Which is worse?

Well after having two great days I was hit with a stomach virus of gargantuan proportions! Still trying to decide whether a vertigo attack is better or worse than a stomach virus. At least with a vertigo attack I know the progression of it and I can at least sleep relatively pain free. As long as I keep my eyes closed the spinning is manageable. Stomach virus on the other hand.....totally unpredictable! Cramps that felt like a knife going through my intestines.....ouch! For a whole day.....yuck! Would rather not have either, but at least the vertigo follows a pattern.....and I know what I can do to make it bearable. Cold room......quiet room......comfortable bed and pillows.....cold water.....sleep.....sleep....sleep!

Anyway I seem to be on the mend. Off to discover a couple of Indian grocery stores with some friends. Indian food is great because it has tons of flavor and it is easy to make it low sodium.

It is so important to stay engaged with life through this whole journey even if you feel like crap!

So You Wanna Know What Vertigo Feels Like

Thank God my days like this are few and far between! This video is a pretty good perspective on what it feels like when you have a dysfunctional vestibular system. Sometimes more is said when we say nothing at all.

http://vimeo.com/2882960

My Top 5 Positive Things About Having Meiniere's

1. I no longer need to drink wine to have that tipsy feeling. My funky ear makes
    sure I feel just loopy enough.

2. My carbon footprint is lower because I don't drive as much.

3. I've lost weight and eat a lot healthier. Vertigo contributes to this lifestyle
   change!

4. I finally have enough time to get rid of some clutter, since I am unable to have
    a regular job!.

5. The dog gets out for a lot more walks. Some days that is the only constructive
    thing I get done.

Happy Sunday!

A New Journey

I long for the days of pre-Meniere's but I know that they are long gone. Now I just hope I can make it through the day without having any major symptoms. I have become accustomed to the daily tinnitus, ear pressure, brain fog, lightheaded feeling and  headaches. I am grateful that I am not experiencing the vertigo attacks quite so often. Back in mid October 2010 through November 2010 I was averaging one major vertigo attack per week for five weeks straight.I would no sooner start getting back to a more functional existence and I would be slammed with another one. Those were dark days for me and I can truly understand how one can get suicidal when being forced to live with a chronic illness.

I make the choice each morning when I wake up to either live my day to its fullest or to crawl under a rock and pretend I am invisible. Most mornings I choose the positive approach. Even though I may struggle through a day by spending most of it laying on the sofa with my furry little prozac pills (my 2 cats and a dog), I know I am blessed. I have a wonderful husband who is there for me 24/7. A son that cares enough about me to do things to make my life a little easier and happier. Two grandsons that make me smile and give me reason to go on and be there for them. As well as the most amazing group of friends anyone could ever imagine!

Yes, I choose to live in the light , but every once in awhile that light starts to flicker and I get scared and have to remind myself not to give up.