Diagnosis of the Ear

MaggieRedwings · Post by **MaggieRedwings** » Thu Dec 27, 2007 1:37 pm

Afternoon All,

Well after getting the MRI and waiting till today, I finally called the Ear docs and spoke with the Physician's Assistant since my doc is home recuperating from surgery.

No tumors so that is fantastic. Diagnos is Endolymphatic Hydrops or better known as Meniere's Disease. They are suggesting Vestibular Rehabilitation at a physical therapy facility. However, from most I have read on the subject if you have low BP and I definitely do, it just might not work out. However, I have read a lot on Tai Chi being a great and effective tool for balance problems and touted by a number of good medical sources.

Insurance is going to be paying little to rehab and I really wanted to do a health program in 2008 so I am very open to anyone's opinion for the "conventional medical world prescription" and alternative methods. The following is a link to the condition and I also found out that autoimmune diseases can lend to this condition.

All in all a more manageable than it could have been.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency ... 000702.htm

Thank you all for being there with me through this ordeal.

Love, Maggie

Post by **tex** » Thu Dec 27, 2007 3:06 pm

Hi Maggie,

Well, that's definitely good news, (that no tumor is present), but it's a heck of a note that there isn't a better treatment available. (One that actually gives reliable results).

I'm just thinking out loud here, but the fact that the problem is attributed to swelling of the endolymphatic sac, suggests that inflammation might be at the root of the problem. (Especially since we, as a group, seem to be more prone to inflammation problems than the general public). I think that the medical industry in general is beginning to realize that inflammation is the basis of a wide spectrum of diseases - possibly all diseases. Anyway, if that is the case, one would think that there would be a way to diminish the inflammation. Since the use of drugs, (due to the location), might be risky, I wonder if there are any "natural" compounds that would be useful to reduce inflammation in this particular situation. I'm not familiar enough with natural treatments to feel qualified to make any recommendations for such a unique situation, but maybe someone else here might have some ideas.

I wonder if there's a possibility that some trace element might be missing from your diet, that could contribute to the problem. Do all your electrolytes and trace elements check out OK in recent blood tests?

I'm glad that they've at least been able to pinpoint the problem, and I hope you can find a way to "beat the odds", and control it completely.

Love,
Tex

barbaranoela · Post by **barbaranoela** » Thu Dec 27, 2007 4:51 pm

Maggs------the best news---no TUMOR--sure was an interesting issue to read---

I found Tai Chi to be very calming AND it realy was a challange to my balancing issues-----(not related to my Vertigo) just that I didnt realize how *UNBALANCED* I was

I luved Tai Chi cus U can feel the energy flowing thru your body---there is a tingleing that runs from one hand to the other---it is AWESOME--

Worth a try-----

Take care----
luve Barbara :bigbighug:

Dee · Post by **Dee** » Thu Dec 27, 2007 5:12 pm

Hi Maggie!!
Happy to hear that the MRI showed no tumors!!
Has the prescription for Dyazide been discussed??? It helped my husband tremendously with his Meniere's disease. His ENT also gave him exercises that he could do at home which were great for rehab...
Surprisingly, he is doing very well keeping it under control..

Love
Dee~~~~~

kate_ce1995 · Post by **kate_ce1995** » Thu Dec 27, 2007 7:36 pm

Hi Mags,

So So happy that the MRI was clear of tumors. Good News.

Have you tried an antihistamine? I take Claritin for my dizziness. But then I've been diagnosed with positional vertigo, which I can feel the fluid moving around and the antihistamine keeps it dried out somewhat (still itches every time I go through an elevation change, which living in Vermont happens every couple miles or so.

You're tenacious, so I'm sure will find a solution for you on this one as well.

Keep us posted on how you are doing.
Katy

JJ · Post by JJ » Thu Dec 27, 2007 11:29 pm

Hi Maggie!

No tumors....great news! Hope you find some relief soon...take care...JJ

MaggieRedwings · Post by **MaggieRedwings** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 6:47 am

Morning Everyone,

Thank you all for the input and since yesterday I have been thinking a lot about what they said and reading up on this even more.

Tex - I refused the dieuretic (sp?) that they recommended since it seems that would be just aggravation for the CC I have. However, Carol mentioned that her hubby was having great results with Dyazide and am interested in whether you think that would be bad with the CC. I am not sure of a natural product that would reduce the inflamation and also not sure which trace element I could be missing. Should have blood work done end of this month and am interested to see where the folic acid stands. Recent blood tests were good except for the folic acid.

Barbara - Tai Chi is great for the balance and I was hoping you would give your input. Still just a possible alternative.

Carol - Would love the Dyazide instead of rehab since insurance would cover it better but am worried about the interaction with CC but if I continue on Entocort it just might work - Thoughts please?

All I can do is keep at it and maybe call the ear meat market today and just have them send me the script. Guess it can't hurt to fill it and have it on hand. Did that with the Advert first prescribed and just never used it but felt better to have it.

ANY THOUGHTS and input are greatly appreciated.

Love, Mags

Post by **tex** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 10:48 am

Hi Maggie,

I really don't know much about Dyazide. The list of side effects, (as you know), is practically endless. That doesn't mean that you will have any of them, however.

There's another consideration here, though. Dyazide is a treatment for hypertension. Elevated blood potassium levels is apparently the most serious side effect.

Since you have low blood pressure, is your doctor comfortable with your using it from that viewpoint? If he/she is, there shouldn't be any serious risk of problems.

Love,
Tex

MaggieRedwings · Post by **MaggieRedwings** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 11:26 am

Hi Tex,

Put a call in to the Ear Meat Market and no one has called me back yet. Not surprised. I am worried about having low BP and having them prescribe that so we will see what they come up with. A friend of mine feels Benadryl will do the trick but then again, I think she lives on Benadryl. LOL

Did talk to the rehab place and they were absolutely great and did call the insurance company and supposedly I will only have to pay a co-pay for treatment. Consultation visit for 1 hr. is $464 and each subsequent visit is $412. They tailor the plan to each individual. I can tell you that it is known as a great rehab facility so I will spend this weekend making up my mind what course to take.

Love, Maggie

Alice · Post by **Alice** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 4:37 pm

Maggie,

I'm so happy to hear about the diagnosis. Finally you can pursue some relief! I hope you find the right "cure" for you. Yay!

Love,
Alice

MaggieRedwings · Post by **MaggieRedwings** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 6:44 am

Update time.

I finally heard back from my ear doctor's assistant and she advised no rehab and no drugs after consultation with my GP. I then spoke with my GP and will be making an appointment with a neurologist this week to rule out anything that might not have showed up on the MRI. As my GP said, we have turned over so many rocks in the garden, let's go for 1 more. Since I have tingling in the hands and feet and other assorted quirks, she felt this was best.

I am taking full control in 2008 and a very strict exercise program and eating program - eating is already very restricted - and will see where that gets me. Will keep you posted as time goes on and what the neurologist says and tests for. I am frustrated but determined to get this under control and so happy for everyone's support.

Love, Maggie

Post by **tex** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 9:29 am

Hi Maggie,

Thanks for the update. I'm glad your GP is looking out for your interests. I also agree that it's probably a good idea to check with a neurologist, if the tingling is persistent.

Love,
Tex

mle_ii · Post by **mle_ii** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 11:46 am

MaggieRedwings wrote:Since I have tingling in the hands and feet and other assorted quirks, she felt this was best.

Maggie, these and your other symptoms make me wonder about heavy metals. Specfically mercury. Have you been tested for this? Do you have amalgams and/or eat fish? Any past exposure to heavy metals?

Thanks,
Mike

mle_ii · Post by **mle_ii** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 5:33 pm

Having received this article from Dr Lewey today I wonder if perhaps it's Peripheral Neuropathy instead.

http://thefooddoc.blogspot.com/2007/12/ ... y-off.html

More on Peripheral neuropathy:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peripheral_neuropathy

Mikr

kate_ce1995 · Post by **kate_ce1995** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 7:36 pm

I think the low B vitamins will cause tingling. My hands and feet go to sleep very easily...bent elbows is enough to compress my ulnar nerve (I think that's the one...funny bone nerve at any rate). Anyways, I had heard a long time ago about B vitamins helping people suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome. You get B-12 and have the folic acid issue, right? Might be a culprit.

Have any of your issues gotten better as the digestive system has been controled with the entocort?

Katy