Have you ever heard of Meniere's Disease??
By SketcherD
@SketcherD (1114)
Canada
October 18, 2008 6:16pm CST
I have because I have it. I hope the ribbon I have attached will upload correcly because I would love for more people to know about this disease. As it makes you have vertigo attacks that make you look like you are drunk in public. I want to make people aware of this disease.
An attack can come on with absolutely NO warning what so ever. I have had attacks last up to 8 and 11 hours. I have had daily attacks for 6 months now and I tell you I am getting fed up with it!!!
Not too many people have heard of it but I want to change that!!!
Now for the medical part: It is basically the imbalance of fluid in the ears. It's symptoms include constant loud tinnitus/ringing in the ears (like after you go to a concert), pressure in the ears (like going up on a plane), hearing loss that is not helped by hearing aids and finally vertigo which is like walking on a floating dock or the bed spins when you have too much alcohol to drink and then go to bed. There are other minor symptoms but these are the most bothersome.
My father's Mother has it and so does my Mom's cousin. I have been told it is not hereditary but this doesn't seem right to me.
Meniere's Disease is as prevelant as MS but just much more unheard of until now.
So have you heard of this disease?? If so how and who do you know that has it??
2 responses
@SketcherD (1114)
• Canada
19 Oct 08
Funny you would say that because I have often thought the same thing. But if it was on a medical bracelet would anyone have a clue what it meant if the found me on the ground and looked at the bracelet? I really doubt it. I have talked to many, many people in the medical profession that have NO clue what Meniere's Disease is. So would normal a normal person recognize it?
This is why I am starting a couple of discussions about this disease to raise awareness. If I can reach a few hundred people that would be great!!!! They may tell others and so on.
@LUVSLIFEHI (1)
•
20 Jul 09
I developed Meniere's about 7 months ago. It was ruining my life. I could not go to work, I could not drive, and basically, could not function. I had lost complete hearing in my left ear. I am a pharmaceutical rep, and driving is a daily demand.
I was very fortunate to find an excellent ENT, in Colorado. He is young, aggressive, and very well educated. Surgery is a last resort for him. We tried the Decadron injections, which gave a little relief of the vertigo. I later developed an ear infection, and half of my tympanic membrane was gone.
The major issue was the vertigo, as far as being able to work and function. Dr. Chain and I, decided to do a tympanoplasty ( repair the ear drum ) and a endo lymphatic shunt to keep the fluid out of the inner ear. It has been five weeks since the surgery. I have had two Meniere's attack since then, and no vertigo. It has about 70% chance of success, but I was willing to take the chance. It was the right thing to do.
I have been in the medical field my whole adult life. This man is someone I would trust and know I never have to travel to Mayo, or other facility. He is very talented and cautious.
His name is Jeff Chain M.D. 303-798-1309. If it had not been for him, I would have been on disability.
