The past month.
So it’s been about a month since I’ve written anything. What’s been going on the past month? Well, quite a bit actually (unfortunately none of which has allowed me to see a positive change in my symptoms).
I had another visit to the neurotologist (which I mentioned last time) — and I asked to have VEMP testing done. While the testing wasn’t much help (since it came back normal), I decided to ask the woman doing the testing if she knew of a good neurotologist.
She suggested one of two doctors, both of whom I haven’t seen before. They came highly recommended from her, so I’m starting to think it’s time to go and get a second opinion about what’s happening with my balance issues.
I was also taking a diuretic for a while (several weeks), which seemed to make me feel worse than I already did. While the neurotologist suggested eventually doubling the dosage of the diuretic (he prescribed it since he thought I might have Meniere’s, and it would rid my inner ear of any excess fluids), I had to stop taking it because it made me feel that bad.
I didn’t really realize how much even a small dosage of a diuretic dehydrates you — I was drinking a ton of water every day, but I still constantly felt nauseous and dehydrated. Not to mention that my balance problems were not any better when taking the diuretic.
Now that I’ve also concluded my experience with vestibular rehabilitation therapy, I’m not sure what the next steps are to me feeling better. Both the neurotologist and the vestibular rehabilitation therapist told me that they think there’s really not much they can do for me at this point.
While I know she meant for this to give me some hope, the therapist’s suggestion that I would see “significant technology improvements” in my lifetime which may improve my symptoms actually had the opposite effect. It made me feel like there really wasn’t much hope for feeling better now, which is kind of a tough pill to swallow.
6 Comments, Comment or Ping
Dizzy Dame
I’m not sure if I asked before, but have they nailed down anything specific regarding your condition yet? (without question; ie. vestibular)
I know there are different types of nystagmus but am not completely educated in each of their meanings. Have you searched the internet to better educate yourself and compare your results to several information sources? I received second/third opinions from ENTs, neurologists, physical therapists…many doctors on my condition. It is your right/duty to find yourself the best medical care you can afford. Good luck.
My migraines reduced GREATLY with myofascial release, but you’re saying you’ve started having them with VRT? Do you carry any tension in your body? Work in front of computers for long hours?
Until then.
Oct 25th, 2008
Vertigo Guy
I don’t really feel like much has been answered in terms of what is wrong… most of the diagnoses that I’ve received have been through my own anecdotal account of what initially happened with my vertigo — but no one has been able to explain the episode of vertigo that I’ve had since then (it was acute vertigo, but seemed to have no real cause).
The lack of a diagnosis has really started to get me down — I was hopeful that VRT would help things out, but that’s run its course and I’m no better off.
I do work in front of a computer all day, so I don’t think that’s much help either. Unfortunately, I can’t really change too much about that — unless I figure out how to do carpentry or something.
I’ve spent many, many hours trying to figure out what this could be caused by — with little or no luck. I’ve had episodes of vertigo before as well, that didn’t have any lasting consequences, but nevertheless were difficult to explain. Alcohol and a lack of sleep seem to be two contributing factors, but I’m just speaking again from anecdotal experience.
Oct 28th, 2008
Dizzy Dame
The one thing you *can* do working in front of computers is (very important) making sure your monitor is eye level, make sure it is not too far (so that you’re not extending your chin forward). I was working up to 16 hours a day in front of computers which certainly contributed. A lot of companies just do not think ergonomics is important, but it does put undue stress on your neck if you’re constantly in an inappropriate position.
If you do have poor posture on top of that, try to remind yourself to tuck your chin in a little and stand up straight; that can add to any discomfort caused by sitting in front of the computer (incorrectly).
Be kind to yourself and try to take advantage of relaxation as often as you can; this can contribute to tension as well.
I’m certainly not going to try and diagnose you, but I do identify with the huge question mark that sits above your head. If you have to, sit down and make a list of all of your symptoms you recall, how they affect you, and what can affect their intensity. This may help you come up with some other things to check.
As always, good luck. I’ll be reading.
Oct 30th, 2008
Vertigo Guy
Fortunately, I’ve had an ergonomic assessment at work, and I was given a contraption to set up my laptop so that the screen is at eye level (before that I was crouched over a laptop all day, which as you can imagine, is complete hell for dizziness).
I’ve been noticing the huge benefits that exercise provide lately, as well as making sure I get away from the computer once in a while. If there’s anything positive that has come out of this whole experience with dizziness, it’s that I do make sure I take care of myself (at least a bit) better than I did before.
As always, thanks for your input and kind words. It’s always nice to have a bit of encouragement to keep you going.
Nov 8th, 2008
Wii Fit
I am agree with the “Dizzy Dame” advice.
Nov 15th, 2008
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