Hello!
Don't feel alone! That's what this lovely site is for! I have had Meniere's for 4 years now. I spent most of the first year totally clueless about what was going on; I had seen multiple doctors and no one could figure it out! When I was diagnosed I remember feeling mostly relieved, and just a little daunted.
The first thing I would recommend is to read up on Meniere's as much as possible. That's how I learned pretty much all I know about it. Being a mother will certainly complicate things, but my go-to when I start feeling dizzy is to lay down and stare at the ceiling, this usually helps the spinning.
It'll definitely take some getting used to and some adjustments. I always have anti-vertigo drugs at hand in case I need them. I usually have some kind of over-the-counter pain med too because my dizziness comes with headaches.
From my experience, everyone's symptoms are a little bit different, but I have a cache of information, so if you have more questions, ask away! But most of all, have hope, this doesn't have to control your life if you don't want it to! :)

Rachel

thank you I looked and joined this site so that I wouldn't feel so alone it has helped a bit but the tears are almost to hard to keep back. I feel silly about it because other people have it and well I should be big about it.

Karen- Don't feel like you have to be "big" about it I have spent many times crying and in bed unable to do anything. This disease is not easy to cope with especially since so many people are unaware of even what it is. I was diagnosed sept 2013 after going through symptoms and doctor after doctor. I haven't worked since may of last year and had to finally file for disability. A lot of the sites on the web say you can live a normal life but I would like to know who these people are because I haven't met one person yet that is living a normal life. My youngest is 8 and sometimes it takes everything in me just to be able to get him to school some mornings. I joined just recently as well and I feel it helps to talk about stuff and your feelings to get advise of what others go through who sadly experience same things we do. So don't feel like you have to put your big girl panties on just go day by day and deal with it as it comes and remember it's okay to cry if it makes you feel a little better. Hope this helps were all here to listen and help one another

Hi Karen and welcome,

I don't log on here every day but when I first was diagnosed I felt alone and didn't know anyone with MD. This site gave me useful information and I read as much as I could to understand it so I wasn't so overwhelmed by it. Each person is different so it is hard to tell you what to expect. With six children at home it will be hard for you, I'm sure, to find to time relax but stress is a key factor for me. I have been very fortunate to have attacks a ways apart so I go for months without vertigo. However, when I get them, they seem to come in clusters most of the time. The first attacks left me a recluse because I was afraid to do anything in fear of one. However, after a great deal of meditation and focus each day on the day and not the attacks, I have been able to lead a fairly normal life. Hearing and balance is my biggest issue on a daily basis, with lower levels gone in my affected ear. I trained myself to stand for a few seconds before walking so I don't find myself falling and I've learned, when I hear someone, facing them helps with the hearing.

I enjoy each day as it comes and while dealing with the vertigo, I keep telling myself "this too shall pass". I am on a diuretic and low sodium diet. I will soon go for my checkup and testing again so I'll know better then, what my status is.

This is a site to vent and share and those who frequent this site, have been a great support to me. It's okay to cry, it's okay to get angry at the situation, and it's okay to share whatever you are experiencing. Hopefully, you will find the support you need and a good physician to help you through.

Hi Karen,
First you are definately not alone. You will find loads of information and support on this site. Read back on some of the older posts and you will see the questions and stresses kind of repeat themselves especially with new people. It is scary and upsetting and you kind of go through different stages of accepatance.

I will leave it to the others to say the supportive things because they say it so much better than me. I will try to tell you some practical things. With your kids it is a balence of letting them know you are not feeling well without scaring them. If you have older children keep them in the loop when you get new info. On the postive end they will feel good knowing they can do something for you. On the other end of the scale driving and taking care of young children may become a challenge. I always think about the old days of the farmers when all the kids helped out and the older ones took care of the younger ones. They can do it and you will likely need help. If you have one that is driving age teach them to become a very good driver. There are days when it is better for you to be the passenger so train a driver.

Next have a doctor that you trust. Consider every treatment suggestion carefully and know the sucess and failure rates. Often people will get remission for periods of time and everyone responds differently to treatments.

You will have days that are much better than other days. Use these to the fullest. You will really learn to live in the moment and make the most of it.

Meniere's can best be described as it is not life threatening but it can be life altering. Stay close to us here especially during the down times. You have a lot of friends now.

Kerry