Update after Epley Manoeuvre

[GrannieD]

Hi, it’s 2 weeks since I was admitted to hospital with severe nausea and dizziness which I have suffered from for 5 months, I was so desperate me and hubby did the Epley Manoeuvre which made me very sick and I took a couple of days to recover, Well here I am two weeks later and feeling so much better. I just can’t believe how good it feels to physically have my life back. I had an MRI scan last Monday because of these symptoms I’m still waiting for results. Now I ask myself was it the Tocilizumab side effect or just a coincidence.

[medway-lady]

Your GP should have done that it’s really not a good idea as a dIY unless you know exactly how to do it. I go to the local private hospital where the ENT consultant does it but I have exercises as homework. It is an awful condition and BPPV sickness is horrific. Be careful as it can return never as bad again but I know mine is left sided. I hope you’re feeling better soon.

[GrannieD in reply to medway-lady]

Good morning Medway lady yes Dr did the Brandt-Daroff exercise twice on different occasions without any luck, I was also given exercise to do at home. I’m also waiting for urgent ENT appointment and was told 6 months waiting list, way back in October I had Covid and Flu jab 3 weeks before all of these symptoms started. It does make you wonder if there is a link, but then I’ve blamed everything under the sun. Next time though I will go private regarding the Epley Manoeuvre. Thank you for your reply and keep well.

[medway-lady in reply to GrannieD]

I got it first after a very minor ear infection about 20 years ago then after a Yoga lesson which was embarrassing as they called an ambulance as I could not sit up and kept passing out. Then not until about 2 years ago when I was so sick I lost my voice for weeks. But GP saw me in and we both knew it was BPPV. He tried and it sort of half worked but it was ok as the Consultant fitted me in the next day.

[GrannieD in reply to medway-lady]

I seem to have a problem with my right ear, but no pain no loss of hearing and no problems with earwax. We shall wait and see scan results.

[allanah in reply to medway-lady]

In fairness medway it's on the NHS website . How to do it and describing the technique as safe.

[medway-lady in reply to allanah]

I know but my ENT consultant said it’s safe in the context it doesn’t kill or hurt you but if you don’t do the Eplay fast enough it can be made worse. Reading and doing is very different. And why are GPs then reluctant to do it? my GP said he’d been taught it but not sure if it’s going to be work so was I prepared to give it a go ? I did , and it was ok for a couple of days then back to consultant. I know she goes by the eye movement so it’s hard to see how the patient can do it. It’s a horrid condition.

[GrannieD in reply to medway-lady]

Hi, my last admission to hospital when I was desperate the doctor attending to me refused to do it because of health and safety reasons, he did do an eye roll. That’s when he gave me medication to relieve my nausea, he was also very sympathetic but the medication only made me feel worse. I haven’t taken anymore since that day,

[medway-lady in reply to GrannieD]

I know it's even awful when it's done. The Consultant always makes me try to stand on one leg then its as she said the human spin drying trip. So lie down head over the head etc. And she holds my head. (She's Chinese lovely but looks about 15!) Dreadful but it has to be done. I'm careful now when she's done it as she told me its then the wait while the grit dissolves. I do wonder if RA patients are prone to it as I know 2 others with it. I found the tablets for anti nausea ok but they don't resolve the condition and any I can avoid, I do! So I've only had them very short term for a day or so as here theirs a good private ENT in the hospital and she has a clinic as well in Tunbridge so its not far away. One tip she told me was when getting out of bed, put one foot down then don't just swing up but turn and lie still then get up very slowly. Thats good unless you need the loo at 3am! xx I do the look close then far away and turn my head to the right then let, then do the pelvic floor ones; honestly it takes me half an hour to get ready for bed and thats without taking make up off etc. lol xx

[GrannieD in reply to medway-lady]

Totally understand where you are coming from. Have a good day.

[TraceyDevon]

I had BPPV straight after Covid and was later told that it is a known side effect. My daughter , who works for the NHS, helped me to do the Epley and recovery started after it. I’ve not had vertigo since so fingers crossed for you too

[GrannieD in reply to TraceyDevon]

Morning Tracy. It wasn’t long after I’d had the Covid and Flu jabs that my symptoms started, it does make you wonder but then I’ve blamed everything under the sun. Thanks for your reply.

[Jackie1947]

Good news you're feeling better. It's a horrible condition . I've got some medication by me. Unfortunately my arthritis has crept up into my neck and not helping my balance. Happy days!

[GrannieD in reply to Jackie1947]

Morning Jackie. I was given medication to make me feel better unfortunately it made me feel worse and I haven’t taken anymore. I had such high hopes as well because hospital Dr said I could even have them on repeat prescription. I suppose when you feel desperate you will do anything. I’m sorry you are suffering with balance problems I hope you can get some relief soon, take care and thank you for your reply.

[AgedCrone]

The Epley Manoeuvre should NEVER be attempted by somebody who does not understand what they are doing. It is not just moving your head around & sitting up & lying down. The head movements must be done in a clinically considered manner by someone qualified to diagnose the DIRECTION the head should be turned. & who understands what they are doing. As you found it can cause serious side effects including nausea. If you being admitted to hospital was the outcome I am sure you won,t attempt it again.

Do speak to your GP to be referred to a physio or someone else qualified to know if the Epley is suitable for you. On occasion It can do very serious harm.

[GrannieD in reply to AgedCrone]

Good morning AgedCrone yes to leaving it to the experts next time. It was after I had been discharged from hospital that same morning and was feeling desperate that I did the Epley. I did reply earlier but it seems to have gone astray. It’s definitely my right ear that’s is the problem. I’m eagerly awaiting the results from MRI scan which I had last week. Take care.

[AgedCrone in reply to GrannieD]

I do know how you feel as I had the Epley for the first time over 20 years ago…& it was explained to me then, to not ever let anybody untrained attempt it.

I hope you get settled very soon,

[GrannieD in reply to AgedCrone]

Thank you.

[TraceyDevon in reply to AgedCrone]

I was told to do the manoeuvre at home by my GP. He sent a link giving clear instructions of what to do. I did it with my daughters assistance and I’m glad I did. It was only after this that the BPPV subsided .

[AgedCrone in reply to TraceyDevon]

Yes..but I presume your GP had examined you & knew which way your head needed to be turned. My comment stands…Don’t attempt it until a clinical professional has examined you & explained what to do,

[Gramma3]

Make sure you never lie flat, always have a pillow as it can easily return. I regularly do the Epley M myself., careful to go the right way to relieve symptoms. Very effective, especially when I have to do it a few times a year.

[GrannieD in reply to Gramma3]

Thank you Grammy, yes 2 pillows now and hopefully relief for the future. Take care.

[Lolabridge]

I’ve never experienced those side effects with Tocilzumab so hope it wasn’t the cause for you either.

[phebamom]

Hubby and I both have done Epley Maneuver at home. If done correctly it is safe and effective. The thing is making sure simple Vertigo is what you are treating. A bout of Vertigo that lasted 5 months must have been terrible.

[GrannieD in reply to phebamom]

Hi. After 5 months of nausea and balance issues I would try anything, Heaven knows what is going on but patiently waiting scan results.