Recently I had a few pictures taken with my son and I have copies made to send to my Mother. Of course you loved the photos of my 10 year son but she seemed surprised at how I looked. She wasn’t sure if I had just gained weight or what but I didn’t look the same as the last time I saw her. My weight has remained constant over the past few years so that wasn’t it (although I could certainly lose some weight!) so the only reason for my appearance change must be the Meniere’s disease.
I wasn’t convince that it was the meniere’s I thought that it was just me aging till I looked at a few pictures right before I started seeing the symptoms of meniere’s. In the seven years of meniere’s I really have aged a lot! Even my wife admits that dealing with all this can be seen in my appearance. And considering what you go through with this disorder it really shouldn’t be a surprise.
I remember a comment from Lauri about a week ago where she also said that meniere’s has been dragging her down as well..
“I'm SERIOUSLY glad that you guys aren't looking ill...I'm jealous, because frankly, I look like hell.”
Now, I certainly know where she is coming from.
Feel free to comment and please subscribe to my RSS Feed
Thanks
Posts
3 comments:
I know my looks have changed in the past several years, but I never thought to put it down to Meniere's. I have gained significant weight because I've been so sedentary, and that is clearly apparent in my face.
But as I'm thinking about it, I realize that the lack of exercise, the anxiety, and the difficulty of getting through any given day without falling down must take their toll.
That's very discouraging.
I find I don't have the same amoutn of energy that I used to have for my appearance. If I'm dizzy or off in the morning, I can't be bothered to wear any make-up, and I wear what will be the most comfortable. I've also gained weight from not being active anymore... I don't know that I look older per say, but certainly don't look as good ; )
I don't think Meniere's has made me look older. I may have lost a little more hair during the stressful time at the beginning, but then one could argue it was existing stress that encouraged the Meniere's... On the other hand the improvements to my diet that I've made and the yoga class that I do regularly have got me physically more trim than I was before.
One thing that I think this relates to is self-respect. I think it's easy to let aspects of your appearance slip when you don't feel well and have trouble just getting through the day. I decided some while ago that I would make an extra effort to keep myself (hair, clothes etc.) looking smart as I didn't want to end up as a kind of stereotype of someone going downhill. Accepted, it may 'hide' the Meniere's even more but at the same time it says (to yourself and others) that you are coping, and I think that's something we would all like to believe.
Post a Comment