Living with Meniere's

For me, living with Meniere's can be a real challenge sometimes. I don't drive much anymore and when I do (like driving 45 minutes to the bus stop), it can be a stressful trip. We all know that stress can be one of the triggers to bring on a vertigo spell, so I've really had to learn how to relax. And of course my greatest fear is that I'll get stuck somewhere (like in the middle of downtown Houston) and have an attack. It's SOOOO embarrassing. I start staggering all over the place and then I get nauseous and then I start throwing up and then I start crying. It's not pretty.

I probably look (and act) like a drunk. My luck I'd be arrested for public intoxication. Fortunate for me, my daughter is a Houston police officer. That'll work as long as I have the attack in Houston!

The loud noises I hear for the most part, I've gotten used to them so they don't bother me unless I'm in a really quiet room. I'm getting used to not being able to hear much. Actually in some situations, it's been a blessing. I just tell people I'm not rude, just deaf and if I smile at an inappropriate time, you can bet your buttons, I didn't hear a thing you said.

I've been told that Meniere's is hereditary. My mother said my dad used to have spells of vertigo so I wonder if he had it. Unfortunately my dad was also an alcoholic so who know why he was dizzy. It could have been any number of things. Does being stupid make you dizzy?

My oldest daughter has been having dizzy spells, but she doesn't have the tinnitus and her spells aren't very frequent. I keep apologizing to her.

I hoping more people will comment here so we can learn from each other.

~Blessings~
Sandi