My health these days

As some of you know I’ve dealt with vertigo since I was small. In my 20’s I started having frequent ocular migraines. They were more of a nuisance than anything and were very infrequent. In my 30’s I started experiencing balance issues as well. 

In September I had a full blown migraine with visual and hearing auras that lasted one month. I also had some dizziness with that migraine but it wasn’t enough to make it that I couldn’t function.

On June 4th I woke up up the scariest, most severe vertigo I’ve ever experienced. It felt like my head was in a paint mixer being shook in all directions and also spinning. It was intense and terrifying. I went to the doctor once it calmed down. I was diagnosed with a sinus infection. (I also had very high blood pressure and my labs showed high blood glucose levels.) I had all the symptoms of a sinus infection. After 20 days of two rounds of antibiotics I still wasn’t better. I was still dizzy and still felt awful. I was also experiencing major auras and face numbness.

I went to an ENT doctor who said my ears were completely fine and that my vertigo was not ear related. I went to three ENT doctors and all said the same thing. My dizziness is central nervous system related. Most likely my migraines are morphing and worsening. 

My neurologist thinks that as well.

*** I have another neurologist I will be seeing in October for a third opinion.***

I’ve been seeing a whole team of doctors trying to get this to stop; neurologists, ENT, chiropractor, naturopath, vestibular rehab therapy, massage and general care.

Our healthcare system is confusing and frustrating. 

Where’s Dr House when you need him?! 😉

My entire life I’ve been ashamed of my vertigo. I always thought that the dizziness was something I was creating. 

When I was about 6 my parents took me to a bunch of doctors trying to figure out why I was dizzy. The doctor told them I had something wrong with my inner ear and I would outgrow it. They also told my parents that it was all in my head.

I have always had anxiety around my dizziness. It’s very terrifying not knowing when it will happen. Thinking it was all in my head made me ashamed, but also gave me a false sense of control over my symptoms. 

I waited to seek help until it started to become obvious that it wasn’t all in my head.

In April I started taking Prozac to help with anxiety/mood. I really think the Prozac messed with my central nervous system. It can take up to 80 days to get out of your system. That’s scary. 

My neurologist wants me to take nortriptyline.

I feel in my gut like I shouldn’t take it. I am gun shy from the Prozac. I hate putting anything into my body that has the potential to do more harm than good. I also hate the idea of taking a medication that takes time to build up and to get out of your system.

* I’ve had two MRI’s one in 2017 and one in 2019. Both were normal aside from white lesions. The lesions are consistent with migraines or depression. They also haven’t spread from 2017 to 2019 which means it is not MS. 

* VNG testing came back normal aside from square wave jerks which indicate that it’s a central nervous system issue.

* CT scan shows that my sinuses are totally fine.

* I have drastically switched my diet and started taking a whole concoction of vitamins from my naturopath.

* I started meditating every day to help with anxiety (meditation is amazing!!)

* I’m starting cognitive behavioral therapy this next week for my panic/anxiety attacks.

* I’m purchasing essential oils to help with migraine relief.

I am still experiencing my vertigo / disequilibrium at random times every day but it’s SOO much better ✨🙏✨

I’m grateful to be able to sleep! Falling asleep dizzy is very hard to do! Especially when you know waking up it will still be there.

I can’t wait to run and do yoga again! Driving without fear is pretty high up there too. 😉

I am so grateful for a healthy body and somewhat healthy brain. Things could always be worse. 

This whole experience has really taught me so much. I’m more grateful. I know that I’m strong enough... 

I’m so grateful for Eddie.

He has helped me so much. I wouldn’t have gotten through this without him. I had some very dark moments and he helped me through. He comforts me and celebrates the big and small victories with me.

My BFF, L-Dawg has been there daily for emotional support and guidance. I am so grateful for our friendship and that we’ve been through everything together. 

Our families have both been so willing to help with whatever we need. Having two small kids and multiple doctors appointments a week is hard to juggle without help. 

I am refusing to live in fear.

Any questions just ask 🙂 

Suggestions? Guidance? Similar symptoms? Please send them my way!

Prayers or good vibes are SOO appreciated!

Thanks for reading ❤️🤍❤️