Hi, my name is Mary Anna. I have been living with a vestibular problem for over a year. It all started in January of 1999. I had several bad colds back to back and was given antibiotics, but as one cold got better another one came. Then I ended up with a sinus infection, had x-rays and was treated for over 2 months with all different types of antibiotics. Then I got the flu or what I assumed was the flu. I was very dizzy and ended up in ER while we were out of town. The doctor gave me meclizine for the dizziness and other meds that made the dizziness go away. With that flu, if that's what it was, I could barely get up off the couch. When I would try to stand up, the room would go white because I was so weak. Then two weeks later the real dizziness started. I couldn't stand, sit, or lay down. I was dizzy 24/7 and still am. No medication really helped. I went through the ENG Test, MRI, saw a neurologist, allergist and my own family doctor. All said it was a viral inner ear infection that will simply go away on its own. I do see an end here. I hope that in a few weeks from now, this will just be a bad dream. I am going in the right direction and hope it continues till this nightmare is over.

Twenty years ago, I also suffered a vertigo problem for 6-7 weeks. (This time it was not vertigo but dizziness.) It wasn't as bad as this attack. At the time I had a draining ear. They think that was the cause of my problem and several weeks later, I went through the ENG Test which showed nothing. Same as this time, nothing shows up on the tests. After I thought the vertigo was gone, I still continued to have a problem with grocery stores, theatre lines, open spaces etc. so that I went to a support group for agoraphobia. It took me several years to get over the agoraphobia. Now I am not so sure it was agoraphobia as much as an inner ear imbalance that took its time going away.

I continue to have problems with TMJ and some eye problems which may or may not be from the vestibular problem. I also have tinnitus which is generally not too bothersome. Of course, panic attacks and general anxiety are a part of this disorder.

I am very grateful for all the friends I have found and will continue to be a part of this board, hopefully, as a recovered dizzy. I hate to jinx myself by saying this, but I certainly am very hopeful. If I can be of help to anyone, please feel free to e-mail me at JBOTT578@aol.com