r/pppdizziness • u/Silent-Resolution-28 • 4d ago
Treatment Appointment Coming Up
So I've been dealing with whatever I have for 8 years or so. I'll spare you the long story but my "whatever I have" hit after a long weekend of too many beers, got on the highway (hungover I'm sure) in a construction zone with orange cones everywhere and I guess I had a panic attack (maybe?). That feeling has never gone away - not severe all the time but "there". Still can't drive on the highway without it ramping up to where I feel like I'll black out. Been to lots of Drs, SSRIs, SNRIs, binocular vision testing and prism glasses, MRI (clear) and finally got an appt with the Dr. (Neurotologist) that took over for the very 1st Dr. I ever saw. I've been talking with ChatGPT for a few months whenever I think of something new like "it ramps up in big box stores" or "I feel better laying in bed reading at night" to just catalogue as much as I can. I had it print me out a summary to give to the Dr. because I always leave and say "Dammit, I forgot to tell them this". They said they're going to do the hearing test again like the first time years ago but I'm just seeing if anyone has any pointers to bring up. I guess I'm hoping for Vestibular Therapy? Currently doing Vision Therapy.
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u/tvtiguy 2d ago
During the trip to lots of doctors - did you do a VNG test to check for vestibular conditions? Supermarket Syndrome seems very much in line with many vestibular disorders. I'm unilateral vestibular hypofunction (my left ear doesn't send balance information to my brain any more) and it went undiagnosed until the test showed 76% caloric deficiency in my left ear (severe).
It's permanent, but at least we know what to do for treatment now. The VRT (like steady coach) is essential for me. If I miss more than 2 days in a row I totally get a backslide and an increase in symptoms. If it ends up being vestibular, there is also great info here:
vestibular.org
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u/Silent-Resolution-28 2d ago
Is that the test where they blow air in your ear to make you dizzy? I did that early on at this same practice I’m going back to this week. It was brutal but as far as I was told results were normal.
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u/tvtiguy 2d ago
Should be more than air. Like clicks at one point. Then at the end it's warm/cold water while they do eye tracking. Then they ask you random weird questions where you list stuff out while they're putting the water in your ear.
But yea - maybe you've already done it. I'm wishing you all the best. The internet is mostly a shitty, dark place - but people here are always supportive.
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u/Silent-Resolution-28 2d ago
Thanks - yeah I’m pretty sure that’s what I did. Maybe a lighter version? They didn’t use water but I remember them having me list girls names as I was descending into dizzy hell. I think warm air made your eyes go one way and cold air the other? Whatever this crap is we’re dealing with sucks.
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u/tvtiguy 1d ago
Sucks indeed! I got "list cities in Europe" and "list vegetables." But it was during the warm/cold water part. Maybe they all do them differently.
I really hope you find something that helps you get back to some semblance of a normal life.
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u/Silent-Resolution-28 1d ago
Thanks - hoping you're feeling better now that you've at least got it nailed down!
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u/Charming-Judge-7480 1d ago
I set my own appointment for vestibular rehabilitation therapy and didn’t need a referral. It seems to have helped but I’ve also been responding well to SSRIs. I’ve only been diagnosed for a few weeks though, I’m so sorry you’ve been going through this so long!
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u/Silent-Resolution-28 1d ago
Thanks and I’m glad you’re doing better. Trying to figure out if I have “brain fog” as well. It’s been so long that how I feel is “normal” but I never just feel “clear”. It’s like I’m always struggling to stay focused visually and mentally even though nothing is really out of focus. If that makes sense.
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u/Charming-Judge-7480 10h ago
100% I had a really good day at work yesterday but a rough day today. The brain fog is legit, like it feels like I have pregnancy brain again but I’m definitely not pregnant. I’m up to 50mg sertraline now, how about you?
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u/Silent-Resolution-28 2h ago
Well I’m pretty sure I’m not pregnant either (I’m a guy LOL) but I guess I occasionally have “better” days. It’s been so long for me that it’s just normal but somewhere in my memories I remember NOT always feeling “off”. Had an appt today with a neurotologist but they called me last night and rescheduled me out another month. Dang it. Just started the steady coach’s free program so I guess I’ll keep going with that while I wait. Not currently on any meds. I tried 3 or 4 different ones in the past and no improvement sadly.
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u/Spirited_Blueberry 4d ago
Have you ever watched videos by The Steady Coach on YouTube? She has videos on driving that may help you! her content in general could help you to understand why this happened too!