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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jmredd 05/15/2015

Hi everyone. I am new to the group. I was diagnosed with MD in 2010. I have been looking for a good support group over the years and hope this is the one I need. My episodes lately have been getting worse and are lasting longer. This week I have missed work since Tuesday and it is really effecting me. I have FMLA in place but my work doesn't understand and they are constantly giving me a hard time about me missing work. They tell me I am an awesome employee but they can't rely on me. I am also dealing with the financial burden of missing work.

It is hard to help people understand this disease and how it affects you. I have episodes almost all of the time. They vary in intensity. I am noticing lately that my episodes are worse when my allergies are bugging me. Which lately is a lot due to the wind in my region. Has anyone else noticed there episodes are affected by allergies? Does any one have suggestions on what I can do to help my allergies?

stitch 05/16/2015

When my allergies acted up I found Allegra did the best job. But I don't take it if I using my meds for my ears. Right now I'm having a bad bout with my ears. not so much vertigo but off balance everyday. and of course the ringing, pressure in the ears, some pain. It's been going on now everyday for 4 months. I pray that I'll have some good days soon.
Not only is it hard for people to understand the problem but also hard to find a good doctor who knows his business also. Someday I hope they find the real cause and a cure.

SueHutch 05/17/2015

I've used Allegra along with Sudafed and take Meclizine as well but just leave at least l/2 hour in between taking the Allegra/Sudafed before taking the Meclizine. My internist asked if that didn't make me sleepy, but I think the Sudafed counteracts any sleepyiness. I don't take all this on a daily basis only when I know I have to go out and run errands or have an appointment somewhere....this combo along with a Xanax helps keep me somewhat balanced so I can function outside of the house. HOWEVER, my ear fullness never goes away even with all of this!!!! Just takes a huge edge of the light headedness/dizziness.

RachelT 05/17/2015

Hello,
I live in a region with LOTS of wind too. At this moment we have another wind advisory. I find that my MD can get worse with extreme low pressure or high pressure also, which can cause the winds. So, it might be more than just the allergies.
Hope you find something that helps.

jmredd 05/18/2015

RachelT I have also noticed mine is worse with the pressure changes. I swear if it isn't one thing it's another. Just count my blessings for the good days.

Stitch- I have been using Zyrtec and it is helping. Allegra never really helped a lot. I have pain and pressure in my ears everyday also. It never seems to go away.

SueHutch - sudafed does help counteract the sleepiness of the meclizine. Only thing for me is it makes my heart jumpy.

timhooker 05/19/2015

Yes, my allergies causes my Meniere's symptoms. I started allergy shots 6 months ago and take Allegra, Singular, Levocetirizine (Xyzal), Dymesta (nasal spray), Albuterol (when needed) and sinus rinse twice a day. My allergies increase with wind, rain and weather changes. Most days I have balance problems. My biggest problem is when I lay down I get dizzy, headache, head pressure, ears ringing, sound like a wind storm and I hear a power tool. I have to get out of bed and I have to hang on to the walls and furniture to walk. I usually wake up between 12:00AM and 4:00AM. I take Tylenol and motion sickness pills and after an hour I can walk without hanging on to something. I get very tired from lack of sleep, but if I lay down I starting spinning again and the head pressure and other symptoms return. I'm seeing my ENT in 2 days to see if he can do anything. I'm trying to remain positive and walk and work out with weights when feeling up to it. This site is fantastic since we all know what it feels like to deal with this disease.

God Bless you all and may we have many good days ahead.

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