Nal
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6801
posted
They did a full hearing test, work up, etc. My inner ear on my right side isn't working so great. Of course theres hearing loss in the right ear too.
So, he suspects either vestibular neuritis, some kind of growth or menieres disease. I have to wait and have an MRI done. He put me on valium (believe it or not in low doses its proven to help with inner ear imbalance) and Robinul. He wanted to do steroids but of course I cant. I wish there was something else you could do beside steroids! Actually this is one time I wish I COULD do steroids, have to side effects and get better ya know? Stupid Lyme.
Nancy
-------------------- Life is 10% what happens to you, 90% how you respond to it!
-Chuck Swindoll Posts: 1594 | From Colorado | Registered: Jan 2005
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
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Many here have had Meniere's as a diagnosis. It can get better when the lyme does. I hope the meds you got will be of help. Remember to rest with head elevated at 20-30 degrees and often so that ears can circulate, so to speak.
You said you wish there were other things to reduce inflammation besides steroids. There are many choices. In the world of supplements: Houttuynia is one of the best to reduce inner ear edema. Curcumin is another. Andrographis and Vinpocetine, too.
Guess you'd want to see how the Rx goes that you are just beginning, though. The Robinul is supposed to help with the fluid buildup (be careful about driving at first, though). The Rx combo should help you rest better, too.
Good luck.
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About STEROIDS if an emergency:
In cases of vision or hearing loss, in emergencies, steroids can be a life-saver.
However, as you just saw your LLMD this week and he did not suggest that, this may not be that kind of an emergency situation that would require steroids.
If they would ever be needed to safe a life - eyes or ears - there are ways to do that safely. Your LLMD could guide you. And, as lyme itself can be causing the damage, you'd want to be sure the steroids would not allow lyme to blossom. Certain protective measures are vital.
I feel the need to put that here in case someone in the future is reading this and there's a narrow window of time to save sight or hearing.
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[ edited to add this on for future readings of this post, here's a new thread about Lyme and Steroids.
[ 02. December 2008, 06:05 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Nal
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6801
posted
I feel worse today. Nothing helps. Nothing at all. I feel so totally hopeless. I cant work, I cant take care of my kids. My head swirls all the time. a week and half ago i was fine. I want to die. This has to end.
-------------------- Life is 10% what happens to you, 90% how you respond to it!
-Chuck Swindoll Posts: 1594 | From Colorado | Registered: Jan 2005
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
nancy,
glad you went to dr.; best wishes on getting over this in near future!
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posted
Hang on. It will get better. Not to trivialize, but do you know how to eat an elephant? One bite at a time.
When things are overwhelming, remember to take just one thing at a time.
Right now just deal with this ear thing.
I have felt suicide looked tempting when at my lowest. Now wouldn't that have been so sad if I hadn't stuck it out until now when the end is in sight and I feel much much better.
Been on doxy and plaquenil for 3 months, and will be seeing an actual LLMD on Nov 24th!
This affliction is horrible, no doubt, but eventually you will be very glad, and your children will be very glad you kept trying.
Sending prayers, Jan
-------------------- 3 Strains Mycoplasma and Chlymedia 2001. After treatment fine for all 2004. Major symptoms since 2005. Diag Aug 2008 Lyme. 400 mg/d doxy 500 2/d Ceftin Posts: 164 | From Texas | Registered: Jun 2008
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posted
My thought is, if things get to a point where symptoms are not tolerable and steriods may offer some relief, it is appropriate to consider steroids WITH antibiotics. Of course the lower the dose of steroids, the better.
One of my non-LLMD specialists said he had treated a number of patients treating chronic lyme with steriods (while they continued on antibiotics) and it did not complicate their lyme and in many, alleviated some awful symptoms.
Hang in there.....better days ahead!!
Posts: 561 | From mass | Registered: Jul 2007
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Nal
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6801
posted
Yeah, Im gonna talk to the dr about it tomorrow. I cant take this anymore.
-------------------- Life is 10% what happens to you, 90% how you respond to it!
-Chuck Swindoll Posts: 1594 | From Colorado | Registered: Jan 2005
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