I’ve had ear problems for many years which stemmed from an improperly treated ear infection during my early teens and eventually caused permanent damage in my right ear. I noticed hearing fluctuations in my ears every couple of days with accompanying ear fullness, tinnitus and periodic episodes of dizziness 2-3 times a week that varied in duration.
Currently my vertigo attacks are rare occurrences but had a history of unsteadiness and “drop attacks” starting in my 20s and 30s. The latter gradually decreased in frequency within the last five years. I recently fell but not seriously injured and since used a cane/walking stick when away from home to help with my balance issues. I also had to make other lifestyle changes such as reducing sodium and altogether eliminating caffeine from my diet. So far I’ve dropped almost 15 pounds!
My Meniere’s journey began when the audiologist caught an odd pattern during my annual hearing exam and asked if I had any other problems. When I explained my past history of dizziness and fainting spells, she referred me to UPMC Eye and Ear Hospital in Pittsburgh for additional workups.
The ENT didn’t rule out Meniere’s but also noted bilateral sensorineural hearing loss during my initial examination. I had an MRI done on May 30 to rule out other issues (MS, tumor, etc.). The majority of its results were negative for anything besides late-stage Meniere’s with exception of a decreased T-2 signal, which prompted me to do additional research and get a better understanding of what that meant.
Apparently the decreased T-2 signal concerned the ENT enough to recommend a second MRI be done in six months. I’m praying the whole thing is a false reading but one can never be too careful.
Like any other chronic illness, those with Meniere’s have both good and bad days. I’ve had a few recent bad days when attacks were so bad I seldom left the couch/bed for an entire day. On a positive note, I’ve recently noticed more good days and the Antivert (generic name Meclizine ) and found a wonderful support group where other patients share their ideas, struggles, and fascinating discoveries.
I presently can’t give any definite answers far as future book tours and other personal appearances are concerned. Meniere’s attacks have a way of happening any time – they can’t exactly discriminate between a relaxing day at home and a busy event, and a large amount of traveling may not help my case either.
I’ll likely have to limit doing most promotional work to virtual tours, blogs, interviews and other activities related to being an author unless medically cleared for minimal personal appearances.
Back to this blog, though. Not only will I share my current thoughts and experiences but also offer additional insights on dealing with Meniere’s. If readers have any questions or feedback, all are welcome to leave comments – just keep them clean and relevant to blog post content.
Thank you for visiting! ❤
The Dizzy Author 