Sunday, July 5, 2009

A little about me

Well, I see it has been almost another month since I've written anything. LOL
I figured I would fill in some blanks this time since I am experiencing an "attack" today.
As most of you know, I have been diagnosed with depression, severe anxiety and post traumatic stress. Those are for the most part under control thank goodness. I also have another medical condition called Vestibular Meniere's Disease. It is nothing that anyone can catch from me, and I don't think I'd wish it on anyone.
Meniere's Disease is a balance disorder. It is caused from scar tissue in the inner ear from past ear infections. There isn't much that can be done for it.
I have what we refer to as "attacks", which are bouts of dizziness that range in severity. Today is a mild "attack" day. Severe attacks usually land me in bed for a minimum of 3 days. I take Antivert, aka Meclezine aka Dramamine, for the nausea and dizziness and sleep ALOT when an attack occurs. For some reason the attacks just wear you out completely. An attack feels like (for those who have ever gotten drunk enough to experience this) bed spins only 10 worse. I can do nothing by myself when having an attack, including getting to the bathroom. NOT FUN.
With each attack I lose hearing and am slowly going deaf. Surgery is not an option as there are no guarantees and can cause instant deafness.
When I was diagnosed in 2002, they "gave" (hid the cost in the bill) me a book about 4 inches thick of everything I am NOT allowed to eat to help keep attacks from occurring. Well considering I am not a rabbit or a vegetarian, this was not going to work. So I decided to do trial and error and so far so good. It's almost like a diet since I have to watch how much I intake of most foods.
The reason for the book and "diet" are because they also gave me a list of things that can trigger an attack:
Salt (salt a holic here)
Sleep (lack of)
Stress (too much)
Smoking (too much)
Allergies (take allergy shot)
Dehydration (take in twice the water of the average person)(watch alcohol consumption)
I walk like I am slightly drunk most times and have to hang on to things. I always have new bruises from walking into walls. LOL I cannot be in complete darkness or I have NO balance whatsoever and I can't watch fast moving things, like trains. If I get caught by a train, I have to look away until it it gone or my head will start spinning. (Not too good when your driving)
I think today's attack is just from allergies as I mowed at Mom's yesterday and forgot to take my allergy pill. Guess I'll have to go get more shots tomorrow.
When I was first diagnosed they had me on Vasodilators and water pills, but I got myself off of those years ago and was told if I'm doing ok without them then so be it. Same with my trial and error tactic with food. Like today, I have to eat rabbit food and take in tons of water so the attack doesn't get worse. I already had 1 nap and will probably get another here shortly. LOL
I hope this explains some things and why I "have to go to bed" sometimes in the middle of a chat, etc.
Please feel free to ask any questions, that does not bother me at all.

This is also another reason I have my 2 online shops as I obviously cannot have a real job. I am trying to help with the bills by doing my crafts and selling them online, at craft shows and at garage sales.
Please feel free to check out my shops and to pass the links along to others including my blog link if you wish. I also do custom orders if possible.
July 10Th & 11Th I will be in N Canton at my cousin Pam "Pinkerton" Ruflin's house helping her with her annual garage sale and will have my crafts there as well.
I hope everyone had a wonderful 4Th, I know we did!!!

Love to all,
Sherry

www.hairtiesgalorenmore.etsy.com

www.hairtiesgalore.artfire.com

4 comments:

  1. Thanks for sharing. I had one inner ear infection and that was terrible so I can't imagine what you must go through. I will keep you in my thoughts.

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  2. Whoa! You ake care of yourself & I hope you sell tons at your cousin's yard sale!

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  3. So sorry you have to go through such a thing! Praying the attacks stop for you!

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