Input on your experiences with vertigo.

Mominohio · ‎08-08-2010

I'm posting here as I'm not sure how much traffic the health forum gets. Also, before anyone reprimands me for not getting medical advice, I have an appointment, but can't get in till Friday afternoon. Only looking for your experiences and what has helped you.

I spend most of Saturday night in the ER. Woke up very hot, nauseated, and the room spinning. Spent an hour in the bathroom trying to get sick, finally did. Symptoms continued so went to ER. Given something for nausea and something for dizziness. Had an EKG and heart monitor.

I have experienced this for the first time this past week. Had a couple of episodes where I sat up in bed and the whole room went spinning, but everything settled out in a matter of a minute or so. Saturday was a biggie. I have been on the medication for the spinning every 8 hours since, and no more need for nausea meds. I'm still "off kilter" and cannot lay down (been sleeping in a chair, upright) and get more dizzy if I bend over or tilt to the side. I'm functioning, but at a slower and more careful rate.

I've been online and read up some, but was wondering if anyone here had experiences and things they did that helped with this condition. I'd appreciate anything you'd care to share, as it seems like a long wait to get to the doctor, which I'm sure will only be the first step to seeing a specialist.

Thanks for any input.

scotttie · ‎03-09-2010

I know a couple of things that can cause this:

1. virus (my hairdresser had a virus that caused these symptoms. It was very frightening).

2. Inner ear infection or other inner ear issues. This can take a while to clear up.

3. This is not likely but can be caused by infection.

4. Complications of things like mumps and measles (Obviously that's not the case here).

Lotus · ‎03-09-2010

I had vertigo about 2 years ago.

It first started as a "fuzzy" feeling.....when I turned my head too fast I felt weird. I could be sitting down and felt like I was going to fall. I went to my heart doctor and he did the EKG and also put me on a 24 hour monitor. All was well.

That feeling lasted a few days and then when I was at home, I got up from a sitting position and tried to get to the bathroom and I was "listing" to the right. I had to hold on to the wall to keep from falling.

I immediately went to the ER and they gave me some type of medication (can't remember the name). It really didn't help and made me feel spacey and wired. I then went to an ENT and he gave me a steroid shot and I felt better right away. In addition to helping the vertigo, it helped every ache and pain I had. It was great!

PS....I also had a period for the first time in 10 years....the dr said that steroids will "play" with your hormones and that was not unusual.

I hope you feel better soon.....it's a horrible feeling.

"People with closed hearts will always feel as though they are at war with the world." ~My friend Nancy

Mominohio · ‎08-08-2010

On 5/27/2014 Lotus~ said:
I had vertigo about 2 years ago.

It first started as a "fuzzy" feeling.....when I turned my head too fast I felt weird. I could be sitting down and felt like I was going to fall. I went to my heart doctor and he did the EKG and also put me on a 24 hour monitor. All was well.

That feeling lasted a few days and then when I was at home, I got up from a sitting position and tried to get to the bathroom and I was "listing" to the right. I had to hold on to the wall to keep from falling.

I immediately went to the ER and they gave me some type of medication (can't remember the name). It really didn't help and made me feel spacey and wired. I then went to an ENT and he gave me a steroid shot and I felt better right away. In addition to helping the vertigo, it helped every ache and pain I had. It was great!

PS....I also had a period for the first time in 10 years....the dr said that steroids will "play" with your hormones and that was not unusual.

I hope you feel better soon.....it's a horrible feeling.

Thanks for this input. This is the exact thing I'm looking for, as most doctors won't even mention the period thing. And that would freak me out, as I have been without one for a very long time as well. I hear you about the steroid taking away all those aches and pains for awhile, you feel like your 20 again!

focksie · ‎03-04-2012

I don't have personal experience but I can imagine how awful it must feel. My aunt had vertigo and saw a specialist who was able to help her to a great extent. I'm just wondering...it sounds like you will see your primary doc first, then a specialist? My insurance plan allows me to seek out specialists directly but even if yours doesn't, being that you've already been to the ER with this issue, they should be able to refer you to a specialist directly. ${#emotions_dlg.confused1}$

Mominohio · ‎08-08-2010

On 5/27/2014 scotttie said:
I know a couple of things that can cause this:

1. virus (my hairdresser had a virus that caused these symptoms. It was very frightening).

2. Inner ear infection or other inner ear issues. This can take a while to clear up.

3. This is not likely but can be caused by infection.

4. Complications of things like mumps and measles (Obviously that's not the case here).

Thanks scottie. It was rather frightening, just coming out of nowhere. I'm guessing it is an ear thing with me, but looking forward to finding out for sure as soon as possible.

Mominohio · ‎08-08-2010

On 5/27/2014 focksie said:
I don't have personal experience but I can imagine how awful it must feel. My aunt had vertigo and saw a specialist who was able to help her to a great extent. I'm just wondering...it sounds like you will see your primary doc first, then a specialist? My insurance plan allows me to seek out specialists directly but even if yours doesn't, being that you've already been to the ER with this issue, they should be able to refer you to a specialist directly. ${#emotions_dlg.confused1}$

I can see a specialist directly, but we have few in this area, and my doc usually refers me to specialists that are really good. I feel like I'm making a stab in the dark to just pick one. And I will most likely have to travel some to get to one, and I want to make sure it is a good one. Thanks

lulu2 · ‎03-09-2010

I had a colleague who suffered from Meniere's disease. Bouts of vertigo were a symptom of the disease.

Mama Mia · ‎03-10-2010

Yes, you need to see a doctor, in the meantime, look up the Epley Maneuver, which can be used to to help with vertigo. I have never had it that bad, take care. Smile

mm

"Cats are like potato chips, you can never have just one".

redtabby · ‎03-10-2010

Stress is a trigger for me. My case is mild, so I take an otc motion sickness pill ( the cheaper generic one). If I am laying in bed I find that resting my hand on the wall, like I did when younger and drunk, helps the room to stop spinning. I cannot drive when my vertigo is acting up, going down stairs is also a challenge.