Any one that has Meniere’s disease has a great appreciation and empathy for others who are stuck with this disorder. They know what you are going through. From the sudden attacks and the long recovery periods, the endless doctors’ visits and doctor’s opinions we have all been through it. But what about the other folks who don’t have it, do you think they get it? Some do but unfortunately a lot don’t. It used to make me mad that some people including doctors seem to minimize the torment and distress caused by meniere’s disease, but not anymore.
When I first was diagnosed with meniere’s I wasn’t quite sure myself what to think about it. Is it like vertigo but worse than vertigo, but vertigo can be cured and meniere’s couldn’t. It was confusing and it still is at times. What made matters worse was trying to describe the illness to people who have never heard of it before. When I told them that I got extremely dizzy to the point of throwing up they usually agreed that it was a terrible condition. But I don’t think they could understand why there wasn’t any cure and I don’t think that they could realize how it has an effect on your life. I don’t think that most people could understand how difficult it is to live when a meniere’s attack can hit you at any moment anywhere.
One of the biggest problems with meniere’s besides the fact that there isn’t a cure, is that most folks have never heard of it before. I hadn’t and most of the people that I have talked about with had never heard of it either. I don’t know if I have ever seen a report done on any of the cable shows about it either. (at least I don’t remember).
So don’t be concerned if others don’t understand meniere’s disease. The important thing is how you feel about it and what you are doing to get better.
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Sunday, April 24, 2011
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10 comments:
It must be hard for others to understand something they don´t suffer from when I don´t really understand it myself. I have a great family who supports me all the time, not too much support though. I don´t want to be taken care off when it´s not necessary. People i don´t know maybe have thoughts about why I have bad balance and sometimes stumble while walking. This is something that really bothered me in the beginning. Today i choose not to care about what others think of me. My family, my real friends and those who really are special to me understands enough to be respectful. Respect for any human being is very important to me.
Susanna
Well said! thanks Susanna
David
I tell people it's like a bad hangover or a constant feeling of being car sick :)
David,
Not to stray off subject, but have any of your female readers commented on the effects of pregnancy on Meniere's (or Meniere's on pregnancy)? I'm curious if any of those readers were also within the first few years of the disease. I've heard pregnancy can complicate Meniere's symptoms, but I'm not willing give up having a family, I've already given up so much in life. Any feedback is greatly appreciated!
thats a good question, I'll bring it up in an upcoming post
thanks
David
Crimson56, I tell people it's like being drunk, but you have all of the problems and none of the benefits.
hello, I've had this terrible condition for 15 years now (currently 32 yrs old) and have seen all stages of the disease from 1 attack ayear to severe injuries due to drop attacks. In my experience pregnancy has totally enraged the disease to where I can have 3 attacks in one day. Saying that I have 2 beautiful children (and 1 on the way) that have to deal with their mother when she's "sick" my husband is incredibly understanding as well as his family. I am disabled by the state of florida due to this condition. I've learned a lot of things from this, I'm grateful for every second that I'm not falling to the ground and knocking myself unconscious. My prayers are with all that suffer from this tormentuous disease.god bless
Hi Jenine,
You have certainly have had a time of it. I am glad this didn't stop you from having a family.
good luck and stay in touch
David
I was recently DX with meniere's disease as well but it was more complicated as I already had a profound hearing loss since childhood. Many of my deaf and hard of hearing experience vertigo as well but most were brief. Mine has been going on for two years and I have all the classic symptoms. Ringing of ears, worsening hearing loss in my fairly good ear and frequet attacks. It sucks big time and really impacts my way of life. I am grateful for a supportive husband and extended family members. I am wonder if any female MD people experience more difficult before or about the same time as their period? I am 45 and mine have become irregular over the several years. Can menopause be a factor. My doctor says that some women report this but wasn't able to give me a definte answer. I am consdering a shunt surgery. Any one attempt this yet ?
Regarding pregnancy... my ENT said that the first pregnancy won't mess you up too badly, but the second very well might cause things to get worse. My diagnosis came 12 years ago, my daughter is 10 months old and I'm considering not having more children. I know another mom who had horrible drops about 3 months after her second was born.
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