Sharp Blue: Labyrinthitis; or The Missing Week

I'm just returning from a state which I'd very much like to never again visit. Last Wednesday evening I started feeling dizzy. The next two days, this dizziness became so bad that I couldn't get out of bed for more than a few minutes at a time. I have no other symptoms whatsoever - no fever, no aches, no stiffness, no pain - I just couldn't balance well enough to stand up. On Saturday morning, this seemed to clear up a bit but by lunchtime I was forced to return to bed. Late in the afternoon, it suddenly became much, much worse.

My family had gone to visit my grandad, thinking that I was well along the road to recovery. When they returned a few hours later, they found me laying in bed feeling incredibly nauseous. Even when laying still I felt seasick. Soon after they got back, it became too much for me and I started to vomit uncontrollably. At this point, my mother decided that I had to see a doctor as soon as possible, and it couldn't wait. Somehow I managed to struggle into clothes. I have no idea how. Then, by one of the hardest acts of will of my life, I forced my way to the top of the stairs before collapsing to the ground and vomiting into the bowl I'd been carrying. After five minutes to regain my resolve, I made it to the bottom of the stairs, where I curled up hoping to never have to move again. There was no way I'd make it to my sister's car, and the journey to the doctor's surgery was a nightmare I just couldn't face. Strangely, I was still perfectly lucid and calm amid the overwhelming vertigo. I just couldn't force myself to move.

Eventually, my mum convinced the doctor that I was very seriously ill and that I couldn't get to the surgery, and a doctor was dispatched to treat me. I think that everyone feared meningitis. She soon found, however, that I had a normal temperature and a normal bloodpressure and diagnosed me with acute viral labyrinthitis, an infection of the inner ear that affects balance. After other medication failed to help, she gave me a shot of cyclizine and that was enough to get me back to my bed. And that is where I have remained from then to now. The prescription of Stemetil helped, but even with that I wasn't able to do more than occasionally sit up in bed. The worst symptoms of labyrinthitis usually last for seven to ten days, and today it's finally starting to really fade away so I can become productive again. It's not an experience I ever want to repeat. Now I just have to start making up for lost time.

1. Comment by Martin Malmkvist on June 27, 2003 7:25 AM permalink

Hey Rich That sounds pretty unpleasant. I'm glad you're well again. M

2. Comment by Nicole on June 29, 2003 11:11 PM permalink

At least your illness had a name reminiscent of a great movie featuring David Bowie. Be thankful for *that*. (by this I simply mean: stay well *hugs*)

3. Comment by Jadie Mcdonnell on October 1, 2003 5:52 PM permalink

Hey Rich, I know the horrible consequences of labrynthitis. Last summer, I woke up completely deaf in my right ear. I was quite worried, but thought that maybe it was a cold. I began to feel somewhat dizzy but continued on with my life, but 3 days later when my hearing didn't return, I went to the hospital where I was misdiagnosed with a simple ear infection. That evening the vertigo became so severe that I could not even open my eyes without vomiting. My mom took me, once again to the emergency room, where I waited 4 hours in a wheelchair, unable to open my eyes or let alone move without vomiting. I was then diagnosed with labrynthitis and sent home, I vomited the entire way home and was ill for the following 2 weeks. I am now left with complete hearing loss in my right ear and tinnitus. I understand the pain you went through, I even ask the doctors to just kill me instead of make me move. I still have recurring issues with vertigo. So man, I totally understand what you went through and I hope you are well.

4. Comment by Linda Ward on November 12, 2003 2:30 PM permalink

Hi Rich, I was diagnosed with Labrynthitis almost six months ago, three months ago I saw a Ear Nose and Throat specialist who confirmed the diagnosis, although I have not suffered with the nausea (thank god) I have had constant dizziness and a feeling of being "spaced out" or even "drugged" and annoying sense of pressure in my ears. I have been suffering now for almost six months although my symptons do come and go, I feel like I am at the end of my tether and it is taking over my whole life! I feel very isolated as there seems nobody else is suffering like me, I just thought I was going mad and feel a bit more at ease now i have read other peoples experiences. Linda

5. Comment by Carol on November 22, 2003 4:49 PM permalink

I too am a sufferer of labyrinthitis, and have been for about 25 years now, on and off. Mine tends to occur now when I am recovering from a viral infection, such as a cold. It lasts for about 2-3 weeks at a time, and the worst part is the dizziness. I also experience headaches, earache, and generally want a new head when this is happening to me. It seems an effort to carry my head around, it feels so heavy. I've tried different medication over the years but nothing worked until I tried taking Gingko Phytosome on a regular basis. Now the symptoms aren't as bad as they used to be, I can now get up out of bed and lead a nearly normal life. I sit down and relax when my head tells me to, and sleep more. I used to be bedridden for 2 weeks, and even turning over in bed took some serious effort. If anyone else has any other useful hints on dealing with this condition I'd be interested. Thanks for reading.

6. Comment by on January 6, 2004 8:56 PM permalink

I too have had the distinct pleasure of viral labyrinthitis. Words cannot describe the nausea and vomiting that accompany this infection.I still suffer balance problems but have learned to live with them. I know what you have been through when the vomiting started along with profuse sweating my wife was sure I was having a stroke. Good luck with your viral labyrinthitis.

7. Comment by Gary Osborne on January 14, 2004 7:31 PM permalink

Hi Rich

I have had labyrinthitis for nealy 3 months now, the doctors have given me all sorts of tablets which get me through the day, but even with all that medication i still find it hard to go to work and have completely stopped going to the gym as i am scared of dropping heavy wieghts on my head ha ha! you are not alone mate so chin up.

8. Comment by Judith on January 15, 2004 3:26 PM permalink

Wow, I thought I was the only one having these symptoms post viral labrynthitis. I would not wish my episode on my worst enemy. I have been worried about my "spaced out head" that I get, fleeting dizziness accompanied with mild nausea, pressure in the ear, fatigue. The list, albeit mild symptoms are quite annoying and I was afraid I was missing something. Being in the health profession, even I had a difficult time explaining all these symptoms and making much sense of them. It makes golfing quite difficult at times!!!

Judith

9. Comment by maggie on January 18, 2004 7:24 AM permalink

Hi everyone..I developed labrinthitis 6 days ago and i am sure i am worsening things by worrying about it. It came on very suddenly when i moved my head and then no more that first day. Then when I woke the following morning my surroundings seemed to be moving at a fast rate around me. It was moving my head from side to side that triggered it. Then after a couple of days that settled and it was the up and down movements. Now a couple of days later it has switched to the side movements but just one side, I look pale but I feel ok otherwise. My bp is ok and I dont have vomiting which is good. Does anyone know what is actually going on in the inner ear during these attacks ? please help someone....

10. Comment by maggie on January 18, 2004 7:24 AM permalink

Hi everyone..I developed labrinthitis 6 days ago and i am sure i am worsening things by worrying about it. It came on very suddenly when i moved my head and then no more that first day. Then when I woke the following morning my surroundings seemed to be moving at a fast rate around me. It was moving my head from side to side that triggered it. Then after a couple of days that settled and it was the up and down movements. Now a couple of days later it has switched to the side movements but just one side, I look pale but I feel ok otherwise. My bp is ok and I dont have vomiting which is good. Does anyone know what is actually going on in the inner ear during these attacks ? please help someone....

11. Comment by jon on January 20, 2004 3:55 AM permalink

Hi, wow i developed labyrinthitis about 5 weeks ago. It was not very pleasent, but i was lucky it didnt cause severe vomiting. I noticed it once i got out of bed one morning, I thought i got up too fast, and i only noticed slight dizziness when i moved my head from side to side. It kinda feels like being buzzed but without acting silly. The next day i developed sever flu like symptoms. About 5 days later thoes receded and i was left with just labyrinthists. I went to an ENT doctor who diagnosed me with it. I was put on anti-biotics and steroids to make the swelling go down. I was tested for hearing loss and i did not have any hearing loss. 5 weeks later here i am, i only feel it when i move my head, i resumed to regular activites. It only seems to get worse with headaches, but still only noticlable with head movements. I hear it takes up to a few months to be fully recovered, So i am waiting on that, hoping it will completely dissapate.

12. Comment by flux on January 23, 2004 3:09 PM permalink

Well I've had labryinthitis for a little over a month now. I was prescribed Stemetil, which seems to get me through the day, although I still get bouts of dizziness (which occasionally makes me feel as if I'm going to pass out) and nausea. It completely ruined Christmas, and the doctor told me it may take about 3 months to clear up... I feel much better reading everyone else's experiences as sometimes I can feel totally alone in the symptoms. I wish everyone luck and we shall see what happens in a couple of months!

13. Comment by joan on January 25, 2004 5:02 PM permalink

Fellow sufferer here. Sorry that so many of us are going through the same. Mine started last Sunday although thinking back I have had a few short attacks in past years. This is the longest and the worse. Some reports say to rest, others say to move around. I'm afraid the first is my chosen option as the other is unbearable. I am diabetic (tablets) and have high blood pressure so at first that was worrying before I knew what was wrong. Felt better after knowing the diagnosis but not better in the way I was feeling. Looks like we just have to wait for the virus to clear up - hopefully sooner rather than later. The tablets have helped the feeling of nausea and the sweating that accompanies it but not the actual dizziness.

14. Comment by flux on January 26, 2004 1:54 PM permalink

I feel so much more at ease now because I've read other's experiences. I'm a migraine sufferer anyway, and I was wondering, has anyone found that their labryinthitis has become worse whenever they have a headache or migraine?

15. Comment by Susy on January 29, 2004 3:48 PM permalink

It has been such a relief to find this website. My viral labrynthitis started over a month ago and the dizziness lasted for about 10 days. It was a horrible experience and I felt spinny drunk the entire time. My main concern is the symptoms I have been left with, which I am told are untreatable. I still have pressure in my head, and am suffering constant ear and head aches. I keep inhaling hot water with eucalyptus, but it doesn't do very much. Does anyone have any other ideas? I'd be very grateful.

16. Comment by Nickey on February 5, 2004 7:42 PM permalink

Hi, It hit me at work one night about two and a half weeks ago. Don't know which is worse the dizziness or the loss of hearing. I do know that I haven't been on my job long enough to be eligble for loa. Now I am a prisoner in my house..soon to lose that if I lose my job...does this ever end. The Dr says it is self limiting...but when is the limit up? Are we ever able to function again?

17. Comment by Rich on February 5, 2004 8:28 PM permalink

In my case, it disappeared totally after two or three weeks and I've never had any trouble with it since. I didn't have any loss of hearing though, so I probably had quite a mild(!) case.

18. Comment by Gez on February 6, 2004 8:03 PM permalink

If you are reading this i expect like me you are hoping to find some kind of help for this problem, i have recently started to recover after spending the last week and a half housebound. It started about 3 weeks ago when i had a mild dizzy spell, a few days later i started getting severe vertigo and dizziness. After going to the doctor was diagnosed with viral labrythitis and was given stemetil (which only mildly helped with the sickness side of things) I was told i chouulld be able to live my life normallly and it didnt seem to bother me too much until a 10days ago when i my surroundings started to spin drmatically. I have to say the last week has probably been the worst in my whole life, i could barely walk 2 metres without feeling like i was going to pass out, the sickness wasnt always bad just the constant sensation of everything around me moving. After 5 days I went to see a chinese doctor who advise me to try acupunture which i did and i have improved steadily ever since. I have no idea if my own body managed to overcome this awful infection or the acupuncture but it was some comfort to know something was being done by someone to help me. Unlike the wesetern doctors who told me to just put up with it as there was nothing they could do. Good luck to anyone who has it and hope the info has been helpful.

19. Comment by Lisa Hass on February 8, 2004 12:58 AM permalink

Hello-I too have had labrynthitis. At first I saw an medical doctor who put me on meclazine and anti histamines. That helped but just knocked me out. Then I saw a naturopath. She gave me a homeopathic medication which has been helpful. Recently I started seeing my chiropractor and am having cranial-sacral therapy. It has been very helpful at getting rid of the heavy headed feeling. I still have the vertigo very slightly when I lay down on my right side. I am scheduled to see an ENT soon. I just want to be myself again. It has been 3 and a half weeks. Boy did it scare me when it came on...very intense.Good Luck, glad to know I am not the only one...

20. Comment by Lisa on February 11, 2004 2:46 AM permalink

I am happy to report that after three and a half weeks-it is gone. I would highly recommend going to a chiropractor and ask for cranial sacral therapy. It is very effective in loosening up the muscles that attach to the inner ear and jaw. This therapy is relaxing and is like someone massaging your head. It is totally natural and it works. My therapy started last Wednesday and within this week it is all gone. I can't believe it-I am symptom free. There is life after labrynthitis without all the medication. (I found the medication to be too sleep inducing and I never was rid of the symptoms. Just wanted to let you know-)

21. Comment by teresa on February 11, 2004 4:53 PM permalink

Wow, in looking at the dates of these comments, viral labyrinthis is going around. I woke up with a dizziness on sunday morning. I was fine in the afternoon and then it got worse again in the evening. I went to bed and slept like a bear. I get up (because i have three children and am self employed) and function with this anyway but my mom thought i better go to the doctor. I finally went to the doctor today and as i have no ear infection or high blood pressure, he diagnosed me with VL. I am to just go on with life and just not move around too quickly. It should just run it's course and be gone, when ever. I feel alot better today though. I'm being optimistic. I thought of things like a brain tumor, MS etc. This VL makes sense. I have only a little bit of hearing loss out of my right ear and have had a bit of the flu symptoms. I read in another web site the words: Involuntary eye movements." That is for sure. I feel like someone has a hold of the back of my eyes and is wiggling them as fast as possible. I am not the vomiting type, maybe that is why i am not throwing up. I hate this and hope it goes away soon. Good luck to all you who are being diagnosed with this in the near future. Great website!

22. Comment by Annette on February 14, 2004 6:27 AM permalink

I was diagnosed last week with labrynthitis. I hated life for about 3 days. My doctor put me on Ragland for the nausea and vomiting. Also gave me valum. they seem to be helping but I still don't feel normal by any means. This is by far the worst I have ever felt. My heart goes out to all who suffer from this. Hang in there. Any new "cures" or helpful remedies would be much appreciated. I'm scared to stop taking the medication for fear it will start all over again.

Annette

23. Comment by The Labyrinth on February 14, 2004 12:55 PM permalink

Well, I too have been suffering from VL for about three and a half months. I seem to have a milder case, since no vomiting or nausea occurs. Also I do not have a Vertigo type dizziness - meaning I don't feel things spinning, but rather I have a feeling of lightheadedness and sometimes it feels like I am going to pass out. The symptoms come and go, and in answer to flux's question - a migraine or a headache sometimes trigger it (also throat aches) I also have another weird symptom (which happens only in worse attacks): certain visual patterns disturb me.. Meaning if I am driving and there is a fence in the side of the road with recurring pattern, it can cause me uneasiness. Even patterns in shirts of other people can disturb me... (like tiles). Once when I visited my doctor I was kidding with him and told him that I find his shirt very offensive to people with my condition...

Anyway, the main lesson I have learned is that you should recruit all your mental powers and live your life normally. I even give lectures while having light episodes. You should conquer your fears, especially the fear of losing control, since your body transmits that you are going to faint any minute, but as you probably know, you do not faint that easily.

However, I sure hope it will just go away. It seems that while most people suffer from it only numerous weeks, others expereince symptoms for months and in rare cases even years...

24. Comment by Annie on February 15, 2004 12:32 AM permalink

I was diagnosed with VL last friday 8 days today.It first occured during school at lunch.I was fine one minute then the next i felt like i just finished spinning around and around as fast as i could, then trying to walk.I felt horrible, sick to the stomach but no vomiting.I had to sit down every 2 minutes because i felt like i would fall over any second.I finally decided i should go home becasue no matter how much i walked around it wasn't going away.After I went home my mother called the docter because a week or so before that i was getting very light headed adn falling over constantly.That had been happening to me for over a year and i'd seen the doctor for it, he told me if it continuned to go and see him again. but this was a totally different feeling.So i went to the doctors on friday and he told me that i had meneire disease.( which is another type of vertigo). I went home and looked it up on the internet and it said loss of hearing,which i wasn't experiencing. I thought i had brain cacer for a while.I was looking up alot of different diseases up on the internet. Scared of what i might have. I'm only 16 I didn't expect to get ill.I don't have it as serious as some of you.I dizzyer at night time, and after i do something that day. I've been out of school for 6 days, and may not be in school for another week.Although the medication Serc is helping. I'm still left with a head ache and the constant feeling of being on board a ship.I reconnmend getting lots of sleep.In the mourning is when i felt the best. I wish you all to get well.

25. Comment by Jacqui on February 20, 2004 3:37 PM permalink

I'm so glad I came by this site. I was diagnosed with VL seven years ago and it completely changed my life. I woke up vomiting and could not get out of bed without help. I was given Stemetil which helped the nausea but I was bed bound for over a week. I was tested for a stroke and a brain tumour, I could not drive for three months and was off work for six months. Even now when I am tired or stressed I have a `bad head` which does not respond to medication.The only way to make it go away is to stay in bed and sleep it off. The feeling of pressure in the head can not be explained to anyone who has not had this awful problem. My consultant who I saw for three years after the initial diagnosis, advised me to stay cool and try not to overtire myself. Some days I cannot tell my nearest and dearest just how dreadful I feel, I would be moaning all the time. On these days I have no energy and my head feels as though it is not attached to my body. To all of you fellow sufferers - KEEP SMILING (by the way, since having VL I cannot drink alcohol or stand the smell of it near me) Anyone else had a similar experience?

26. Comment by Sue on February 21, 2004 5:21 PM permalink

Has anybody heard of labyrinthitis caused by flying? My daughter was recently off work for several weeks with dizziness (and vomiting at the beginning). It started after a fight. She is back at work now but her doctor said her ear still isn't back to normal. Does anyone know how to prevent it happening again?

27. Comment by KITT on February 22, 2004 6:05 PM permalink

I WAS AT WORK 2/18..WHEN I WENT IN TO GIVE PRIVATE DUTY PATIENT SOME MEDS AT 2AM..MY HEAD BEGAN TO REEL.I MADE IT OUT OF THE ROOM AND INTO THE BASTHROOM WHERE I VOMITED UNTIL I COULD NOT MOVE...LITERALLY.THE PATIENT SAVED ME.I WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE.I COULD NOT PHYSICALLY GET UP ON MY OWN.I HAD BEEN IN THERE 51/2HRS. I HAD NOTICED FOR MAYBE A FEW WEEKS DIZZINESS AND A LITTLE FATIGUE...BUT MOSTLY MUSCLE SORENESS..ANY ONE ELSE HAVE THAT? IAM MIDDLE AGED AND THOUGHT IT WAS JUST THAT. IAM BEING TREATED WITH MECLAZINE ALSO. I RECEIVED 21/2 DAYS OF IV THERAPY AND PHENEGRINE VIA IV DURING MY HOSPITALIZATION.IAM HOME NOW AND REDUCING THE DOSAGE STEADILY,TOAVOID THE CONSTANT SLEEPING.I DON'T THINK I HAVE ANY HEARING LOSS.BUT I CONTINUE TO BE WEAK. THERE WAS A TIME,EWHEN MY HUSBAND AND I WERE OUT ONE EVENING AND I HAD A FEW DRINKS.I WAS VERY ILL THE NEXT TWO DAY'S.WE LAUGHED IT OFF AND SAID I WAS GETTING OLD,I DID HAVE REELING AND NAUSEA THEN.THIS WAS A LEAST TWO MONTHS AGO! HAS ANYONE ELSE HAD SYMPTOMS THAT LONG BEFORE?

28. Comment by Tracy on February 24, 2004 12:49 AM permalink

I was so happy to find this website!

I have been suffering since 14-Nov-2003. I woke up one day from my sleep and felt sick to my stomach. The whole room was spinning out of control--and I could not stop vomiting.

My husband took me to the ER and they thought that I had a viral infection. The next day I felt perfectly fine. However, a few days later I began having these episodes of dizziness. I remember getting in my car to drive to work and I couldn't make it off my street because the houses looked like they were moving up and down.

When the dizziness did not subside, I went to the ENT specialist and he ordered an MRI and various blood tests. Everything came back negative.

These dizzy spells have lasted for over 3 months now. Some days are worse than others. I was told that the viral labyrinthitis may have caused a condition called benign paroxysmal positional vertigo .

Has anyone else received this diagnosis? If so, please give me some advice on how to manage this condition. It is affecting my entire life and I feel miserable all the time.

29. Comment by Jamie on February 24, 2004 3:13 AM permalink

Hello fellow sufferers-This is my 2nd bout with VL-First time landed me in the ER. Here we are 18 months later and self diagnosed, I can breath my way through the vomiting. My Doc gave me Antivert which helps me sleep-but does nothing for daytime. This bout seems to be lasting longer (4 weeks) than last time. I had no symptoms till I fell out of bed-then the onset of a headcold-now just this complete fog and clumsiness. Has anyone tried herbal remedies? Would love any other advice!!! Especially for the tumbling?

30. Comment by Gino on February 24, 2004 6:24 PM permalink

Thought I was the only onw suffering from this. Although I have never been diagnosed with this illness I new from research on the web that my symptoms must have been Viral Labyrinthitis. It first happened three years ago. I was driving a car when my eyes suddenly darted back and forth involuntarily. Several days later I noticed this occurring again but also had a feeling of imbalance. Well my heart rate went sky high. Not knowing what had happened I went to the local ER. They performed testing to check my heart, Ct scan of my brain and some other tests. They found nothing. The next few days the condition worsened. I drive a car for a living and did not trust myself driving a car so I called in sick until I could see my DR. I never vomited. Only my disdain for vomiting kept that from happening. I had terrible head aches and fatigue along with other symptoms all of you describe. When I went to my doctor he thought I was having anxiety attacks. Well at that point I may well have been because of what I was feeling. He sent me home after prescribing antivert. I revisited my doctor several more times and more testing was done. Heart testing, ct scan even went to ENT specialist. No body could diagnose it. Well I returned to work a month later still with milder symptoms. The symptoms waned at about 6 months. After three years I still have relapses about every 6 or 7 months, mostly during the winter months. I have had very many good months with mild symptoms and months with no problem at all. The relapses I have seem to lessen in severity every year. I hope that continues. Just wanted to give my input and to tell you that you should fight through the bad days and that better days will be ahead. Keep up the hope.

31. Comment by Joyce on February 25, 2004 11:20 AM permalink

My 16 year old son had severe incapacitating vertigo yesterday which hospitalized him and scared us all. He has a slightly elevated white cell count, but the doctors could see nothing in the ears, though a few weeks ago he complained about hearing loss off and on at which time I took the typical Mom route and told him to stop blasting music through earphones. I'm happy to have found a possible name for what he's got: Labyrinthitis. I'm curious to know if any of you experiencing or close to someone experiencing this horrible condition relates geometrical based video/computer games/programs as a possible antagonist. Maybe cell phones, etc. as well.

32. Comment by Claire on February 29, 2004 7:24 PM permalink

What 'The Labyrinth' said about patterns aggravating symptoms sounds very familiar. My post VL symptoms are not too severe, but I do constantly get this lightheadedness, like I have just stepped off a rollercoaster, and I find it is exacerbated and sometimes even triggered by reading or using the computer. Using the telephone also makes the spaced out feeling worse. Does anyone else get that? I feel like I just want to rest my eyes and keep my head still. I also still get ear aches and fullness in the ear. I've just started seeing a cranial osteopath and its helping relieve the headaches and earaches.

33. Comment by Jonathan on February 29, 2004 9:59 PM permalink

hi,

I 'think' i have VL.

I have had symptoms of 24/7 dizziness / brain fog / confusion / imbalance / fatigue / depression / headaches / uncontrollable eye movements since Nov 2003.

My neurologist just said i had a viral infection. I am going back Tues and i am going to put it forward that i think this is VL. I seemed to get better Jan-Feb, but am currently suffering a relapse. Its not a good feeling but hang in there!!! I am very lucky though as i have not suffered the severe vertigo (spinning senations) or vomiting, altough i did vomit midly once before christmas. I dont think i have been doing myself any favours as lazing around the house is apparently not good for recovery, ive heard carrying on normally (or to the best you can without over-doing it) helps your brain reconfigurate as you carry on with normal activities. This is hard to do because of the anxiety, fatigue and dizziness of course. I think tomorrow is a new day, and a new regime for me. I will recover from this. Four months tomorrow, just think another day is another day to recovery :-) best wishes everyone

34. Comment by Bill on March 4, 2004 2:51 AM permalink

I have had maybe seven episodes of the sensation that everthing was spinning (Vertigo?). A few when I was 8, some when I was in high school, and a few just the past two weeks (I'm 37 now). Each episode only lasts about a minute or two, but they are severe and bring on cold sweats and headache. The latest happened while I was driving, which scared the hell out of me. I had to pull over and ride it out. In between each episode I'm totally fine. I rock climb, mountain climb, bike alot...etc. I was in the Navy on a ship for a few years and no episodes then. I can handle the spells. I don't get nauseas. It's the uncertainty that bothers me. I'll be at the ENT on Monday. Thanks to all that have posted their own experiences.

35. Comment by Amanda on March 5, 2004 12:49 PM permalink

HI, I have been suffering from labrinthitis for the past 9 weeks without a day off from the symtoms. I have two small children aged 4 & 1, I find it hard to do any of the day to day things with them. I have had very little sypathy from the doctors and am waiting for my Emergeny appointment at the Ent (Thats not untill April). I am at my witts end with this and have even contemplated taking my own life over the past few days. I am on Serc. Please Help!!!!!!!

36. Comment by GLUKE on March 9, 2004 3:01 AM permalink

I sympathise with all of you. I was diagnosed with VL last week and after a bout in hospital via the ER I am back home again. I ditched the Stematil as I was not having nausea just the vertigo and some tintinitis. Has anyone come across any natural therapies to help overcome the symptoms?

37. Comment by Diana on March 13, 2004 6:00 PM permalink

So glad to come across this site dedicated to those who have or are suffering from VL. I'm 45 and I was diagnosed with labyrinthitis 2 months ago and can honestly say it has been the most debilitating illness I have ever had. The violent giddiness and vomiting was a sudden and frightening experience. I also had jerky eye movements, and just opening my eyes caused the room to spin and jerk constantly. After 3 days the GP put me on Betahistine, which didn't really have much effect. I was told it would clear up within 2 weeks, but that was a joke - I didn't feel normal in the head as the dizziness was constant (although it gradually became less severe over time). I couldn't drive or work and it's clear from other entries on this site that it commonly takes a lot longer to subside. As a Wholistic Life Coach, I am aware that there are often emotional messages behind ill health and am a firm believer in seeking alternative help. I weaned myself off the medication over a period of a week, and sought other methods of help. A combination of cranio-sacral therapy, acupressure and homeopathy, and the realisation of how stressed I have been, has finally led to a 90% recovery. Only in the past 2-3 weeks or so has the constant sensation of dizziness inside my head eased and I actually feel normal again. Conventional western medicine focuses on symptomatic relief at best, and does nothing to help any underlying cause. We tend to put our trust in the people in white coats, without understanding that they don't always have the answers. The past 2 months has provided me with the opportunity to work through some emotional stuff and I can now say it's a blessing as I have deepened my knowledge of issues surrounding emotional ill health which I can now use in my work as a coach. Things I have learnt: 1.Listen to your body and look after yourself while you heal 2.Find a really good complementary health practitioner 3.Start moving about and walking, driving etc as soon as you can, even if it triggers the dizziness, as it helps the delicate balance mechanism in compensating and retraining itself. This provides a more complete recovery in the long run. Hope this is of comfort to those who are currently suffering.

38. Comment by Judy on March 14, 2004 2:03 PM permalink

Hi My daughter is 13 and she has had viral labyrinthitis for almost 2 months. Her ENT was sure she had migranes, and I took her to my neurologist who put her on migrane pills because of her ENT's diagnosis. At least her ENT did order an ENG test, which did show she had VL. She has been dizzy for 2 months, missed school for 3 weeks, she is in 8th grade, missed cheerleading for 3 weeks, which is important to her, and got in trouble for that from her coach. I worry about her all the time, because I know she is functioning constantly feeling dizzy. I have no idea how that feels. Her ENT just put her on 6 days of steroids, and is sending her for inner ear movement therapy, which she is going to start in 2 days. He also is sending her to a doctor her specializes with this at John Hopkins, since we live in the Baltimore area. My daughter has been so brave with this, and I was so happy to come across this website this morning and read your comments. Your comments will help me know how to help her, and help me know what she is going through. I knew that the migrane thing never sounded right. My neurologist was just going on the diagnosis that my daughter's ENT sent him. If you have any comments that can help my 13 year old daughter, I would appreciate hearing from you. I wish all of you the best. Thank you, Judy

39. Comment by Dawn on March 14, 2004 10:22 PM permalink

I woke up early on 3-11 and could barely stand up to go to the bathroom. Had to hold onto the wall the whole way there and back. At first I thought the wine I had for dinner the night before was still in my system! I decided to take it easy the next day and just relax. I was nauseated and dizzy. Had to lay still to avoid the swirling effects. Had no appetite and could barely eat anything. When the symtoms did not go away, my husband took me to the doctor on 3-12. I was diagnosed with acute labrynthitis. Started a perscription of meclizine which has completely eliminated the nausea, but I still am experiencing a little dizzyness and blurry vision. I decided 2 days in bed was enough and went out all day 3/13. Managed to get around and drive ok. Do not have complete balance and I feel like I'm on a boat. Need to steady myself. I believe that forcing yourself to move around is helpful. I hope my symptoms go away completely in a few more days. I plan to try to cranial sacral therapy and if anyone has any other non-perscription recommendations, please let me know.

40. Comment by kitt on March 18, 2004 2:13 AM permalink

just a little update to my previous comments,i am just over...or maybe more accuratly...better. its been a month.i was able to go off the antivert,four days ago. i now have the weirdest thing...if i bite something hard..a candy,or food. iget the sensation of dizziness and a hollow funny feeling in my head.it only last second's,but is very scary.it feels as if it will all start again. yes patterns and turning my head too quickly do trigger the dizziness. will the sacrocranial therapy help the tightness in my neck and back? ive also developed jumpy legs when sleeping,something i never had before. hope you all feel better soon..you can't say this hasn't taught you something..either good or bad.

41. Comment by Vinny on March 18, 2004 8:21 AM permalink

I am a 52 year old male from UK.I thought my time was up! I had this horrible viral infection starting Monday 15th March 2004 early evening.Fortunately I was taken to hospital where I was diagnosed with Labrinthitis. I was given medication which helped. The first symptom was a feeling of dizziness followed by nausea. The room was spinning at 90 miles an hour, then I started to vomit. This lasted for some 3 and a half hours. I still feel dizzy now although it's only been 3 days since this started. I was advised bed rest for 3-5 days. Now my backs aching with staying in bed so long. The strangest thing was that I was able to recount everything as it happened and had no other symptoms i.e chest pains or head ache. I hope to be clear in a few days.

42. Comment by Sine on March 20, 2004 3:07 PM permalink

Hi I have been off work for 6 months with Labyrinthitis and sinusitis. My Doctor told me I had this condition from the very first month that I was signed off. Like fellow sufferers I felt very flu like to begin with, which increased to the dizzyness, sickness, ringing in the ear etc. I waited 4 months for an appointment with ENT and have only now received their report. I ended up paying £485 for an MRI Scan as no Scan was forth coming via the NHS and the worry that something else was going on in my head was too much to wait any longer.

I am glad to say yesterday the results of the MRI Scan was negative and it was money well spent!

I have been signed off for a further month and now have to face up to the fact that I have to wait each morning to see how I am - as we all know there is no cure! I have tried reike - which is an amazing experience and I would trully recommend that you should try it as it has an amazing calming feeling to it and somehow everything doesn't feel too bad! I was interested that someone has recommended acupuncture and I will surely try that as I am getting to the stage that I will try anything.

I do hope to return to work next month - on a part-time basis but I am very worried how I will cope - but hey you got to earn a living somehow.

It was great to find this site and see that I am not the only one.

Good luck to you all S x

43. Comment by David on April 12, 2004 7:49 PM permalink

Gee, I read the stuff other people have gone through with this and I must admit I feel fortunate. Less than three weeks ago, I had an attack of vertigo that lasted about a day and a half. Scariest moment in my life.

Went to the doctor. I could barely walk. They put me in a wheelchair, gave me an MRI, x-rays, and a hearing test. No signs of any damage to anything.

Sent me home, and I slept off the vertigo. Since then, I've had a weird balance problem. The world is a hand held camera. I can walk, work, and think. But I tire easily, especially after a hard day's work.

My biggest fear is this will never go away, and that I'll spend the rest of my life like this. I'm a teacher and writer and I worry how this will effect my performance at these tasks. I have two kids, can I be a proper Dad to them? That sort of thing.

Luckily, my symptoms are basically a nuisance at this point. I just float a bit when I walk. Two doctors have diagnosed labryinthitis, and from what everyone is saying here, that sounds right.

I only hope it eventually goes away. Should try apucuncture and the cranial therapy, I guess. In the meantime, I know I could have it a whole lot worse.

It's just such a weird thing.

Best

David

44. Comment by Bonnie on April 12, 2004 11:07 PM permalink

Thanks to all for the details on this site. I sympathize with you. I too have been diagnosed with labrynthitis and have spent 10 days fighting the vertigo. I have been spared the severe nausea and vomiting, but the dizziness persists. Question: Kitt reported feeling a tightness/pain in the neck and shoulders. Has anyone else felt this too? Drs. have me on Anti-vert (for dizziness) and Entex (to dry me out). Dr also said that drainage was key--getting the fluid out of the inner ear. Anyone else hear anything like this? Am going to see an ENT ASAP. Well wishes to all!

45. Comment by Rachel on April 17, 2004 10:44 AM permalink

I have been dealing with the after effects of labyrinthitis for just under four months. The main symptoms now are ear ache, tightness in the neck and light headedness when i do anything which exerts me, or when i read/ use the computer. The neck pain is prevalent, (to answer Bonnie's question) it feels like there is a clamp around it, similar to the feeling you get when your glands are swollen. I'd be interested to hear about anyone else's experiences with this.. and also of ear ache. Both symptoms are constant, alongside a residual pressure or 'fullness' in my inner ear. Good luck everyone.

46. Comment by diane jones on April 23, 2004 6:19 PM permalink

i also have been suffering from v/l.I had a raw throat and cold/flu to start with , then both my ears started buzzing . I woke feeling very unbalanced and very sick.I have tablets for the dizzyness.My main concern is my ear,as one of my ears has still not returned to normal, i still suffer from tittinus/full feeling and almost deaf in it.I find i am very tired and wish it would go away.My heart goes out to all of you who have suffered from this awful virus.Its my 10 th day now..how much longer does this go on for?

47. Comment by Jo Stone on May 1, 2004 7:07 PM permalink

Im so glad to have found all of you. It is very comforting...

March 24th about 7:30 pm I was on the sun-porch with my mother talking.. when sitting down I got violently dizzy... but it went away.. I chalked it up to a head rush.

About 9:00 that same night I was sitting on the couch with my family watching tv when that feeling came back.. worse.. and wasnt going away this time.

I yelled for my mother to call 911 cause i thought i was dying. My daughters first b-day was a week away I couldnt die.. :( The EMT's came.. checked my vitals and they were fine. They told me right off the bat that it was probably just vertigo.

So they left and i still felt weird.. spaced out.. like cotton candy... like im here but not.. like im in a dream. We went to bed.. woke up the next day and i was still dizzy.

for the next week every morning i would open my eyes.. and say ok am i still dizzy? i would get up and yup stumble to the bathroom I would.

My inlaws came to visit for my daughters party and thank god my mother lives with us. My daughter has plenty of love and care even if it isnt from me :( which is bitter sweet cause I want to be the one playing with her.

I had to lay down thru her b-day party.. completely missed her one year check up.. and I have been couch bound for weeks not even able to pick her up or hold her without fear of dropping her.

The day after her party I was laying in bed in the dark during a violent dizzy spell.. my body got warm and and my arms went numb i thought i was gonna die again. we called 911 and this time went to the ER. That jerk handed me zanax and told me it was just my nerves... well if it is then why am i still dizzy and in a brain fog?

2 weeks after that i went back to my dr cause i was still constantly dizzy.. spaced out... miserable. he sent me to an ENT.... who said.. Viral LAB... sent me home with Ativan.

Ativan helps me sleep and keeps me from calling 911 .. thats about all. everything else is the same.

My husband took me out to the store the other night just to see how i would feel. I was looking at mothers day cards and it looked like the wrack of cards was melting and oozing down towards me. we had to leave.

being in the car isnt as bad as u would think. I could NOT DRIVE NO WAY but as a passanger im fine.

So 2 more weeks had passed and i went back to the ent.. he ordered an MRI which i take on monday may 3rd... and also had me go to the opthamologist which i did last week and i have 20/20 vision with no abnormalties.

it now as been one month one week and one day and i see no improvement in site. I am so scared that I will have this for the rest of my life and will never beable to be the mother to my daughter that i have waited my whole life to be

Im angry and depressed that i have been jipped out of this past month of her life.. especially her first birthday.

i guess a list of my total symptoms would be

constantly unbalanced brain fog fatigue feel like im lookin thru someone elses glasses fullness in right ear fullness in right temple with in the last 2 weeks my jaw, neck, and upper arm are starting to have soreness i honestly feel like my head is bogged down i forget things ... all our bills were at least a week late this past month... i put the orange juice in the cabinet instead of the fridge on more than one occasion....

i just wish this would all go away !!!!! i want to feel normal again. I want my daughter to have her mommy back ..

it breaks my heart to see her run to grandma when she has a boo boo instead of to me cause its been over a month since i can comfort her. Its like she is forgetting me cause im to busy laying here on the couch

LABYRINTHITIS SUCKS

48. Comment by mary on May 5, 2004 9:14 PM permalink

Hello,

I was relieved to read that my husband's symptoms are very much within the realm of labyrinthitis weirdness. A week ago I took him to the ER because he was totally out of it, didn't know his name, where he was or what was going on when the EMT's came to the house. He has really terrible headaches most of all now, but had nausea and vomiting at first, with dizziness and difficulty speaking, finding the right words, feeling confused, eyes hurting, etc. It was the mental disorientation that scared me most. The ER doctor prescribed meclizine which made my husband just sleep all the time without really lessening symptoms. I am searching for alternative treatments for him. The homeopathic Merc. Sol. is apparently good for an inflamed inner ear so he's trying that. Does aspirin even help anyone with the headaches? I've been a natural healing advocate all my life and don't even have experience with aspirin. Eating any salt seems to rapidly make matters worse for my husband, so none of that for now. He might try acupuncture or cranio-sacral therapy. It all seems to have come on after a tooth broke or possibly some sinusitis...not very clear on it all...it came out of the blue, though as a toddler he had something similar...nothing since then. Good luck to everyone. I sure hope we can find something that works too.

49. Comment by Tracy on May 7, 2004 11:06 AM permalink

I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis last year and began to panic in March when I suddenly woke up vomiting and unable to move from my bed due to the dizzyness,so my first thought was that it was my MS. I was rushed into to hospital and was then diagnosed with Labrynthitus on the 19th of March. It is horrible but the symptoms are easing now over a month later due to alternative medicine. I am still dizzy and my head feels spaced out and my balance is poor but I am trying to deal with it. I agree with the neck feeling tight and headaches do make it worse. I have gone back to work part time (as we all need to earn) and am trying to carry on with life as normal because over the last week I have been feeling really low with it and just want to be normal. I was prescribed Betahistine. I am now trying accupuncture and herbal tablets which seem to be making the symptoms a little less severve week by week. I am willing to try anything as I just want rid, so the next thing to try may be carnio-sacral therapy. Fiding this website has made me feel no longer alone. Good luck to you all.

50. Comment by Sarah on May 10, 2004 12:01 AM permalink

My 11 year old daughter endured 3 severe attacks of viral labyrinthitis in 2002. Thankfully a CT brain scan and MRI were clear but she to was left with terrible symptoms of dizziness, spaced out feelings, severe tiredness, blurred vision. Alternating levels of deafness...what she use to call tin can hearing, headaches, etc. Menieres has not yet been ruled out but the wayforward for her has been time and vestibular rehabilatation at a specialised balance clinic. If your symptoms continue it is best to see an ENT who specialises and understands the effects of inner ear disease. It has been difficult for us, in the past, dealing with paediatricians and GPs who do not understand how vestibular disorders affect the whole body.

51. Comment by dave on May 17, 2004 5:00 PM permalink

Hi all not nice is this Labrynthitus, seemed to get it driveing back back from Heathrow when I had to move my head, no other signs at all, the only thing I can think of is that I caught my ear on the car door getting in a day or two before this started, but I dont have any ear pains.Have been of work now for a week am self employed driver so I have to be fit. I have been prescribed stemitil but seems to have no action only feeling a little sick but have had the sweats. Hope you all feel better soon.

Dave

52. Comment by Susan Duncan on May 19, 2004 4:20 PM permalink

Hi, I was diagnosed with Labrynthitus on May 16, 2004. My symtoms were vomiting, dizziness and extreme weekness. It began when I was cleaning the kids room and suddenly I became very dizzy. I thought that it was just another one of those dizzy spells but after a few minutes I realized that this was different. I was rushed to the hospital and after the tests all came back normal the doctor told me that I had an inner ear disturbance called Labrynthitus. I have been sick for three days now and I'm depressed and miserable. I'm still nauseated and feel heaviness in my head. I am weak but I still force myself to move around and get things done in the house. When I feel I've had enough I lay down and rest. I have gone cold turkey and refuse to take any medication. Resting seems to aliviate my syptoms. This is even worse then the flue though and my heart goes out to all that have experienced it. My room-mate has had it and she tells me to just hang in there that at some point I will feel completely well. My advise is to just try to relax and not push yourself beyond your limit. It doesn't last forever.

53. Comment by Dave on May 20, 2004 12:54 PM permalink

Hi All After reading about this horrible condition I have seen that ginger helps, I bought a couple of ginger cakes and biscuits the other day this takes away the sick feeling, good for sea and travel sicknes. Its been 8 days now feeling a little better.

Dave

54. Comment by Tom on May 20, 2004 10:19 PM permalink

Hello

Its coming up to five months since my viral labyrinthitis started, although most of the symptoms have eased off now. However I am still getting really bad ear pain, right inside the ear. Its like a permanent throbbing. It gets worse/ better when the presssure in my ears gets worse/better. Nothing will shift it..

Sound familiar to anyone??

55. Comment by Susan on May 21, 2004 2:05 PM permalink

Hi it's Susan again. I've now had Labyrinthitis for about five days and feel just a little better. I'm still a bit nauseated and I have sweats from time to time but it's not as bad as it was the first three days. I haven't been able to drive since Saturday May 15, but I have someone drive me around when I need to get things done. I feel some pressure in my right ear and sometimes I feel as if my brain is shifting. I can't wait to resume my daily activities and feel free of this awful virus. I started my vacation on Saturday and by Sunday I was sick. I have one more week left of vacation and I don't want to spend it sick and in bed. Good luck to all and a quick recovery.

56. Comment by Annie Aronson on May 25, 2004 8:19 AM permalink

As selfish as it sounds, I'm so grateful to know there are people out there who understand how debilitating this thing is. Mine came on gradually after a pharmacist made a mistake prescribing predisone and ordered me to take eight days worth immediately--I'd already been given 60 miligrams in the Ed for an alergic reaction.

Before the overdose, I worked three jobs--I'm am instensive case manager working exclusively with clients meeting our state's criteria for "gravely disabled." I was also the on-call carisis case manager weekends for adults with devoplmental disabilities. Now I do nothing but stay in bed.

The dizziness is miserable but the vertigo I experience seems mild to what I read in the stories above. My prolems began with what I thought was the stomach flu; upon getting up in the morning, I had bouts of violent retching. Felt better as day progressed. Then had a few good days until the "flu" returned. Three months later, I can't work--I get up each morning and the retching lasts for hours. Going up and down stairs is horrible but the worst is riding in the car. I have seen an ENT--he says my MRI was normal. He can't explain the mild dizziness or the retching. Will this ever go away? I want my life back! The ENT doc said this isn't labyrnthitis--he said he could tell my the MRI. I'm beginning to feel like a crzy person.

Do any of you experience the retching as the worst symptom? I retch so hard I lose control of bladder and bowels. I'm 54--could this just be old age? I feel so completely alone and useless. I sure could use a word of encouragment. At this point, there is no quality to my life.

Thanks for listening,

Annie

57. Comment by Aimee on June 9, 2004 5:19 PM permalink

oooooooh that dont sound too nice babes! i feel srry for you! gutted! glad nothing like that has happened to me!!! ha ha mother fucker! xxx

58. Comment by diane jones on June 10, 2004 10:30 PM permalink

this is my second posting.I have had labrithitis for 8 weeks now.I initially had nausea and the feeling as if i was going to vomit,plus the buzzing in the ears/hearing lose. I feel much better in myself, but i still have the tittinus and partial hearing lose in one ear.I am due to see a specialist soon.In answer to toms question, i have of late been getting slight ear pain in my affected ear, nothin too severe,but uncomfortable all the same.my doctor feels it could resolve its self within the next 2 months.if only ..... fingers crossed

59. Comment by Linda Ward on June 11, 2004 4:48 PM permalink

Hello everybody, I have been suffering from viral labyrinthitis for just over a year now. I have posted my imformation on here before. One thing that worries me is I am going on holiday in a few weeks time and really worrying about the prospect of flying, and how it will affect my ears. Does anybody know any thing I can use or take that might make my flight easier? Also I love swimming, any body got any ideas about that too? I am grateful for any imformation any one can give me. Thankyou Linda

60. Comment by diane jones on June 12, 2004 6:18 PM permalink

linda, we could all give you information , but can i suggest you should speak to your GP for the best possible advise.what symptoms do you still have?.Oh and happy hols ......... I have noticed that the symtoms vary from person to person.I had/have little of the balance disturbance, but dreadful ringing/noises in ears and partial deafness.Good luck

61. Comment by Susanna on June 14, 2004 10:03 AM permalink

Hi everyone,

I was diagnosed with Viral Labryinthitus in July 2001. I then saw a vestibular rehabilitation specialist in Harley Street, London who gave me special excercised to do and recommended I play tennis at least twice a week so retrain my failed balance organ. This seemed to work and by Oct 2001 I was feeling back to normal. Due to several stresses in my life the labrynthitus returned in March 2003 and thankfully only remained for 6 weeks. When I have a rebout of the illness I have severe headaches, earache/fullness in the ear, general brain fog and feel extremely tired. I had another rebout in December 2003 and have been having dizzy spells, earache and headaches on and off since then. I have been seeing an acupuncturist for 6 weeks now and have been playing tennis again regurlary which seems to be helping. Badminton and table tennis would also be good for those of you who do not enjoy playing tennis.

If anyone has any other suggestions of how to get over this annoying illness permanently or tips on how to avoid feeling awful then please let me know

Nice to know there are others out there also going through this terrible illness

Susanna

62. Comment by Samantha on June 27, 2004 9:52 PM permalink

Hi

I can not beleive I have found a web site with so many stories that I can relate to.

I have not been clinically diagnosed with VL but have been suffering from symptoms of severe droning in my ears, extreme dizziness and feeling nauseous since Sept 03.

Does anybody else have the symptoms of muscle spasms, similar to that of parkinsons??? I have little head jerks (like a little wobble) every now and then and it is beggining to really get on my nerves. I havent told anyone about these symptoms as I feel such an idiot.

In Sept 03 my GP diagnosed labyrithitis and gave me stemitil which cleared the symptoms within days. On stopping the stemitil the symptoms came straight back, again I went on stemitil.

Everytime my GP told me to stop the symptoms came back more violently than the last. Eventually he told me to stay on them and that he would refer me to a specialist. Hospitals in the UK have such a long waiting list and I eventually saw a consultant in Feb 04, I am now awaiting an MRI scan which I have been told will be a 13 month wait which is ridiculous!!! I have to stay on the tablets until then.

I saw another consultant last week who has now told me I could possibly be suffering from menieres disease but is unsure as my symptoms come back straight away after stopping the stemitil which is not typical of menieres. I am no better off as he has put me on different tablets (cinnarizine). They make me feel so drowsy I nearly fell asleep at work and they also bloat out my stomach which is really painful. I am so fed up of being a pill popper and not really knowing for sure what is wrong with me.

Although my boyfriend and family are supportive they dont really know what I am going through. I feel as though they think I am putting the symptoms on. When the symptoms are at their worst I cant get out of bed - not even to go to the toilet, I cant read, watch tv as the slightest movement sends the room spinning at such a speed it makes me feel sick. I feel like a child again, I cant do anything for myself, I feel totally inadequate.

The longest the tablets have taken to stop the attack has been 2 weeks. I feel completely isolated, the droning makes me feel like im going round the bend, I feel like a hypocondriac (excuse the spelling!!!) I am forever feeling unwell.

I have tried to relate the attacks to things that I have done... have I used the mobile too much, did I drink too much at the weekend, did I not get enough sleep??? Could it be from inhaling helium balloons on my sisters 18th birthday? Stupid thing to do but could that be the cause? And if so why am I the only one suffering - we all did it!

I can relate to so many of the stories that I have read on this site, I too feel like my life is on hold, the thought of going on holiday scares the life out of me, will the plane upset my balance? I can no longer go in a lift as that feeling you get when it stops carries on and on I cant go on rides at the funfair, infact I cant even watch some of the rides as it sets the spinning off again.

I never want to go out, I'd much rather stay indoors than go anywhere which I feel my boyfriend is getting annoyed about (not that he says so)I cant tell him how I feel - he wont understand.

I'm 31 years old, I really want to start a family, my GP tells me I cant whilst taking these tablets so what do I do? I cant come off them!

I feel like Im going on and on and that nobody will want to read what I have to say, but in a way this is therapy, I feel that maybe somebody will read this and just by doing that I know that they will relate to what i am going through.

I would really like to know about any alternate therapies out there, I have tried hypnosis and accupunctute - both didnt work, I may try reiki soon, Im sure you'll agree, when you have these symptoms - you'll give anything a go to see if it works.

Any feedback would be very gratefully appreciated.

Thanks for taking the time to read this!

XXX

63. Comment by Rich on June 27, 2004 10:02 PM permalink

I just want to say that I read every comment posted here. Unfortunately, though, I have no more insight into how to deal with labyrinthitis than I did when I suffered from it.

If you do have Meniere's, don't despair: Alan Shepherd flew to the Moon on Apollo 14 despite suffering from it!

64. Comment by Samantha on June 28, 2004 7:20 AM permalink

Wow, I didnt expect such a quick response but thank you.

Im writing again as I went to bed last night so excited about finding this site and remembered a few things I hadnt written.

As I said last night, I saw a different consultant last week. This is due to the fact that the 1st consultant I saw done a few tests on me and one of them was closing my eyes and marching on the spot. All fellow sufferers know that having the symptoms and doing a simple task like this is hell. To my disbelief the consultant told me to sit down and that I suffered from a lack of confidence!!!!!!!! If only that is all the problem is. Hense a new consultant! (whom is very helpful - thankfully)

Also, I would like to outline a few other symptoms I have and wondered if anyone else had the same...

Memory loss.....Im becoming very forgetful, I dont know if it is the tablets or not or just my imagination, simple tasks like adding up are becoming harder... its as if the numbers Im adding are coming from either side of my brain but dont meet in the middle, I use a calculator at work now!!! And my speech, I often cant get my words out or forget what Im saying half way through. Its as Susanna said, before my 1st message, it really is like a brain fog! Im sure Im going mad!

When I have the drone in my ears I cant hear my boyfriend, people on the phone or the tv, its like my head is in a fish bowl. However, the people that live in the flat above, their footsteps seem like a heard of elephants in my head, I find that very strange!

Stress makes things worse. I work on reception and deal with a lot of demanding people, I often have a 'swimmy' head at work, even on the tablets and can only put this down to stress as when Im home at the weekends I rarely get them!

Im tired all the time now, I fall asleep when I get in from work or after dinner, this really gets on my nerves as well as my boyfriends. I used to have 5-6 hours sleep a night, now I have at least 8-9 otherwise I cant function.

Thanks for listening. And thanks for your comments, I have no plans as yet to travel to the moon but hey - who knows!

XXX

65. Comment by Ann on June 28, 2004 6:55 PM permalink

Hi,

I've had VL since March 04. It started after a sinus infection, with vertigo (the room spinning) after I awoke. Luckily, it only lasted 1 hour. I took antibiotics, antihistamines, and ativan (a tranquilizer)given by my GP. My symptoms were unbalance, constant dizziness, fatigue, and as someone said looking at the world through a hand held camera.

The constant dizziness lasted 8 weeks. I still have trouble tracking visually. My ENT and Neurologist said there's nothing for it but time. I went to Physical Therapy for homework exercises. Basically slowly increasing exposure to things that make you dizzy. Watching fast moving shows on tv, walking through video stores, driving with others to watch fast moving traffic. They said do all you can when you feel rested enuf. It helped some.

They suggested a library book called "Feeling Dizzy, Understanding and Treating Dizziness, Vertigo,and other Balance Disorders" by Brian W. Blakley, M.D., Ph.D. and Mary-Ellen Siegel, M.S.W. Hope it helps.

I hope all of you have some support system helping you get through. These symptoms are very disturbing and tiring. My neurologist said Nystagmus (a jittery movement in ones eyes after looking left to right while following a pen) is usually present with inner ear nerve disorders. It's what causes the difficulty watching tv, etc. It improves over time.

Best wishes to all, Ann

66. Comment by kev on June 29, 2004 1:33 PM permalink

hi,

my v/l started on 24 june and at first i put it down to having a drink the night before, however when hung over the room doesnt normally spin. i was stumbling around a lot and banging into things. i was also constantly dizzy. i thought that a good night sleep would be the answer. the next morning i fell out of bed stood up and continued to stagger about, again feeling very dizzy. i seen the dr that day who just told me to keep an eye on it. thanks!! i got home, made a cup of tea and the whole room started to spin, it wasnt spinning fast but i couldnt focus on anything as everything was moving from right to left. i struggled for the next few days walking around as if i was drunk, not feeling myself and occasionally falling to the floor. i finally seen another dr who mentioned v/l and has prescribed me some tablets which i have not taken yet. on the 10th day i woke up and felt 100% better and have done ever since, the whole time i was never sick nor suffered any pain or discomfort.i will start taking my medication as i do not want this to come back. good luck to everyone, i only had it for 10 days but for me that was bad enough. if it does not come back at least you will know that life does go on afte viral labrynthitis!

67. Comment by kev on June 29, 2004 1:34 PM permalink

hi,

my v/l started on 24 june and at first i put it down to having a drink the night before, however when hung over the room doesnt normally spin. i was stumbling around a lot and banging into things. i was also constantly dizzy. i thought that a good night sleep would be the answer. the next morning i fell out of bed stood up and continued to stagger about, again feeling very dizzy. i seen the dr that day who just told me to keep an eye on it. thanks!! i got home, made a cup of tea and the whole room started to spin, it wasnt spinning fast but i couldnt focus on anything as everything was moving from right to left. i struggled for the next few days walking around as if i was drunk, not feeling myself and occasionally falling to the floor. i finally seen another dr who mentioned v/l and has prescribed me some tablets which i have not taken yet. on the 10th day i woke up and felt 100% better and have done ever since, the whole time i was never sick nor suffered any pain or discomfort.i will start taking my medication as i do not want this to come back. good luck to everyone, i only had it for 10 days but for me that was bad enough. if it does not come back at least you will know that life does go on afte viral labrynthitis!

68. Comment by Paul on June 29, 2004 5:46 PM permalink

Hello to all fellow sufferers !! I have been in your gang now for almost a month , it's only now that I have been able to function properly - even typing this message a few days ago would have been impossible !! I was also prescribed stematil by my GP and told to rest - like I could really do bugger all else ! - What he failed to tell me is the information that I have found from all of you on this site i.e. The fact that it could last all of my life rather than a few days like he said , also different alternatives like chiropady etc , so a great big thanks to all of you that have risked throwing up just to type a word of comfort to people like me seeking answers and alternative medicines . A great big thanks should also go out to the creators of this site because the other sites that come up on search engines are a load of pants and not helpful at all.

I wish every last one of you the very best of luck with your Vertigo and hope that like me we can move on with normal lives again soon .

69. Comment by Jo on July 5, 2004 5:27 PM permalink

Hello there This has been a comfort and also slightly alarming in terms of how long people have suffered. After two months and my fourth week off work, I seem to be on the mend. No nausea for me but the dizziness and extreme fatigue has been horrible. I ended up in casualty because after trying to go back to work (I'm a teacher) I got to the end of the week and just couldn't move any more or even speak. I thought I was agrophobic because I couldn't handle crowds or supermarkets and at my worst was pretty much hallucinating as I tried to walk. Someone mentioned memory loss- I really struggled with recalling words in the early stages - not helpful when you're an English teacher. I've been walking with a stick for quite a while now to prop me up and increase my confidence when walking. Recently started acupuncture, taking omega-3, eating chicken (I was a veggie for 18yrs...), taking Floridax (herbal liquid stuff) and increased Betahistine to 16mg. Beginning to feel normal again and am still off work. Who knows what worked but who cares...keep positive, we will get better!

70. Comment by Francis on July 5, 2004 6:17 PM permalink

HI

I've had labyrinthitis on and off since I was a teenager - and am currently suffering from a bout - fairly mild, but still debilitating. I am dizzy a lot of the time - feeling tired and also have memory problems.

I have a specific question and was wondering if anyone has similar experiences, and advice: when I swim - especially for any length of time, it tends to bring back the dizziness - this time it's already lasted a few days. Has anyone had similar experiences? And I was wondering if I wore ear-plugs whether that would help avoid this. Any suggestions or comments welcome.

71. Comment by Dee Dee on July 14, 2004 6:09 PM permalink

Hello I was had slight VL or vertigo symptoms over a year ago and was told that it was a side affect to the antidepressants I was taking. Well I've been off of the antidepressants for a year, and on June 30, I was diagnosed with VL. I don't have the vomitting but I do have the occassional nausea. I also have hot flashes, but I just thought it was because I was menopausal. I also have headaches and I sleep a lot with and without the Meclizine I was prescribed. My head feels like it is super duper heavy and my neck hurts when I'm up for too long I guess because of over compensation for the "heavy head". My driving is impaired so I have to bum rides from people.

Does anyone know if riding airplanes make the symptoms worse?

Dee Dee

72. Comment by Terie on July 15, 2004 5:30 PM permalink

I'm really glad to have found this site. This is my fourth bout with VL and I had no idea it could last as long as you guys are saying. That's really depressing. I'm on Week Seven with this bout and it's the worst case ever. The nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and fugue head are enough to drive anyone mad. But to think this could be forever... I hope not. Does anyone know if there is permanent damage to our body after having had it, provided we ever recover from it at all?

73. Comment by flux on July 22, 2004 6:37 PM permalink

In reply to Dee Dee, riding aeroplanes or similar things which disturb the liquid in the inner ear (making ears pop etc) will most likely make symptoms worse, though this isn't true for everyone.

I now think that I have recovered from labyrinthitis though it has left me with slight agrophobia and a fear of illness in general...

Whatever you guys do, don't lose hope, remember there are other people out there in the same boat. Let your body rest for a bit to get over it. Took many months for me and it's put a dampener on my studying... does everything happen for a reason?

In reply to Terie, I think that tissue inside the inner ear may be damaged slightly (causing the dizziness) but over the months your brain learns to adjust to the damaged tissue, so everything goes back to "normal".

Hope this helps, I wish everyone luck.

74. Comment by Tiffany on July 23, 2004 1:28 AM permalink

I was diagnosed with VL today. For about a week now I've been feeling lightheaded....like being drunk. I haven't had the full on "spinning" vertigo. I am thankful for that. Today, I started feeling extremely flu-like (body aches). I had this strange pressure/pulling on the back of my head. Before I knew what was wrong with me, I was so scared.....I thought it was a tumor or something. I am relieved that it is only this. However, this isn't great. I didn't realize that the symptoms could last for months, which is what seems to be the case, after reading all of your experiences. I do hope it gets better. It's hard to function sometimes. I'm extremely tired. The lightheadedness makes me nauseous pretty much all day. But not severely. I haven't vomited yet. It's just nice to know that I'm not alone. I had never heard of it before. But it seems like it's effecting a lot of people. I wish you all the best and hope you feel better soon!

75. Comment by Mary on July 23, 2004 1:02 PM permalink

Hi, I am just getting over (I hope) my second bout of VL. This bout was not as bad as the first but I couldn't stay awake and spend the first two days in bed dozing on and off. On the 3rd day I went to see my doctor who told me that the medication I was on would be adding to my feelings of fatigue. He prescribed Serc 16 which (fingers crossed) seems to be helping and isn't knocking me out. However, since my first attack I feel as if my balance is not what it was. I went skiing at the beginning of this year, months after my first attack, and had terrible trouble keeping my balance and felt quite frightened at the top of slopes. Has anyone else noticed anything like this?

76. Comment by Ron Joynt on July 23, 2004 11:48 PM permalink

Does anyone have a cure? Is there any Doctors who are reading this post that can help? I have had this for 3 years. I can not believe what I am reading, It is exact. Everyone I try to tell about my symptoms looks at me like I am crazy.

77. Comment by on July 25, 2004 2:06 AM permalink

I lost my hearing suddenly about 3 months ago, woke up the next morning with severe vertigo, etc. It took a few weeks for my balance to come back (thankfully) but my hearing has not (it has improved to a whole 7% of hearing). I have gone through the typical procedures, lab tests, MRI, ENT Specialists, steroids (which caused me to gain 20 lbs in less then two weeks). I am 27 years old and this is so depressing! Is my hearing ever going to come back (I know no one can answer that)???? I wish there was something I can do to help it return but so far it seems like all I can do is wait. I am tired of having to ask everyone around me (at work and at home) to repeat themselves over and over again and I feel like such a complainer when I have to remind them that I do not have hearing in one ear. How come no one has been able to diagnosis what caused my SSHL? I feel really helpless when it comes to this situation-- I really used to take my hearing for granted. This bites. It really really bites!

~Truly Annoyed

78. Comment by Aussiebob on July 27, 2004 1:14 AM permalink

IT's no fun,is it guys? My symptoms were more of the same. The suddeness of the onset,on reflection,was incredible. Yes it was in the morning, hardly lifted my head,room spinning VIOLENTLY, "the vertical hold" gone crazy. It has settled down after about 3 weeks but it is there. I am 73. What I wonder most is HOW INFECTIOUS is it ???? I have a friend who's immune system is shot with cancer. Can she pick this up as well? On the lighter side the problem has its compensations. I don't have to own an expensive yacht to feel sea sick. And I don't have to drink a lot of expensive grog to feel and act drunk.

I've had bowel cancer and a brain tumour but this is the most debilitating thing I ever had. Like everything else that life throws at you, you manage somehow. I turn the music up when the tinitis gets too loud for me to hear the sound of the surf through the window at night.

I've given up yachting and flying light aircraft but I think I will take up boxing again. I can duck and weave like a young Mahomed Ali and cling to the canvas like an old pro taking the count for money.

Life was not meant to be easy but it wasn't meant to be glum either. Chins up, grin and bear it, not long to go before the end comes and then....think of all the money you will save on medication.

79. Comment by Chris Comer on July 29, 2004 3:51 PM permalink

I noticed an article on this site that mentioned taking Stemetil for inner ear problems, nausea and dizziness but it also mentioned Parkinson like symptoms (shaking etc) My mum took Stemetil very occasionally (c. every 2 years) whenever she had these inner ear problems She has now developed Parkinsons. I noticed several articles on the Net relating Stemetil to Parkinsonism and traced several of the articles back to a researcher at Edinburgh University Medical hospital (now retired). he was convinced that there was a connection in some people with taking Stemetil and developing parkinson like symptoms (check Medical textbooks especially the pharmocopeas). He has campaigned for years to persuade GPs to only prescribe this drug with care. My mum no longer takes Stemetil - she uses less effective drugs which are thought however not to have this side effect. But she's stuck with her Parkinsons which has devastated the quality of her life - I know what she'd sooner suffer from if she had been given the choice! Is there anyone else out there who has Parkinsons who has taken Stemetil?

80. Comment by on August 3, 2004 3:59 PM permalink

I would urge anyone with ongoing balance problems (be it menieres, labyrinthitis or vestibular neuronitis) to see a Hearing Therapist through their local medical service. Their expertise is in hearing and balance problems and they can offer guidance and exercises which can help retrain the failing balance organs. They are fantastic and offer the most constructive medical advice I have encountered in the last eight months of illness.

81. Comment by Ann on August 17, 2004 12:28 AM permalink

To the person who posted their comments about a Hearing Therapist on Aug. 3rd,I have had the balance problems since March. My GP recommended Physical Therapy exercises. Some are visual, ex. looking at a business card taped to the blank wall and turning your head left and right. Another one is standing in one place with arms crossed over your chest and focusing on a fixed point on the wall for 30 secs. They seem to help a little.

Can you please give me an ex. of the exercises you received. If they are similar, I won't have to find a Hearing Therapist. My insurance is limited. Thank you very much.

Hope all others are doing better.

Ann

82. Comment by Wayne McConnell on August 18, 2004 6:09 PM permalink

HI Guys, this site has brought me less anxiety about my condition. It started 3 weeks ago on holiday in Ireland, I felt a bit 'strange' for a couple of days and them went out of the hotel for a walk. After a few steps I felt like the floor was moving/rocking, like I was on a boat. I made it back to the room feeling incredibly sick and tired. I vomited and felt slightly better. THe dizzyness/rocking motion soon came back (within 5 mins). Anyway to cut a long story short we flew back to the UK after a very short stay in Dublin. I went to the doctor and she diagnosed labryithitus. She gave me Betahistine which didn't seem to do much. About 4 days ago all the symptoms stopped for two days. Then last friday I started to feel the same sensations. I went back to the docs yesterday and he told me to take cinnarizine 3 times a day. I've been worried about this thing and still son't seem to be getting better. I feel weak, heavy and dizzy on and off. Should I demand to see the ENT and get an MRI done? I'm sure the docs are right but I can't help but worry. This is the worse thing I've ever had. Thanks for the stories, they made me feel a little more positive. -Wayne

83. Comment by on August 19, 2004 8:18 PM permalink

I am writing in response to Ann's enquiry as to the balance rehabilitation- The type of exercises you get depends on which condition you have, as the causes of vertigo can be very different and therefore need different treatment. My exercises are very specific to my illness(vestibular neuronitis) and the problem areas that remain in my balance. I would urge you to stick to the exercises your GP recommended or press him for further help.

84. Comment by Ann on August 19, 2004 11:03 PM permalink

Thank you for the quick response. I will consult my GP further.

Ann

85. Comment by Ann on August 20, 2004 7:39 PM permalink

To the person who recommended the Hearing Therapist. I checked with my GP, and he wondered if you meant ENT who I've seen, or an Audiologist.

My insurance co. said they don't have a listing for Hearing Therapist, just the other two above.

The specialists I've seen didn't provide exercises. Only the Physical Therapist did.

Please comment. Thank you.

Ann

86. Comment by John on August 23, 2004 11:10 PM permalink

Hey all!

Thanks for all of the helpful comments. I was diagnosed with V.L. about three weeks ago and have felt like I have been living on a ship since then. The doctor noticed some fluid in my ears and gave me some medicine to help drain the fluid. Does anyone know if this is common with V.L.?

87. Comment by Nikki on August 24, 2004 11:27 PM permalink

Hi,

I am a 38 year old female and think I am in the same boat as you guys.

A couple of months ago I had an episode where I was awakened in the early hours by the room spinning violently and the feeling that I was about to be thrown out of bed. I went to my local medical centre the next day who said it was "Benign Positional Vertigo". I had a few days off work because I felt dizzy and fatigued, but made a complete recovery.

Then, a week ago the same thing happened. I went back to the medical centre who said it was the same thing, and gave me the day off work. I went back to work the day after despite still feeling fatigued and a bit off balance, and three days later I had an episode where I thought I was going to pass out. My boss took me to the casualty department of the hospital next door as I could not walk unassissted. I had an elevated heart rate, sweating, shaking and this overwhelming feeling that I was going to die if I let myself succumb to unconciousness. I felt like I was only just hanging onto reality by my fingertips. Anyway, hospitals being what they are, I recovered enough to go home before they saw me.

When I got home my partner took me again to the medical centre who said the attack was most likely caused by the vertigo, but called it Labyritnitis (these terms seem to be used interchangeably) and gave me Stemetil, which seems to have helped. I have been pretty much flat on my back all week because of the feeling of being on a boat when I am upright, and have had another milder near-"faintng" episode. Yet, I have had no nausea.

I relate fully to the feelings of "brain fog", forgetfulness, and fatigue but am also experiencing feelings of depression and anxiety. One minute I am all gung-ho and convinced I will beat it, the next I am convinced that I will never feel normal again (perhaps because of the waxing and waning of this condition - yesterday I thought I was on the road to recovery but last night I did another couple of "victory rolls" in bed).

My blood test showed an elevated white blood cell count so I will assume that what I have is VL. I am having thoughts of getting some echinacea, garlic and vitamin C and treating it as if I am trying to clear a flu virus from my body.

Its kind of confusing because I got a really bad head cold about a month ago and experienced no vertigo whatsoever. What a wierd disease.

88. Comment by Rich on August 30, 2004 5:25 AM permalink

I have been suffering from V.L. since march 4 2004. Wound up passing out from the dizziness. Went to a neurologist that found nothing wrong, then finally a month later a ENT diagnosed me with V.L. after doing a ENG and a Audiogram. I have found that Arnica Gel I got from a health store has helped relieve the symtoms. I coated the back of my neck and around my ears and for some reason it helped. Arnica is supposed to help stimulate blood to the area is is put. It does not cure me, I still suffer from V.L. but i have good days and bad days. Days can go by with no symptoms and then I can have a bad day for no reason at all. I have found good amount of sleep and the Arnica Gel,multi B vitamins and Ginsing has helped me considerably. Now I can at least better deal with my bad days.

89. Comment by Susy on August 30, 2004 12:43 PM permalink

I wrote about the Hearing Therapist and would like to respond to Ann's comments. I am not sure if you are writing from the US or UK? I am based near London and the Hospital nearby having a 'hearing therapy' clinic- but they are basically involved in balance rehabilitation and they also work with deaf people. Perhaps your 'physical therapist' is the equivalent specialist? It was an ENT consultant (who I saw privately) who recommended I visit the therapist - a practitioner totally separate from an audiologist or ENT. I can email you the details of the Clinic if you wish?

Thanks to Rich for the suggestion about Arnica Gel- I am going to try that!

90. Comment by Kate on August 31, 2004 1:07 PM permalink

I too have been diagnosed with a viral infection of the inner ear. It all started about 4 or 5 weeks ago on holiday at the Sidmouth Folk Festival when I suddenly felt like I was walking on sponge cake and looking through somebody elses glasses.I made my way to a shop and sat down, and then managed to get as far as the venue where my daughter was doing a singing workshop. There I collapsed on the floor and was unable to sit or stand, I felt very sick. Paramedics where called, and despite a temporary dip in my blood pressure, could find nothing else wrong with me. I put it down to the heat, drank plenty of water and continued with my holiday. I did feel uncomfortable driving home, but found that chewing gum helped!

Since then, things have gone from bad to worse, I am now experiencing symptoms everyday. I am uncomfortable driving, going out, I feel trapped in my own home, I cant work. I am dizzy, fatigued and stressed out to hell. I am self employed and a single parent. If this situation doesnt improve soon I am terrified to think of what it could mean to me and my family. I am normally an active go getter and now I am suddenly trapped totally debilitated by this illness, with no income and bills to pay. Does anyone know if Beta Histine works, it is what I have been prescribed with. Yours desperatley,

Kate

91. Comment by Rich on September 1, 2004 1:50 PM permalink

Kate, I hope you get better soon. There are a few things you can do to help. Somewhere inside your ear some of your tubes are swollen and causing the problems. I have had VL since 3/4/04 and I am not 100%. I am a functioning person, but with good days and bad days. Some people can get over it, some not. 1. Rest when you can. Viral infections need rest to help cure. Make sure you are getting more than 8 hours a night. 2. Do the multivitamin routine with extra doses of good C and multi B. (you can take Ginko and Ginsing I have found they help and also ARNICA Gel put on my neck and around my ears) 3. Drink plenty of water (more than 10 glasses a day) do not allow yourself to get dehydrated in the least bit. I have noticed that makes a difference. 4. Stay away from ANY caffeine or stimulant. They make it worse. 5. Massage around your ears and back neck (gets blood flowing and might help relax you) 6. go to a ENT and have a ENG and a audiogram performed. This will help tell which ear is the one causing the problem. 7. Most ENT doctors will probably prescribe Allegra-d and a Nasal Steroid. Take them religously. 8. if you are still dizzy, take dramamine. A doctor might prescribe Valium. I found I can at least function on half a Dramamine.

Unfortunately, there is no way to take a pill and get over this and if inner ear damage is done it can be there forever. However, it does get better in time. Do not push yourself like any virus infection you must rest. It is okay to constantly move your head in different positions in fact it will help retrain your brain.

I do not know what type of work you do, but a self employed business owner, can you hire help in the short term? or outsource your work? Now might be the time to think out of the box. Who knows, this might help your company grow :-) ( I do hope you get better fast. Some people recover quickly and some don't)

Do not hesitate to email me if you have questions/comments. Having 3 kids a spouse, 2 dogs, was out on disability for a month while the neurologist determined that I did not pass out from any brain disorder and then finding out the insurance companies don't consider VL a debilitating disease to pay for short or long term disability (there must be some way to get that changed, if anyone knows, please let the group know) so having to go back to work and drive a hour and a half one way to work and then work while suffering and then drive home, I can understand how you are feeling.

I am not a doctor so my suggestions are only that however, they help me.

Rich

92. Comment by Ann on September 1, 2004 7:02 PM permalink

Thanks to Susy and Rich for suggestions. I am a Special Education Teacher in the US. I've had VL since March 04. The unsteadiness and fatigue still linger. Hope to get back to part time work soon. I'm still working with a Physical Therapist. I'll get in touch with a Hearing Specialist to compare exercises. Good luck to all.

Ann

93. Comment by Kate Ash on September 1, 2004 11:20 PM permalink

Thanks Rich, will try to take your advice, bad reaction to beta histine (am allergic to anti histamine ) doc didn't spot it. Managed to make it to the supermarket for 10 mins yesterday.I feel like hell,used to run, camp, cycle, work, do everything to the limit. Right now the garden seems a challenge. Back to docs tommorow,kids back to school.I am getting worse by the day and it is hard to imagine a day when I will even be able to go back outside. Right now I have a system of radiators that guide me around the house and I can walk from one to another. I can't believe that this is happening to me. Thanks for replying, please keep in touch Kate

94. Comment by on September 6, 2004 7:56 AM permalink

hello everyone. This is my third posting on here.I was stuck down with labyrinthitis back in april ( 6 months ago).I return and look at this site a few times a week.I have come to the conclusion that most of you are experiencing the off balence/ dizzyness/nausea/vomiting symtoms.When i initially had this illness i was terribly off balence and thought i was going to vomit,I was just getting over feeling lousy with a really bad raw throatwhen i was stuck down with this nasty virus..I also had a loud roaring/buzzing in one ear.Thankfully for me the dizzyness cleared up within one week, but i still have imparred hearing and continuios buzzing in one ear ( tinnitus).Also the glands in my neck on one side of my neck feel enlarged.I am due to see a ear/nose/throat specialist in october , so will post any news i have from that.I 'd like to wish you all a speedy recovery..and kate ..hang on in there..this is a very nasty virus that effects your delicate inner ear,its vital that you rest as much as you can( not easy i know)and eat well to boost your immune system.All the experts will tell you it can take up to 6-8 weeks to recover, but i rather suspect for many people it takes makes longer.I d like to say to ''Rich'' that your advice was very accurate and useful.Good luck to everyone........

95. Comment by Wayne McConnell on September 7, 2004 1:01 PM permalink

Hi,

Has anyone had the sensation of like walking while on a moving boat? I don't really get the spinning sensatings (vertigo). I also mainly only get it while I'm walking, im much better sitting or lying down. Does this sound normal?? Thanks for all the info!! -Wayne

96. Comment by Ellie de Beer on September 8, 2004 10:38 PM permalink

God, it has been a relief to read about others who have been sufferring from this condition; and I thought it was rare! I was diagnosed with VL several months ago and although I havent sufferred nausea I feel as though I am not in touch with reality some days. I have dreadful tightness at the back of my head and neck and feel so lethargic. Also to my partner's despair, I suffer from mood swings, perhaps caused by the persistence of the symptoms. I am now considering cranial sacral therapy and am going to try the Arnica Gel too. Thank you for those suggestions as my GP has been disinterested and unhelpful. I am also suffering from blurred vision and an increase in 'floaters' which the eye hospital has told me is due to my short sightedness, but I cant help wondering if this is symptomatic of VL? Does anyone else suffer problems with sight? My eyes also feel bruised and heavy most of the time. Anyway, take care fellow sufferers. This site has been a real comfort to me! x

97. Comment by Kate Ash on September 9, 2004 3:29 PM permalink

Well, here I still am everybody! Had two quite good days this week, but back to square one again today. Had a meeting with my bank manager and spent the whole time hanging on to the chair to stop the room spinning around. As I stabilised in the 'going round' stakes, I suddenly felt as though I was falling forwards! It really was like a bad roller coaster ride. I have now been referred to E.N.T. as an emergency. Did anyone else experience 'good days' and 'bad days', just as I think I am improving, I have a horrid day like today. It doesn't seem to be a smooth recovery curve like any other illness.

98. Comment by diane jones on September 9, 2004 11:03 PM permalink

wayne , i think you are having the milder symtoms of vertigo.Labyrinthitis can cause anything from feeling slightly off balance to severe room spinning which is often acompanyed by severe vomiting.As it depends on what part of the inner ear is inflamed and how severly. ellie. you said your eyes feel swollen, could your sinuses be playing you up?.I suffer from sinus problems from time to time and i am aware that the face and eye area can feel bruised and tender..... kate .. yes , good and bad days is very common , i can only suggest that you try and lay down as soon as possible when things start to worsen.......any sudden head moment can trigger off an attack.so i would suggest that you try and limit any sudden head movement for a while. hope this helps........

99. Comment by diane jones on September 10, 2004 10:28 PM permalink

http://www.rnid.org.uk/html/leaflets/dizziness_and_balance_problems.htm

this is a very useful link that you may wish to read

100. Comment by Kate Ash on September 12, 2004 4:52 PM permalink

Thanks to your advice, I have been taking max strength Ginko Biloba and Mega Vitamins,avoiding all caffeine, I have actually had two relatively good days in a row, but have been also trying to rest as much as possible. Managed to drive about 6 miles this morning (I am trying to increase my distance each day) I know this may sound pathetic, but that is a huge increase on what I have been able to do for the last three or four weeks. Went to the Supermarket on the way back, and was anticipating the dizzyness, but it didn't come, although I am still very fuggy headed. I am actually cooking my family Sunday Dinner for the first time in a month. I know that it is still a long road, and there will be good and bad days,but I am convinced that the Ginko has made a difference. When I read the leaflet that comes inside the box, it mentions 'increasing blood flow to extremities' which is what it also said in the Beta Histine leaflet. (which I couldn't take as allergic to anti-histamine). I wonder if this is why it seems to be working (fingers crossed). Thanks, Kate

101. Comment by Kevin Savage on September 12, 2004 11:09 PM permalink

Wow, I’m enlightened by all the posting on this site. Some brought a tear to my eye because I really felt for the individuals involved, Viral Labyrinthitis SUCKS.

On the 11th July this year I was having a lovely BBQ with friends at home in my garden. They all left around 6pm and as I walked them to the front of the house and turned a corner and BOOM, the whole world seem to shift from top right to bottom left like someone and just hit my head with a sledge hammer. The same sort of feeling if you get up to quick but 100x worse. It shook me up pretty bad but I kept quite about the episode until my friends had gone. I told my partner and said I needed to sit down because of what just happened. So we sat quietly and watch TV that evening.

About an hour or so later I started to feel weird, felt like I was no longer in the room but I knew I was... First I thought I was having a panic attack of some sort, then as I stared at the TV it started to move from right to left diagonally... So now I started to panic slightly. I didn't have a clue what was going on, I'm 35 and quite fit. I felt like I was going to pass out, started sweating and was generally worried about what was happening. I told my partner that I was feeling pretty weird and asked him to look at my eyes as by this point everything was moving left to right diagonally really fast. Surely my eyes must be moving but he said I looked ok... But then I stood up and realised I couldn't walk straight and kept falling over. I was now really worried, everything started flashing before me, was I going to die? I lied down at the foot of the stairs and my partner got me a bucket in case I vomited. I couldn't even crawl to the toilet. Moments later I felt sick and then I was violently sick for the next hour. Ok I thought, I know what this is, its really bad food poisoning. The rest of that night was a wash out, I eventually managed to crawl to the couch and sleep until the morning. I felt ok the next morning but was quick weak and tired, as I expected. So I took the day off work and just rested.

The following day I decided to visit the doctor because I was slightly concerned that I started to feel strange again, a sort of 'spaced out' feeling like something was wrong in my brain. When I got to the doctor they checked my blood pressure and checked my vision. She then said I probably had a vertigo attack and proceeded to check my ears and confirmed I had an infection, probably Viral. I assume I picked it up the weak earlier in Ibiza while swimming. She sent me on my way with some 'Stemital'. Up until that point I had no other symptoms but then I started to get a bad throat, slight cold and general flu symptoms. I took the rest of that week off work.

Week two all the flu symptoms had gone and I thought I was on the road to recovery but every time I wanted to do something like drive the car, go to the shop or