Hi!

In my other life, I was a nurse and active participant in life until l994 when I became dizzy following a cold/sinus infection that took six weeks to finally abate, despite three rounds of

antibiotics. In hindsight, it was probably a herpes virus, which has a history of damaging effects on the inner ear. Like many other dizzies, I began to make the rounds to doctors seeing ENT's, neurologists, oto-neurologists and otolaryngologists. After many months of tests and several years trying antivert, valium, vestibular rehab, steroid ear infusions, acupuncture, enzyme therapy and reflexology treatments, the bottom line is a chronic vestibular neuritis and/or chronic labyrinthitis.

In early l997 I could no longer stay upright for over 2-3 hours, my balance was worsening, and cognitive thinking was suffering enormously. Every day was more fatiguing than the previous one and after two hours at work my last day, I knew I couldn't continue.

Quitting my job and being limited in life had a huge impact on me professionally, personally, and psychologically and it impacted my family as well.

With much time and work and enormous support of family, friends, and this group, I am able to handle the limitations far better than three years ago. Life has changed and I've had to change with it. Small successes are BIG. Small blessings are HUGE. And LIFE can still be lived with JOY as I've learned to alter my expectations and reframe many objectives.

I don't know if this condition will get worse, better, or stay the same and I, frankly, don't dwell on that much anymore. Yes, it gets depressing. Yes, I sometimes retreat to frustration and tears and have my little pity party for a day or two. And that's o.k. I'm allowed. Then I choose to move on---as best I can.

If you are a "dizzy" and looking for information, helpful hints, or understanding, you've come to the right place. Join us and you'll meet a warm, diverse group of people who, together, are working to make life better.