Once again, I am a bad blogger! It has been a while since I updated…. I have been trying NOT to think about it!
I finally got to see my specialist, Dr. John Rutka at the beginning of the month while I was back home for my long awaited trip and very good friend’s wedding! The trip was great, and for the most part I felt pretty good while I was there. I had to excuse myself form a couple of events early, and was sick in the middle of the might one night, but happily I managed to avoid any major spells… yay! I am always a little bit unsure when it comes to travel, as between the change in both routine and altitude, as well as the fact that I am likely more tired than usual, I know I am more likely to have a spell (I find too that both negative stress and positive stress seem to leave me more susceptible to a spell – my body doesn’t know the difference!). I try to keep care of myself as best as possible while travelling, and I think that helped me.
As for the specialist appointment… I made a small amount of forward progress. I reported my symptoms, including increased hearing loss, tinnitus, and ongoing spells. Dr. Rutka outlined the three options that I have, which I was essentially already aware of (gent. injections, steroid injections or a small device with a handheld component that helps with aural pressure). He could not suggest which might be best, as I need more, and updated, testing. He is to refer me to a dr. much closer to where I now live who can do the testing for me, which I am actually looking forward to. I have yet to hear back from this referral, but am planning to follow-up if I don’t get a call back next week. I know these folks are busy, but it has been nearly a month!!
While I didn’t get any real answers or solutions, it is nice to be on what seems like the right track. I have read some review on the doctor that I have been referred to, and they range for horrible to absolutely glowing. I like to make up my own mind about people, but I certainly found this interesting!
I did forget to ask Dr. Rutka about prescribing me a medication to help me sleep/stay asleep when I am having a spell. Gravol used to work wonders, but I think that I am getting somewhat immune to it, taking it so often. I know that a lot of patients in theUS
I had a spell yesterday, and had to miss work, as well as an interview with the local newspaper for a writing position. I was very disappointed to miss this interview, as I had been really looking forward to the opportunity. Unfortunately, I do not have another change to interview right now, but maybe in the next few months. I can’t help but feel like my Meniere’s kept me from this opportunity, which makes me feel very frustrated. At the same time, I suppose everything happens for a reason, and maybe this just wasn’t meant to be. Trying to stay positive, even though I am having a bad day today... I just feel like things have been boiling up lately - feeling frustrated with work, some relationship' stuff' , and of course always battling Meniere' s. Today I just felt frustrated, especially when a few things at work made me really frustrated... kind of reached a boiling point. I am feeling a little bit better now, and hoping to go and enjoy some nice warm weather and sunshine soon : )
I finally got to see my specialist, Dr. John Rutka at the beginning of the month while I was back home for my long awaited trip and very good friend’s wedding! The trip was great, and for the most part I felt pretty good while I was there. I had to excuse myself form a couple of events early, and was sick in the middle of the might one night, but happily I managed to avoid any major spells… yay! I am always a little bit unsure when it comes to travel, as between the change in both routine and altitude, as well as the fact that I am likely more tired than usual, I know I am more likely to have a spell (I find too that both negative stress and positive stress seem to leave me more susceptible to a spell – my body doesn’t know the difference!). I try to keep care of myself as best as possible while travelling, and I think that helped me.
As for the specialist appointment… I made a small amount of forward progress. I reported my symptoms, including increased hearing loss, tinnitus, and ongoing spells. Dr. Rutka outlined the three options that I have, which I was essentially already aware of (gent. injections, steroid injections or a small device with a handheld component that helps with aural pressure). He could not suggest which might be best, as I need more, and updated, testing. He is to refer me to a dr. much closer to where I now live who can do the testing for me, which I am actually looking forward to. I have yet to hear back from this referral, but am planning to follow-up if I don’t get a call back next week. I know these folks are busy, but it has been nearly a month!!
While I didn’t get any real answers or solutions, it is nice to be on what seems like the right track. I have read some review on the doctor that I have been referred to, and they range for horrible to absolutely glowing. I like to make up my own mind about people, but I certainly found this interesting!
I did forget to ask Dr. Rutka about prescribing me a medication to help me sleep/stay asleep when I am having a spell. Gravol used to work wonders, but I think that I am getting somewhat immune to it, taking it so often. I know that a lot of patients in the
I had a spell yesterday, and had to miss work, as well as an interview with the local newspaper for a writing position. I was very disappointed to miss this interview, as I had been really looking forward to the opportunity. Unfortunately, I do not have another change to interview right now, but maybe in the next few months. I can’t help but feel like my Meniere’s kept me from this opportunity, which makes me feel very frustrated. At the same time, I suppose everything happens for a reason, and maybe this just wasn’t meant to be. Trying to stay positive, even though I am having a bad day today... I just feel like things have been boiling up lately - feeling frustrated with work, some relationship
Glad to see you blogging.
ReplyDeleteSorry things aren't the best right now.
I take Valium. It has a bad rap, but it used to be given in high doses for daily use.
I only take it when I feel like I'm going to have an attack...during the warning signs period.
At times that means every day...multiple times a day...but other times, I don't take one for months.
A lot of people are scared of it, but it does help with the vertigo. I also take Phenergan for the nausea/vomiting...it also has anti-vertigo properties, and will make most people sleepy.
neither of these meds really help me sleep, but I'm strange about that. Most people say that they both knock them out.
Many of the people I know here who have Meniere's take 2mg - rarely. and they are afraid of it. However, if it's not taken in the beginning it doesn't do much good. It will stop one of my attacks if taken early enough...but not if I'm already throwing up.
I have been prescribed 5mg tabs. I take one at the first symptoms...then repeat every hour for 2 hours if I still feel it coming.
I will say, I think the phenergan does wonders. I often have to use the suppository version...after all, it doesn't do any good if you throw up the pills. And it acts much quicker.
Of course, I am not a health care professional...I've researched it, but this is all just my opinion. (I know I didn't have to say that to you....but who knows who might see this)
Hoping things get better every day.
and thank you for all your support to me lately!
xo wendy