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.
I hate to sound like I'm pushing medication. I think many of us turn to natural living to combat our disease. I know I rarely eat out and don't eat processed foods at all. I use meditation (and yoga when I'm not too dizzy) for stress reduction, which I think helps a lot. I was separated from my husband a year and a half ago. Yeah, that upped my stress quotient! Got shingles. That was REALLY fun. For the first year I think I was just surviving, and my son and I were adjusting to all the changes. But now I really want to live again, and that means being there for my son as much as possible, including the daunting task of taking him places. I would never encourage anyone to drive when they feel vulnerable to their symptoms. I can't imagine being responsible for another's injury or, god forbid, my son's. But after 8 years with this disease I have learned to judge my symptoms carefully and minutely. I have found that I can take 5 mg of diazepam and it won't knock me out like 10 mg does, but will take the edge off my symptoms to the point I can be functional for my son. I minimize doing this as I dont' want to develop tolerance to the drug. But it has been a life-saver on occasions when I really needed to be there for my son but was wondering if my symptoms might flare up. It has made a real difference in my functionality and I just wanted to share. I think we each have to find what works for us, and be aggressive in fighting our symptoms. I have certainly gone through the hopeless, depressed stage. It was awful. I still have days I have to lay on the sofa all day, and feel my life wasting away. Those days are so discouraging. But I try to bounce back as quickly as possible with the aid of whatever helps, even drugs like valium. Just wanted to share. A happy, stable day to all!
I pray that God blesses you as you try to relclaim your life with this terriable condition called Meniere's. Some of the best advice I have heard are from those who insist on moving forward with life and just try to forget about this condition as much as possable. I am a guy but I really hurt inside when I hear stories about you young moms and having to deal with this condition. The mom is really the center of the universe as far as the family goes, it is so unfair to have this condition at this time of your life. As far as Valium goes, it has been the only thing that has helped me but you need to be cautious about it for a number of reasons. One of the main ones is that Meniere's may change the longer you have it. Another factor is that you may feel normal but the valium for me effects my depth percetion, I can not judge timming well and in my case forced me into the decision to give up driving all together. This is a great time to get to know your neighbors or other parents at school and form ride pools to get to events, offer to pay for gas if others drive ect. Some people think that because a perscription is given it makes it ok to drive also, this is not true. Valium is a class two narcotic and holds the same standard as any impared driving would. You need to know that before you choose to get behind the wheel. I agree it would be worse to have an attack behind the wheel by far, there is nothing fair about having meniere's. Try to pass the keys when and where you can.
Have a blessed day and be strong.
Rich