After having a vertigo attack last Saturday (while driving) I went to see an ENT doc who referred me to an ear specialist who was able to see me yesterday.
It turns out I have Meniere's Disease - an inner ear problem related to my vertigo and sudden hearing loss in my left ear. The disease is incurable, but the symptoms can be treated sometimes. Treatment cannot begin until I return from Egypt, but the ear doctor said I might as well go on my trip and just live with any attacks I have. He will inject antibiotics in the ear when I am tired of the attacks and want to try treatment.
good website is http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/balance/meniere.asp
Ben is already in Egypt and has sent me his cell phone number. He will be our guide in Luxor and has planned some great stuff for us (or just me depending) in Cairo too. I have been packed for a week and thought I might have to cancel at the last minute. I think the stress has probably added to the disease. It is not hereditary - due to some trauma to my ear or a virus.
So, don't expect to hear from me until March 7.
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ugh--does this mean you can no longer drive???
ReplyDeleteWell, at least you now know what's wrong. If you're going to have something, this was the best of the diagnosis I've heard so far.
ReplyDeleteUncleSam, did you read about Meniere's disease? Google it. It sounds pretty much like one of the worst possible diagnoses I could ever imagine having. Let's just home Momcat's case is mild--and if not, that the antibiotic treatment to disable her balance receptor thingies works. Momcat--how severe are your episodes of dizziness? And how often are they happening? I think you should take one of those classes on learning how to fall properly.
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