I am who I am and loved anyway. I hope we all feel that way. "Much more realistic and important to change something in ourselves than in our lives."

Thursday, February 07, 2008

What? Speak Louder I can't Hear You...

Well I went to see the specialist today...I'm sure he is good but he was way to rushed. "Whats the problem? Sounds like you have Meniere's Disease. Here's a paper that tells you all about it. Take Gravol when it's bad, here's a prescription for the dizziness, cut out sodium, cafeine, alcohol...see you in 6 months." Maybe he didn't say much because he thought I couldn't hear him anyway?
Ménière's Disease - The Uninvited Guest

Ménière's disease is a disorder of the inner ear that can affect hearing and balance. It is characterized by episodes of dizziness and tinnitus and progressive hearing loss, usually in one ear. It is caused by an increase in volume and pressure of the endolymph of the inner ear. Research has shown that the dysfunction in Meniere's Disease is due to a minute (1/25 of a drop) amount of excess fluid in the inner ear. It is named after the French physician Prosper Meniere who first reported that vertigo was caused by inner ear disorders in an article published in 1861.

From the paper he gave me..."The symptoms appear at adulthood, usually last many years, and then the symptoms usually burn themselves out by elderly age." So I have one thing to look forward to in my old age.

"Hearing loass my be temporary or permanent" I basically have a 50-50 chance with that one. There are some pro's to permanent...I'd have a good reason not to hear the things I don't want to hear...

I'm definetely on a low sodium diet, no caffeine (goodbye chocolate), no alcohol and "since stress and psychological issues can severly exacerbate your symptoms: take common sense measures in this regard." So I'm hoping that the outcome of this is a greater sense of me relying on God, not letting things that are not "eternal issues" bother me, to let go, be happy and quit being a complusive fusser! Wish me luck or pray for me - which ever you prefer.

2 comments:

Jennifer said...

Will lift you up, my dear. Hugs!

Anonymous said...

Glad to know at least you know what it is and how you can deal with it! But goodbye to chocolate!!!!!?how tragic....says the chocoholic friend.
D

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