Hi,
I have recently been to the ER with what they are calling Vertigo - possibly migraine induced. In the last year I have had 5 or so episodes where it starts with a headache and within 2 hours I have the most excruciating pain in my head and I'm vomitting and hugging the floor because the room won't stop spinning. Recently my husband insisted on going to the ER when I had an episode. I am at the beginning of trying to figure out what is causing it and what we can do about it - but (and it's a very big BUT!) - they have told me to just deal until we can find the cause. Usually after an episode I feel great the next day and go on with my life until the next one - but this time the nausea and dizziness have remained to almost every day for the last 3 - 4 weeks. I can't take it any more and I need to find something to help me cope until I can get in to see the specialists (ENT and Neurologists) with insane schedules. I am the mom of 4 children under age 8 and I run a retail business pretty much by myself 6 days a week - husband works a lot. Any advice, suggestions or help wading through the medical system would be wonderful.
Thanks
Hi T.,
I had the same thing. They said it was probably an inner ear infection. Perhpas you have a reoccurring one? They gave me a nazal spray Fluticadone as well as meds for the spinning-Meclizine.
It seemed to do the trick but would make me tired. I didn't have it as often as you either.
Hope this helps and I wish you all the best.
Hi T.,
I really feel for you. My husband went through this a couple of years ago and it was so hard to get a diagnosis. Have you ever heard of Meniere's Disease? Check it out on the web. That is what he was finally diagnosed with. There is medication (which initially makes you very lethargic), but it helps with the dizziness. He did have it for quite some time, but is fine now.
While they were trying to diagnose him, something else they tried was some kind of physical therapy. It had something to do with the fluid and crystals in his ears. I wish I could remember more info for you, but I just remember him going...so maybe that is something to look into too.
Good luck. I know from his experience how frustrating it is and how it afftects you mentally also. Please hang in there!
D.
Oh T., I'm sorry to hear that you are going through that. I have two close friends who have dealt with the same thing - luckily their kids are grown, but they DID have to take a LOT OF TIME off work. It does knock you for a loop. I think there were meds they could take to try and help, but neither one said it truly made it all go away. I think the medical professionals don't have all the answers about Vertigo, and/or it's different in each person. I do think Migraines can cause it - also problems with the inner ear can (one or both). Equilibrium is controlled by a few things - but the cilia (hairs) in the inner ear help - while moving in the fluid - and the fluid movement helps us stay NON dizzy. This is why we get dizzy when going on something that spins - it messes with our inner ear fluid and cilia. I know there are parts of the brain that also help with equilibrium and dizziness - but I forget - and I'm sure Migraines can affect that. I wish you well - but I'm sorry I don't have any suggestions other than relaxation techniques, yoga - calm breathing perhaps - and looking further into the medical aspects. Good luck and keep us posted.
Put everything on hold until you can get to the bottom of your problem.... As women we put ourselves last..... I know because it took me a year to get a blood test I was supposed to get..... Stupid, huh? You can't take care of anyone until you're healthy. I have had mild vertigo because of inner ear problems, but nothing like yours. Take care of yourself and God bless!
good lord,T.!!you would never sit by like this if your children felt so wretched-would you? be insistant! go back to your GP and ask him to make a call to a neurologist on your behalf.it's not selfish or vain to be insistant on your own behalf.you only get one life-don't let scheduling get in the way of your quality of life. and remember,we're talking about your brain on which your entire family's quality of life depends.
look outside city limits if you must-or even the next state over . at least for the initial consultation.get your foot in the door and get those tests rolling.be as pro-active on your own behalf as you would be for your children. they depend on you. remind yourself of that the next time a health care professional blows you off for any reason.or expects you to wait indefinately.that's your children's future the're treating so dismissively.good luck
I am so sorry you are suffering like this. You mentioned waiting to see a neurologist. There is an excellent headache clinic called Neurohealth located in Warwick, East Providence and North Smithfield, RI. A friends husband had to wait a shorter period of time to get an appointment here vs. in Boston,
Good Luck.
