Vestibular Neuritis

[Guest guest]

It originally started with a cold in August 2008, which developed

into a sinus infection. I developed an inner ear infection as a

result of the sinus infection. I took antibiotics which seemed to

help, but a week later I came down with severe nausea. I was

bedridden for weeks and weekly visits to my PCP were frustrating, as

she could only conclude that is was just a virus. After numerous

blood tests that came out normal and a chest X-ray which came out

normal, I finally asked to be referred to a neurologist or ENT

Specialist. A CT scan showed everything was normal, and in October

2008, my neurologist diagnosed me with vestibular neuronitis after

ruling out brain injury. She prescribed valium for the dizziness and

zofran for the nausea. She ordered an MRI and referred me to an ENT.

The MRI results were normal as well, and the ENT referred me to

Physical Therapy for Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy.

The Physical Therapist prescribed exercises which were suppose to

provoke symptoms. At this point, I had been off of my medications

and was, for the most part, functioning normally, aside from the

fact that I had mild vestibular symptoms. Unfortunately, the last

set of exercises the physical therapist prescribed provoked symptoms

so severely that I was bedridden again and am now back on my meds to

help alleviate the symptoms.

I wake up with severe anxiety at the thought of having this for the

rest of my life (even though my neurologist and physical therapist

assure me that it will eventually go away). My husband is the sole

provider for our family, and when I'm sick, he has to stay home

which affects our income. My 4-year old prays for me, and she tells

everyone, " My Mommy's always sick. "

And even though my diagnosis isn't terminal, my very way of life has

been compromised as I cannot engage in activities that require

jumping around, playing and dancing with my daughter, eating full

meals, just to name a few. That being said, I live in fear that I

will not live long enough to watch my children grow. I know I should

be thankful for the time I have with them, and, God willing, will be

able to watch them blossom into adulthood, but I am in desperate

need of support.

I'm only 29 years old, and I know there are people going through

much worse than I am, but I feel like I'm too young to be going

through all this. Any support you can offer I would greatly

appreciate. Thank you.