Like most Meniere's patients, I have tried medications, diet control, especially the limiting of salt and caffeine, exercise and I have had endolymphatic shunt sac decompression in Oct 98. I also utilized several medications in my treatment plan. These include Diazepam, Dyazide, and Meclizene.
In Feb. 1999, I developed Meniere's in my good ear, a condition termed bilateral Meniere's disease. And as a result, have had an increase in both the severity and duration of my episodes of vertigo and nausea.In Oct. 1999, I had the endolymphatic sac decompression in this ear, with fairly good results.
I have continued to do fair, with good days and bad days, and in April of 2002, I had an injection of gentamycin in my right ear. This had the unfortunate effect of decreasing my hearing, but did help with the daily dizziness that i exprience.
Disequilibrium, hearing loss, daily dizzy spells, pressure and fullness in the affected ear or ears, are all a part of the daily life of someone with Meniere's.
One of the most difficult aspects of a chronic disease like Meniere's is the wide-reaching effect it has on family and interpersonal relationships. Friendships and marriages all fall prey to the life-changing repercussions of this disease.
Due to the varying levels of disability, and or inability to tolerate noise, changing light patterns, degree of nausea and dizziness, most, if not all Meniere's patients have had to limit their daily activities, or be required to cancel or change activities with a minutes notice due to the instability of the disease.
For most Meniere's patients, there is little or no warning when an episode is about to occur, and injury from falling occasionally results.
Frequent hospitalizations and appointments with various members of the medical profession, prescriptions and counseling are also involved in the care of Meniere's Disease.
Unfortunately, due to the severity of this disease, many Meniere's sufferers are forced to take either early retirement, job re-training, or disability, as the ability to carry out job duties can vary daily, indeed, practically from moment to moment, depending on the lymphatic fluid levels in the lymphatic sac, the degree of vertigo, and the level of hearing loss.
I have a hearing aid and an amplified stethoscope which help me at work and in conversations, but the hearing problems and tinnitus continue.
There are many sites that provide information regarding Meniere's Disease and its treatment
