Worried I have Meniere's...

[ArtyPants46]

Hi all,

I developed sudden 24/7 tinnitus in my left ear back in March and after various hearing tests etc was told it was just down to some high frequency hearing loss. I came to terms with it as much as I could but in the summer I began to have to odd day of feeling out of sorts - dizzy and slightly nauseous for no reason.

Seven weeks ago I caught a virus from my daughter and have been dizzy and nauseous every day since. I wake in the early hours with the room spinning and feeling really sick. On the plus side, I don't think my hearing is any worse. I was recently diagnosed with vestibular migraine but I've convinced myself it's Meniere's as I seem to have most of the symptoms. My doc also thinks it could be labyrinthitis from the virus. Am now waiting on various blood tests and an Audio-vestibular appointment but feeling pretty low about it all.

I usually love cycling, running and open water swimming and right now all those thinks seem impossible. I feel like I'll never feel normal again.

Any tips/insight or advice would be helpful.

Many thanks,

ML

[Happyrosie]

Hello ArtyPants. The bad news is there’s no cure for labyrinthitis or BPPV - but there are ways to mitigate it, and it does get better on its own. Firstly, congratulations on even being able to use a computer - I couldn’t even do that! Go to the NHS website and input “vertigo” for hints and tips. There are pills you can take the reduce the symptoms - ask your doctor - and when you feel a little better search for ‘vestibular rehabilitation exercises’ via google. These train your brain to believe what your eyes are telling it and not your ears and sense of balance.

Finally, drink lots of water.

All the best

[ArtyPants46 in reply to Happyrosie]

Thanks for responding! Yes, have been trying some Cawthorne Cooksey exercises but they make me feel sick. Well everything makes me feel sick. I will persist! I am also drinking lots of water. It's heartening to know symptoms can improve - I've been feeling like this for 7 weeks 24/7 and fear it's just how life is now. I just have to stay positive...

[Happyrosie in reply to ArtyPants46]

I didn’t know of the Cawthorne Cooksey but the ones I do are similar. But when your feeling sick just do the ones where you move your eyes or head, sitting down not standing.

[Sweep123]

Dear ArtyI am sorry to hear of your worries, I have had tests for menieres myself but perhaps to reassure you , menieres is linked with low frequency hearing loss initially but I do understand the temptation to self diagnose which causes more anxiety and increases tinnitus making it a vicious circle. I'm sure that most of us have been there too . Many inner ear conditions seem to have similar symptoms and from my experience with ENT it seems to be a process of elimination to discover a diagnosis. Please try to stay as calm as possible and rest if you can, being outdoors helped me but we are all different.

I hope things improve for you very soon.

[ArtyPants46 in reply to Sweep123]

Thanks so much for you response - it means a lot. I know, I have totally self diagnosed but this 7 weeks plus of dizziness and daily nausea has been so unsettling and I can just *feel* it's related to my tinnitus as when it gets really bad the tinnitus is so loud and I get popping and even some in the right ear (which I didn't have before). This week I'm trying to keep calm and carry on - I'm even going to try to go for a swim (not open water yet but in the local pool) with some new ear plugs! I spoke to my doc today and he has referred me to an ENT so that's a positive step. Feeling hopeful.

[Linley]

I know it's not easy but try not to self diagnose and wait for the ENT appointment. I do understand as I said to my hubby last week I don't know whether I will feel normal again after being diagnosed with BPPV. At the mo I cannot complete a yoga class, bend down(for one of my voluntary jobs), dance but I can continue with my love of walking so I consider myself lucky. Wish you well🤞

[ArtyPants46 in reply to Linley]

Yep, you are so right - it’s not helpful to come to conclusions without and expert! Sorry to hear you’ve had BPPV - sounds awful too but I hope you’ll feel better very soon. Are you having vestibular rehabilitation? Good luck!

[Linley in reply to ArtyPants46]

Physio but it does not always cure but helps you manage it keep my 🤞 for you too

[Jenna8924]

How are you feeling now ? . I have labyrinthitis and have been suffering daily for 8 weeks daily now. Hoping someone can shed some light at the end of the tunnel