thank you all so much for for your helpful and heartfelt replies. I did go to the new Dr. today, and he did more in one visit than the other doc has done in the whole year and a half. Yes it is meniere's, but it is also TMJ. I knew I had TMJ 20 yrs ago.... but after a few months my jaw quit locking up ...so I thought it was gone. That was 20 yrs ago, but it seams that the MM is causing so much stress that I'm keeping my jaw tightened....and yes I do grind my teeth, have fora few years... but that pretty much stoppped when I came off the seroquel>>>yea, I'm also bipolar...but thats a different issue. He set me up with a ear,nose and throat specialist, for the TMJ. doc said that valium would help relieve the stress, thus relieve pressure on my jaw, thus pain in that ear and side. And more. Hope he's right... I'll find out soon enough. My R. ear is already gone ...nadda ...kapput...but he wants to put a hearing aid on it to help muffle loud noises that hurt my ear, (said it would have to be digital for that) and reduce the tennitus(?)...ringing and stuff. My L. ear has significant hearing loss but it will be able to hear good again with a hearing aid...but, he said that yes it was showing signs of MM in it too and that he wants to keep a close eye on it...But he also said that the MM may not fully develope in it and that if it does , then most likely it won't do as much damage. said it''s not always 'equal' when it was in both ears. As for the constant muscle spasms...my muscular atrophy is an inconvenience, but I will have to stay on the diuretics and the valium should help with it a little...other than that , I just have no choice but to learn to live with it....but at least he said it nicely. AND MORE, so much more... he answered every question I could think of to ask him WOW! It is like a weight lifted off my shoulder ...just to know that finally a dr. understands? ..I can't find the words...to say it...understands, cares, listens,helps,guides...gave me hope. But I do have to quit smoking...don't need to , he said, okay I'll do that, first thing in the morning, really...I can do it...no more ciggies, yep, I can, I will, yep...whew. And guess what...he even told me about an org. that will help me to get the hearing aids...wow, what a relief... it seams insurance doesn't pay on your first set. YA'LL... I can't tell you what a great help you've been...you've virtually saved my life...after suffereing in the dark ,alone, for the last year and a half...I had started feeling desperate, hopeless and helpless...and the thought of going to another Dr. and have him treat me the same way as the other one and allowing me to go on suffering like that was almost more than I could bare...so much so that I almost didn't go. Reading your notices, replies, concerns and wonderful mass of knowledge...is what has given me the strength to get thru the last few days...thus the rest of my life. Thank you all so much. Sorry about blubbering on...I'm just sooo excited..I have hope again. thanks, flesea
Wow - I'd say that any answer - and any suggestions for treatment - are GOOD news! Glad you found a doc who listens!
Ron go here http://www.vestibular.org/find-medical-help/search-by-region.php and then click on a U.S. state or world region to download a list of health professionals with an expressed interest in vestibular disorders or your area. Best Wishes and Good Luck to you (o:}
Hi Flesea, I'm so happy for you.There's nothing like having a good doctor that really listens to you and doesn't make you feel rushed. Keep us in touch on what's going on. Big Hugs to you--Goldie
Hi Flesea- What a blessing, a doctor that listens and definitely seems to have compassion. I'm glad you left there with answers and some relief. Best wishes! Di
What organization is it? Most insurances don't pay for hearing aids whether it's a first or subsequent set. I'm sure the info would be of help to many others here, as well as to myself.
Hi Isis_M...the organization is called 'vocational rehabilitation'. It a government org. the only thing I know is that they have a branch that deals with the eyes....(I'm partially blind, so I dealt with them many years ago). But until now, I didn't know they had a department for hearing...I've always referred to them as visual rehab in the past. Since it is "vocational" rehab tho, then maybe they also help in other health issues as well. this I do know tho..... they help you with: 1. accurate diagnosis they send you to specialists located in state. 2. job training..including college,braile,tech school, transportation to and fro the 'school' 3.psycic evaluation...to see where your best talents/qualifications lie...(mine was court stenographer or preacher but I guess that'll have to be reevaluated now with the MM and all) 4. equipment...computer screens, special light bulbs,heat sensored items, stove knobs in braile, light-up phones....many things to make your life functional and safe 6. job placement...that can accomidate your dissability they said already that they are getting me an alarm clock that shakes the bed, so that getting up for work on time won't be an issue...as well as the hearing aids I don't know if the organization is state (I'm in Ga.) or federal but I do know that you go to the unemployment office to set up an appointment with them.. it is our tax dollars at work. I will get more info on them and post it if ya'll sure that'll be okay. flesea07
