Meniere's Disease Support Group

Meniere's disease is a balance disorder of the inner ear. The symptoms of Meniere's are variable; not all sufferers experience the same symptoms. However, "classic Meniere's" is considered to comprise the following four symptoms: Periodic episodes of rotary vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and a sensation of fullness or pressure in one or both ears.

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Brain & Nervous System
/ Meniere's Disease Support Group

Labyrinthectomy surgery and CI

missdolli
missdolli
I am looking for opinions about the labyrinthectomy surgery from other people who have received it? What should I expect from the surgery? Did it work for you or not really? How long was the compensation period after the surgery to relearn your balance? Are you able to function on a normal basis?

Also, after this surgery have you received a CI?

I am having a transmastoid labyrinthectomy AND CI surgery in March and I am trying to prepare and learn what to expect.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I had a labyrinthectomy 8 weeks ago. I'm 55 and have had MD for 40 years. I had my first drop attack at 15 and have been dealing with this devastating disease ever since. I've had the decompression op and a shunt. This is my 3rd surgery for MD and I wish I had had it sooner. I had the surgery in NYC and spent one night in the hospital. No pain at all but very dizzy immediately after waking up. I slept alot when I got home and only needed to take the dizzy/nausea meds for one day.. For me, the post-surgery dizzy was nothing compared to a MD attack so I was able to deal with it. It's a different kind of vertigo. I'm still compensating now and am told full recovery could take up to a year. One unanticipated problem I encountered was double vision for the first couple of weeks, usually when watching TV. That's gone away, but the eye on the affected side still feels strained and tracks slightly. Told that will probably continue to improve as I continue to heal. My balnce is better than I would have expected. I wish you all the luck in the world. Sincy you are so young, you'll probably breeze through this. My best wishes are with you!
georgiapeachy
georgiapeachy
Jean Anne, you are two weeks ahead of me on recovery. I am 6 weeks out from laby surgery. I also experienced a bout of double vision and my affected eye still gets tired easily. So, I guess I'm on track for recovery. I am 67/yo and know it will take a while to make a full recovery. I've been very tired this week and am trying to rest more. I tend to do too much too soon and then pay for it. Just my personality type to get on with life, I guess. The body needs what the body needs though, so I''m going to take life a little slower. I'm happy to find someone else who has had good results with the laby. Best to you and also to Missdolli.
danaleaym
danaleaym
I had my laby 9 days ago. The first few days were rough, I expected it to be bad but it was different than expected. I regretted going through with it a few times. About 6 days after surgery I started getting my appetite back which built up my strength and I speed feeling nauseous. I'm now able to get around quite well but still stumble and walk like a drunk. I no longer regret it. I'm sure with time I will walk better.

I also got my BAHA implant during surgery. I don't get hooked up for over a month still but I'm really excited. BAHA has a much more natural sound than a CI from what I'm told. Also a lot easier implant. If you haven't tested one out yet I highly recommend it. I can't wait to get my device!!!