salt and low salt canned vegies, chips, broths, crackers.... For cereal I eat shredded wheat and Kashi cinnamon harvest, and make your own oatmeal or malt o meal and just don't EVER add any salt. I bake my own bread and doughs, boil my own beans and rice, make my own salad dressings, buy frozen or fresh vegies as much as possible. Not only did it help my dizziness (after about 3 months) but I also successfully lowered my cholesterol without meds. There still are plenty of dizzy times, because more than sodium is a trigger, but sodium is the worst trigger for me. It took me awhile, over a couple years, to get some favorite recipes and love cooking again. Be patient. It works.

Rachel,
You have my admiration for your discipline and dedication. You have put a heroic effort into the diet and I applaud you. Keep up the good work and your tips are very helpful
Kerry