Im back...trying to run with vertigo.

Hi Group, Have not had a real run of any length since late April....I had several months of abdominal pain (upper left quadrant) All the 'Alien Mother Ship' tests were inconclusive. They gave me an antispasmodic, which I do not use.

NOW, Since June I have suffered from attacks of vertigo...either the room spins or the floor tilts out from under me. The MD tells me it's a vestibular disorder and perhaps more tests are due, if the attacks continue. The medication doesn't do much once the vertigo has begun....what a godawful feeling!

I am going NUTS just sitting (or stumbling) around. I hate TV. I abhor housework. I am driving and going to work, although I feel rather unsteady. Is running a big no-no? I used to do 4-5 miles with relative ease. Anyone have any advice?? Thanks,

Teresa

Dear Mike, I tend to stagger to the left..so a track would be ideal, eh?? LOL

The weird part is that driving or ridng in a car is not a problem. MY problem is walking on a flat level surface!

During an attack I cannot tell where the floor is supposed to be. I can SEE it but I cannot sense it. Freaky! Can't navigate at all. It would be funny if it was not such a traumatic thing.

It's good to see so many regular oldies here and plenty of newbies too!

I am planning on (IF I can navigate) trying to walk a lap and run a lap, and start out with a mile or two. I have a neighbor who can go with me. I am going to avoid the bike paths and roads for now. Thanks,

Teresa, Thanks for filling us in on what is happening with you. It sounds like you are doing a good job of being aware of what is happening to you, so that you can stay on top of your symptoms and communicate them to doctors. Plus, your spirit is good. Run? hmmm...doesn't sound like it. But, the walking and the persistence and the desire all sound like good things. Please, keep us posted about how you are doing.

You are still but the room turns, hmmm, sounds familiar. I was diagonosed with menieres disease several years ago which is vertigo as you describe, tinnitus and a loss of hearing. I remember one of the docs asked, do you hold still and the room spins or is the room still and you rotate. He said it makes a difference. Anyway I still run although if a severe attack happens to hit at the wrong time you may find yourself sitting on the curb puking your guts out all over the street. The doc told me to wear a medic alert bracelet to avoid being picked up for public intoxication. When I'm not having an attack I'm fine so my vote is to keep running, just make sure to carry some i.d. and a medic alert bracelet or something along that line might not be a bad idea. Also I quit running in isolated places and tend to stay on city streets, if I fall surely someone will stop and try to help or at least call the cops or 911 or something. Good luck to you !!!

Too young at 42, well I can still remember my first severe attack and it occurred when I was 28. Several tests later and after any other problems were ruled out I was finally diagnosed with meniere's when I was around 30. In my case the hearing loss came first followed by the other symptoms. I've been told the symptoms do not have to occur in any specific order however. The various meds (meclizine) seem to be of little value. In my case one ear is definitely much worse than the other. When the road tilts I manage by slowing way down and aiming between the lines. I've managed to drive myself someplace only to get out of the car and fall on the ground because the world is at a 45 degree angle. I was told surgery is available but that it usually is unsuccessful and the doc said unless you're flat on your back several hours a day every day he wouldn't advise it. I have a couple episodes a week and just live with it. Good luck with it, don't let it get you down.

Check into SERC for Meniere's. I would also try a Nasel steroid to see if if makes any difference. If it does you may have an allergy related type vestubluar condition. There are TWO main thoughts on meniere's It is allergy triggerd in which case it is managable with different methods or it is TRUE meniere's that will require more intense management.

I have found that running helps clear out the sinus's so things flow easier.

also there is the Grossan irrigator that helps me a lot.

Good Luck

She doesn't like tv, or housework. Good luck catching a man with that

geeze, if you can't manage to drive (safely), then you can run. why not? people in their homes might think there's a strong wind (when there isn't) when they see you leaning during your run!

i don't know... i'd ask a doc whether it's ok. i'm surprised you haven't asked yet if you are going so batty over missing the running.

best of luck,

Could be BPPV Benign Poroxysmal Positional Vertigo

here is a link http://www.tchain.com/otoneurology/disorders/bppv/ bppv.html

I went to the Dr for diziness/vertigo and he thought I had a virus..I ended up doing web research (I know not the best) but I did do the exercises from the website above and they did help..Physically or psychological I don't know. I think it is worth investigating.

Good luck Teresa!! Keep running just be careful..I hope my email got to you but I may have emailed another poster.

<< She doesn't like tv, or housework. Good luck catching a man with that philosophy. >><BR><BR>

Skip the Philosophy. All a woman needs to catch a man is a Great pair of legs and a nice rack. It's keeping us that's the hard part.