So I’ve decided to extend this weekend, and take Monday and Tuesday off as well. I’m planning on traveling somewhere (it’s noon on Saturday, and I still haven’t decided where yet, I think it’ll be fun to just get in the car and go somewhere).

I’m looking forward to this much-needed break, and I’m hoping that I’ll come back rested (and less dizzy!). As I said in my last post, I’ve got my appointment with the new neurotologist at the end of the month (which I’m feeling hopeful about), so I’m hoping I can allow myself to feel a bit better before then!

On a side note, I did only 20 minutes of biking yesterday, and felt absolutely terrific after. I didn’t feel great while doing it, but for several hours afterwards, I thought: why don’t I do this all the time? I guess you can never really go wrong with getting more exercise.

I thought I’d provide a quick list of things that seem to work well for me when I have to travel as far as keeping the dizziness at a minimum:

1. If at all possible, be the one driving. Strange as it may sound, I get much more dizzy when someone else is driving. I think it’s that I can’t anticipate the shifts in balance as quickly as when I have to pay attention to them.

2. Avoid caffeine and be wary of medications. Caffeine makes you jumpy and agitated, and is just going to make your dizziness worse. If you’re too tired and feel like you need caffeine to keep going, take a break instead (and a quick nap somewhere safe off the road if you can). Avoiding medications that make you drowsy is also an obvious one — being safe should be your first concern.

3. Take breaks early and often. Don’t wait until you feel like your going to be sick on the side of the road — take breaks before you feel like you need them, and your brain will get the rest it needs between periods of driving. Try to take your breaks somewhere quiet and restful (and sleep if you can!) rather than a busy restaurant or something. Your brain will thank you.

4. Eat! My dizziness goes nuts when I’m hungry. Try to bring some snacks along so you’re not forced to resort to roadside burgers and fries. Fruit, a granola bar or some nuts make great snacks for on the road.

5. Stay hydrated. Especially during the summer, it’s easy to get dehydrated. Even if you’ve got the air conditioning going in the car, it tends to suck all of the moisture out of the air. Bring a big bottle of water and keeping taking sips during your trip.

6. Take it slow. Trying to rush through your trip is both dangerous and bad for your balance. Maintaining an even speed is going to allow your brain to get used to it. This also means leaving a bit earlier than you planned so you have lots of time in case of a traffic backup.

7. Go with a friend/family member/spouse. Having a partner along for the trip can make things more fun, and can provide you with some company in case you’re feeling anxious or dizzy. Let them know in advance (if they don’t already know) that you have trouble with dizziness in the car. Don’t worry, they’ll understand.

8. Switch drivers if you have a buddy. If someone is with you, and you’re not feeling well or you’re just too dizzy to drive, consider having that person take the wheel. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help when you need it.

9. Be safe! If you’re alone and you’re having trouble concentrating or feeling too dizzy to drive, by all means, stop until you feel better. Your number one goal on the road is to be safe (for yourself and those around you).

10. Have fun! Believe me, I know it’s tough having a balance disorder and sitting in the car. Find fun things to that will distract you so you can enjoy yourself: listen to your favourite music, stop for ice cream or a swim. You’ll be glad you did.

Before I had my first episode of vertigo, I never had difficulty travelling. I’ve travelled quite far without any problems (Montreal to Hong Kong was probably the farthest I’ve been).

Since having the first episode of vertigo, I’ve travelled within North America, and I’ve also been to Costa Rica and Mexico — but I haven’t been able to make any overseas flights. Even those shorter flights (even the ‘short’ international flights I’ve taken since then) have been really difficult.

The problem is that I get this sensation that I’m dropping through the floor of the plane… which sounds strange and just uncomfortable — but it’s an overwhelmingly strong physical sensation that never really goes away for the entire flight.

This ‘dropping’ feeling is one that accompanies me around and is part and parcel of my disequilibrium — but on a plane, it takes on a life of its own. I actually find myself grabbing onto the seat to keep myself steady and to try to combat the sinking feeling.

I love to travel, and I really hope there’s something I can do to get rid of this feeling for good (at this point, I wouldn’t think twice about something like surgery in order to never have to deal with this sort of feeling again).

Yet I’m unsure at this point if there even is such a procedure — something else I should probably talk to the neurotologist about when I have my post-testing appointment at the end of July.