If you have a chronic invisible illness, you know all too well that it’s easy for your friends and family to forget that you’re battling a disease each day. Heck, if you’re like me, you don’t even mention your daily symptoms anymore because what’s the point?
Unless I’m needing to drive somewhere or am expected to go out for a birthday at the club, I don’t bore my inner circle with my tales of dizziness. However, while I’ve come a long way and try to be resilient toward my day-to-day symptoms, most people don’t realize how much of your life/day is affected by a vestibular disorder.
This isn’t meant to be a “woe is me blog” but a friendly reminder that while your loved ones seem fine on the outside, some might be suffering internally.
That reason alone is why I’m sharing not only my own but other vestibular patients “Silent Symptoms.”
1. Hangovers Are Not Just From Alcohol.
I wake up feeling hungover EACH and EVERY day. Every morning it feels like I guzzled a bottle of wine the night before. Dizziness, blurred vision, nausea and feeling like I was hit by a bus about sums it up. I now set my alarm for an hour earlier than I’d like to be up and moving because it takes me that long to feel calibrated.
2. Feeling Like You Are In A Free Falling Elevator.
Well, at least free falling a few floors. People with vestibular disorders often times experience dropping sensations. Sometimes it feels like the floor has been removed from underneath you.
3. Or That You’re Having A Stroke.
In the past, I have been convinced I was having a stroke because the right side of my body would feel like it was melting into the couch. Your whole sense of balance is out of whack and can confuse your brain on what’s normal.
4. In and Out Vision.
My right eye will sometimes go completely cloudy to the point I can’t see anything out of it. It’s part of the aura of a migraine, but what people don’t realize is that it can make simple tasks like walking impossible, especially when coupled with dizziness. And if it’s not cloudy, people experience zigzag lines, spots, squiggles, etc. The scary part is when it happens to both eyes while you’re driving… which may or may not have happened to me.
5. Overall Anxiety.
Mental illnesses have always had a negative stigma, and luckily, they’re being talked about more each day. It’s a real thing, which is why I’m not ashamed to talk about anxiety being a significant symptom of mine. For some, I know depression is a symptom, too. I mean come on, talk about a disease that completely changes your way of functioning and lifestyle – it’s no wonder we are all anxious.
Our anxiety is fed by the dizziness, which feeds the anxiety. There is nothing worse than having your whole world flipped upside down, figuratively and literally. But while this is a symptom, there are definitely a lot of ways to manage it.
6. Big Box Stores Are For The Strong.
For most vestibular patients it’s a victory for successfully finishing a shopping trip at the grocery store. Fluorescent lights are a killer, and every grocery store has them. Imagine spinning in a circle 20 times and then trying to walk straight. That’s how it feels for us to walk down the various aisles on a good day.
7. Did I Just Hear My Cellphone Vibrate?
Oh, no… that was just my ear making vibrating noises again. I can’t count how many times I ask my husband if he hears vibrating or ringing noises, and he tells me no. Sometimes the ringing will become so loud I will have to cover both of my ears and put my head down on a surface or in between my legs.
8. San Francisco Fog, But In Your Brain.
You don’t have to have a chronic illness to experience brain fog, but when your brain is already working double time trying to keep you feeling balanced, debilitating brain fog can be experienced. Whether you’re struggling to just recall what you had for breakfast or are lacking the concentration to complete a task, brain fog is the real deal with vestibular disorders.
9. Just Being Dizzy.
At first, I had horrible anxiety because of my constant state of dizziness. Everyday activities become difficult because you can hardly function. You’d be surprised, but feeling drunk all the time isn’t that much fun. And for those who are newly diagnosed, this is the hardest part to wrap your head around. You have to completely change your lifestyle when you’re diagnosed with a disorder that has vertigo or dizziness as the main symptom.
However, after a while, you get used to it and your brain trains itself to deal with your new normal. I actually consider it a good day if I only have a few bad dizzy spells (amongst my normal dizziness) and nothing else.
Yes, these symptoms are not ideal, but after being a part of this community for two years, I can say that there are so many strong and resilient people out there. So many choose to be proactive with their disorders and do everything to live their best life.
Although these symptoms are invisible, your willingness to fight to feel normal every day doesn’t go unnoticed.
**There are plenty more weird and debilitating symptoms that I know a lot of vestibular patients undergo, so feel free to leave them in the comments.
Alicia
August 26, 2018This is a great post, Kayla! Love that you’re bringing these symptoms we go through each day to light for others.
Kayla McCain
August 31, 2018Thanks, lady!
Tonia
August 28, 2019Hi Kayla , I just came across this page , I see that it is old but i will attempt to ask a question in hopes you get it.
I have been through every test possible and every Dr. I have a constant non stop pressure headache that NEVER has gone away since day 1 and its been a year. I also get this major pressure in my eyes so bad looking on phone or computer i have to stop. Feels like all the blood is rushing to my head like im hanging upside down. Did you have these symptoms? I feel like im going crazy. Thank you !
Mike Seals
August 28, 2019Welcome to reality…a vertual invisable disorder that affects thousands of people every year and ruins lives just like cancer and other diseases and disorders…I have had similar symptoms like you quite often and there’s just nothing you can do about it…this disorder ruined my life and I am on the verge of being homeless because I cannot work outside the home any longer but I will admit that when the first time it hit me way back in April of this year I have gotten a lot better but still there are days were working outside the home is impossible because of the symptoms…I have gone thru a nerologist and vestibular therapy but the symptoms remain….the doctor told me – “live with it”…..you can read my life altering event below and I talk about what happened to me…your not alone….there are many people out there who suffer with this……
Jane
August 31, 2018Thank you – this is great! It has been 15 years for me now and my now adult kids barely remember the “other” me. Nobody comments that i always push a shopping cart around Home Depot even if I am only looking for the public bathroom. Or that I will swim happily for 45 minutes and then fall down three times trying to get back to the beach! Now unfortunately I have combined the vestibular disorder with osteoporosis so I fall and break.
Kayla McCain
August 31, 2018Man, 15 years? But honestly, you sound like a very strong and resilient person to be able to raise your children, still go to the beach and life your live all while suffering from this disease.
Dianna Binfet
August 31, 2018Has anyone found any medication, that will help a little??? Or any other information, that will help aittle..I don’t sleep at night,so then I am exhausted all day, then my balance is really off
Kayla McCain
August 31, 2018A lot of people in my support groups have tried various meds that work for some and not others. For me, I wrote a blog specifically on how I manage to feel “mostly normal” here: https://www.truekaylaisms.com/8-ways-i-manage-my-vestibular-migraines/
Bev
August 31, 2018There’s many other issues with vestibular than these 9 things !! Nausea, little to no energy, unable to be social… Even talking on the phone or texting , becoming reclusive !! You try to explain it to ppl they think you’re crazy or think nothing of it ! Drs. are still at a loss on some of it , they know some but not all. I miss being me, doing things with my family & friends …even if it’s conversation. Some days are better than others , some ppl have a milder case some .Some ppl have it so bad they commit suicide… One woman found a place in Belgium that euthenized her. So it’s not something to just brush off …so when someone tells you about it plz take it seriously…very hurtful to deal with this then have friends & even family not take it seriously!! I’d not wish this on my worst enemy !! Thanks for reading !!
Kayla McCain
August 31, 2018You’re absolutely right. This is definitely something that shouldn’t be brushed off. No one gets what it’s like to have all these symptoms that are not a visible reminder that we’re sick. Thank you for sharing!
Chantal Stewart
September 1, 2018Thank you for sharing this. I was actually crying reading it. You’re pretty strong. I’m going on 3 months and I’ve seen many doctors, ct scans, many tests and no real diagnosis! I’m currently at a balance center started vestibular rehabilitation I’m hopeful but very scared that I may end up living with this forever. I’m a young mom of 2 and this has turned my life upside down! The anxiety is another real thing wish I could do it all but I’m not who I used to be.
How do you explain this to people?? How do you share without being the woe is me character? Is there a video I could share with family and friends to make them understand how horrible it is??
Kayla McCain
September 1, 2018Hi, Chantal. I remember being EXACTLY in your place. It took about 6 months for me to be able to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Keep hanging in there! I definitely recommend seeking out a counselor in the meantime, that changed my life. In terms of how to explain it to people, I still struggle with this. That’s why I’ve continued to write about my journey with my vestibular disorder. The best thing we can do is try to find ways to communicate it and send it to our loved ones. I do know that there are some videos out there that show what an aura is like, but I don’t think anyone will understand how debilitating it is to be dizzy 24/7. God bless you in your journey to health! I’m always here if you need someone to vent to. 🙂
Geneva
September 1, 2018I am going through the same thing. It’s been a year this month. I’m so happy I found this blog. I feel like no one understands. I have had so many MRI , ct scans blood work . I have seen neurologist. Ent . Therapy, had many balance tests. I have 2 young boys and this has changed our lives so much.
Jennifer Crespo
December 14, 2018Hi Chantal- I’m a mom to a two year old living with this condition that started in pregnancy. Would you like to talk more ?
Jen
Amy
February 7, 2019Mine started in pregnancy too 🙁
Juli
June 17, 2019Check out seekingbalance.com.au lots of free resources to share and and amazing program to help you get better faster, regardless of final diagnosis. Hope it helps and wishing you the best!
Life with a Vestibular Migraine: Kayla from True Kaylaisms -
September 17, 2018[…] and empathize with me. I also try to communicate by writing. I just recently posted an article on “9 Silent Symptoms Vestibular Disorder Patients Fight Through Every Day” to help explain it to my […]
Dave
October 4, 2018Is your vision like a go-pro cam video from a cam mounted on a stalk mount? (Loss of V.O.R.; vestibular ocular reflex) That makes a lot of things fun…
When I have to do the Texas Two Step to stay upright, I say “rogue wave!!” And laugh…
I never got an owners manual to go with this disorder… aggravating
Rupul
July 15, 2019Hi Dave, I’m really interested to know the vision problem your having…I thought I’m the only one. My dizziness is gone but I have this pressure from ears and eyes with a foggy vision and the vision you described.
Email me I’m on : rups_in@yahoo.com
Lori
October 5, 2018Hi kayla! So glad I found this blog .. been wanting to start one myself for a few years now. I have vestibular migraines now on and off for about 10 years. I was pretty symptom free and life was manageable up until a few weeks ago. I went through a stressful situation and bam! Just like that my world came down literally again just like it did 10 years ago. I’ve lost many friends , many boyfriends , jobs you name it. It definitely robbed me of a normal life and caused me to become very depressed. I’m currently studying to become a Respiratory therapist a goal of mine I have given up on two times because of this disorder. Despite the setbacks I have managed to be left with 3 exams in order to earn my degree but with this horrid timing of setback with this disorder I’m really afraid I might not be able to complete my exams and might end up being kicked out of the program. I celebrated my 30th birthday yesterday and it was hard for me to celebrate because I feel that I am back at square 1 in management of this disorder. Anyway just happy I have found this blog and hoping that it will encourage me to not give up on my goals and dreams in life.
Thanks so much again ❤️
Rex Hobbs
November 3, 2018I have battled vestibular disorder, also diagnosed with meneier’s disease for a year. The treatment for meneier’s included gentamicin injections in the inner ear (x2). That then created gentamicin ototoxicity, been in vestibular rehab for six months, nystagmus so bad I haven’t driven for a year. Been on sick leave for a year… then comes the problem with needing to file for SSA disability… everyone thinks your crazy; not sick! The woe is me syndrome is not in my vocabulary, I fall every day and simply laugh get up and keep going… what’s the alternative?
I’ve been denied twice by SSA, now hired a lawyer?
As noted in other replies, I’ve had more CTs, MRIs, and neurologist appointments simply trying to get a prognosis and diagnosis….
I’m continuing visual rehab and vestibular rehab and hoping for the best… with any luck I’ll be able to one day take my walker and run over it with my tractor. Vestibular Disorder makes your life suck and others have a very hard time understanding what you’re experiencing. I truly have a new understanding for the word BRAINFOG!
I hope others cope better than I have for the last year… I’m thankful for the greatest WIFE EVER! I love you Marilyn!
Whitney Gazar
November 26, 2018Hello! My name is Whitney and I am almost 21 years old, in nursing schools at the University of Cincinnati. For the past several months I have also been battling with a vestibular disorder of some sort – they haven’t given me a specific diagnosis yet but it has been a progressive rollercoaster. It all started one day when I was on my daily run around campus and out of the blue was hit with extreme vertigo and ever since that day it has been worse. Floaters constantly in my vision, unbalanced, visually completely over converging and mental fog. I spent the beginning of this journey seeking a neurologist for CT & MRI scans but they all came back normal, I then figured it would be beneficial to see a cardiologist but everything came back normal as well. Then, I heard about something called vestibular therapy. It has opened my eyes and really helped me to identify triggers (Florissant lights, lots of motion and colors). The exercises there have yet to provide me with relief but the prism glasses help me for close up focusing/studying. Lately I have just felt so hopeless – the silent symptoms are something you feel in your own boat with & nobody else can understand without making yourself out to sound a bit crazy. I have relied on my vestibular therapist and a whole lot of faith to get me through. After seeing this blog I am definitely going to try to seek a counselor or group to help cope with this difficult time. If anyone has any suggestions for medications that may help with at least the mental fog or visual disturbances please let me know. Any tips to help feeling even a little bit of relief is much appreciated. Thankful for this blog and comments!
Erica
December 7, 2018Hello, I’ve recently been diagnosed with Vestibular Migraines by my ENT and neurologist. It’s been a long road to get to this point but mainly because I didn’t know what was wrong with me and always felt “different” and weird everywhere I went. For years I’ve basically lived in a dizzy state, uncomfortable constantly, battling the sensations and feelings and it was panic inducing for me. The anxiety I have had on a daily basis, due to the Vestibular disorder symptoms has been a nightmare. It all started after.my first child in 2012 I believe. Now I have 2 children and it’s progressive become worse this past year or so. Last year I broke my foot and I rode around on a knee scooter for a few weeks and ever since then things have been extremely severe. Can’t go into stores, any store….my legs start to become jello, feel like they can’t hold me up because of the signals that are misfiring to my brain (so I’ve been told by doctors). The floor feels like it’s crooked when I walk, i feel like I’m constantly swaying or rocking, like I just got off a boat. The motion sickness became so bad this last year that I lost weight due to nausea and lack of appetite. My eyes bother me so much from the lights everywhere I go, I have to squint and it feels like someone is inside my eye and pushing them from behind. The light and sound sensitivity is unbearable. I would just have to run out of stores (imagine with 2 small children and a million errands to run). It was anxiety attack after anxiety attack bc I thought what is wrong with me. Surely I have MS or some sickness. My hands would start trembling and I’d start sweating. It was a vicious cycle. Any crowded place, airport, mall, taking my son to bday parties with over stimulating environments and screaming kids. It would be the death of me! But I’ve hid it so well. No ones seemed to notice. Unless I panic and have to tell people “I don’t feel good” which I’m sick of saying all the time. Having to lay down all the time when you have 2 kids is just an impossible feat and the guilt you feel bc they have to see you “not feeling good” all the time. It’s just been so debilitating and exhausting. The diagnosis came after I did my own research and basically figured out what was happening. I’m going to Vestibular PT and taking 2 types of medications (extremely small doses) but it’s been enough to allow me to function and be a Mom. I’m looking for support groups or other people to talk to. It’s been a lonely world when it comes to this! I googled and came across your site.
My doctors all believe hormones have a big part in this. They tell me to exercise but I literally would be on the brink of tears or panic attacks bc walking on a treadmill was so difficult I’d fall to one side and the pressure in my
Head and eyes would be so bad I had to leave. I can’t turn my head from
side to side, patterns or lights are a nightmare for me. Lots of movement or visually stimulating environments are my worst enemies. I’ve been doing better with therapy and medication but I can’t be on medication forever. I always wonder why did this happen to me. What caused this? I had a brain MRI and neuro said it was all normal. Bloodwork is perfect always. It’s just a mystery and they just say some people’s nerves are ultra sensitive. It just seems crazy there’s no solid info or reasons why this comes about. I am very determined to figure out more and overcome this and then help increase awareness and help others. Thank you for your honesty and information. I hope you are feeling good lately!
Erica
Jen
March 9, 2019Hi Erica! We can connect. Look up Joey Remenyi. She talks about neuroplasticity . My symptoms are slowly improving , but I know one day this will be a distant memory. I have a toddler , and understand exactly how you feel as a parent. My email is jennifercrespo534@gmail.com. Msg me and we can talk more !
Rupul Uddin
July 14, 2019Hi Erica,
Just came across your comments and felt and related to every words you wrote.
I’ve been suffering from the same desease for 2 months now GP thinks I’m going mental ENT still hasn’t diagnosed anything…I’m thinking of MRI and CT scan but I know deep down it will all come normal.
I also feel this massive pressure behind my eyeball, and this brain fog and foggy vision is driving me crazy, dont know how much more longer I can take this, I’m still coming to terms with it.
I dont have the dizziness as much as the beginning as I believe the brain has calibrate and compensated a great deal.
This is a silent desease that no one will ever understand apart from the ones who is experiencing it.
If you would like to talk about it please email me on : rups_in@yahoo.com
Shielding Your Eyes From The Light: My Go-To Migraine Glasses – True Kaylaisms
January 5, 2019[…] For the past two years, I was wearing “gamer glasses” my husband bought for me to filter the light, because fluorescent lights or the blue lights shining from my computer made it so I could hardly see because of the floaters. […]
Litza
March 3, 2019I’m so happy to have found your blog and the Dizzy Cook as well because I can finally relate to someone else! This is a great link to share with family and friends. I couldn’t help notice that a few females had symptoms start during pregnancy or after. My symptoms were very significant after pregnancy (approx 2 years postpartum) but I had symptoms during pregnancy and after but I always attributed them to severe iron deficiency related to complications from delivery. I’m curious to see if there’s any research if there’s any correlation between vestibular migraines and pregnancy (obviously not everyone who’s pregnant get VM but I wonder about if there’s any connection).
Angela Bronson
April 4, 2019Wow, I have all these eye symptoms, I also get tingly sensations in my face which I used to always get so scared I was having a stroke. My ears ring and feel like they want to pop all the time. I get the flashes, lines and blurred vision and pressure behind my eyes making me dizzy and light headed. I feel like I am going to pass out which always brought on anxiety and panic. I’m seeking help from all angles and start health psychology next week thanks to the referral from my neurologist. I always feel like the doctors arent finding something, like a tumor or aneurism in my brain and face but MRIs and CAT scans have all came back perfect. I just started seeing a chiropractor this week. I also see a physical therapist, opthamologist, ENT, psychologist, and my primary doctor often. I’m down to working about 3 hours a day. It’s been a huge struggle for about 2 years!! Thanks for showing me I’m not the only one out here. BPPV has come and gone a few times and that is horrific!! I’m still learning how to cope!!
Kim Halsey
April 29, 2019This is a wonderful resource as well as the websites you mentioned;and I plan to share with my ENT, neurologist, and vestibular rehab therapist. It’s one of those things you don’t understand until you’ve been through it-the feelings, the symptoms, and the journey. Thank you for sharing your experience and opening the door for others to do so, too.
Chuck
June 8, 201927 years here. The struggle is real. I would never wish this on my worst enemy. I feel for anyone else that deals with this. Just know you need to continue to fight even when you think you are losing the battle every day. I wake up already knowing I lost the battle, but yet I still fight. I have been to 50 plus doctors, Cleveland Clinic and soon Mayo Clinic. I doubt Mayo will fix me, but I will still fight till the end.
April
June 9, 2019Did you ever experience sore leg muscles from having to adjust to the off balance of the vestibular.
Amber
June 21, 2019I am so thankful to have found this. I am currently in a terrible stage of this vestibular system issue. I don’t know the exact name of what I have going on, but I do know it’s taken over my life in all aspects. I’m not sure who I am anymore, always seems I am on edge and battling constant anxiety. I’ve seen every type of doctor and alternative medicine. I am currently re starting physical therapy, but am losing hope with each episode. Can anyone tell me if this can be a temporary thing? I understand it’s different for each person and everyone has a different journey. I have to believe it’s temporary, I am trying so hard to trust in God, but I’m not doing too well. My family is sick of it, my daughter is struggling as well as my fiance. O am truly scared at this point.
Mike
June 23, 2019OMG – I just about cried when I came upon this webpage by accident but I can’t because Men are supposed to just suck it up and get it together and be stong…what a bunch of ****…I am also one of the thousands of people each year who come down with this horrible Vestibular disorder….but for me it all began on the 27th of April in which on that day I ended up in the Emergency Room at the hospital because I thought I was having a stroke…..I could not stand up without feeling like I was going to fall over or pass out., I was hugging the walls just to keep myself upright from falling…..of course the Hospital ran a few tests of a CT, heart echo gram, x-ray of the lungs and many other blood tests which all came back normal….so they sent me home…….as of this date of posting I have not gone back to work because the symptoms I am having prevent me from doing so….I have read all the other replies from other people posting about their experiences….and I can relate to each one of you because I have been there…but I have some really bad days were all I can do is get up and sit in a chair all day long because the symptoms are so bad…..and the worse part is I have lost friends and now my family members just think it’s a big joke and just tell me “that’s life – we all have our crosses to bear” and just learn to live with it !!…..I would not wish this illness or disease or whatever you call it on anyone….to be truthful I would rather have cancer….that way I would at least know the outcome….but to be honest there has not been a day that goes by were I don’t think about killing myself but then again I can’t because that would be the easy way out and I have never taken the easy way ever in my life and have no intentions to do so….so for me….It’s working from home and my social life and well as my dating life has come to a end.. All I want – to be normal again…its 4am as I am writing this article and I find it impossible to go to sleep before 5am in the morning because I will just lie there wide awake listning to the roar and whistling noises coming from my head which makes it virtuly impossible to sleep…it’s only when I am totally exhausted that I finally manage to get a few 3 or 4 hours of sleep….but then the nightmare continues when I wake up which is the worst time of the day for me…All I can ask for now is HOPE……….HOPE for me comes in the form for me of at least 2 or 3 days a week were my symptoms are no that bad and I think I am just about ready to pull out of it and wham!! It hits me again full force with no warning the next day…It just a vicious cycle with no ending….Apparently life just threw me a life altering event for me shortly after my 59th birthday.
Rupul Uddin
July 14, 2019Hi Mike,
I know the feeling mate, I too feel the same way only hope is keeping me going. How is your dizziness or balance problems now and do you have any visual complications?
If you would like to connect email me at:
rups_in@yahoo.com
Mike Seals
July 15, 2019Dizziness and balance problems persist even though there not a bad as they once were but that has not prevented me from going back to work…have not worked since 27th of April and have no intentions of going back to my job again….because I found a job I can do online on my computer at home which pays very good….as far as the visual complaints…I do have some blurriness in my right eye from time to time and also flashes of light and also a sorta like fog in the air from time to time….I just put up with it and realize tommorow it won’t be there and some other symptom will replace it…
Anita
July 14, 2019I also suffer from Vestibular Disease I have debilitating nausea from the time I get up. It is worse from July to October. I get a few weeks out of the year where I almost feel normal the Doctors can’t give me a reason why.
Janine
October 9, 2019I have had this since November 2007 now, bad BPPV episodes in 2007, 2010, 2014 and last Saturday, but since August 2014 the symptoms have never gone, this damn dizziness every single day without a break now for 5 years, and prior to that I had it on and off 18 months here and there.. It is great to read this post, my friend at work sent this to me, great to feel you are not alone!
Cubra
October 9, 2019Had it 2 years, sorry to hear you all have it, but great to come across others who also are experiencing it, as you can feel very isolated. Causes an anxiety which can affect daily life. Takes away your independence and one can lose who they were. After finding my MRI scan and blood tests and neurology appointment didn’t suggest anything else, I have come to terms with the fact vestibular migraine and BPPV is something I have to live with. Up until 2 weeks ago I was spiralling out of control thanks to the support of my partner throughout the 2 years and recognising I had enough, he gave me a bottle of CBD oil from Holland and Barrettts and it has changed my life for the better almost like a miracle. It’s not gone but daily tasks are much easier and I feel the old me is coming back which is such a joy. I’m hoping these 2 drops a day will continue to make life better. I find when I have an attack and take it at that time, this also helps a lot and reduces symptoms. Hope everyone’s symptoms are made easier and life gets better for you all 🙏🏾🙂
Audrey Baker
December 1, 2019Hi Kayla,
This is great information and definitely I can relate to many of these symptoms. I was walking fine at work one day, then all of a sudden had extreme dizziness, headache, and nausea and never have been the same since it happened.
I have been off since August and finally back to work few days ago. I had to come home early as it made it hard for me due to crowds and fluorescent lighting everywhere.
I was diagnosed with a vestibular disorder, hypofunction in the right inner ear. I work in retail and stand 7 to 8 hours a day. Going to therapy for it. Need to turn your head constantly to help customers when it is busy. Was hard to handle. Dizzy and unsteady already and then turning your head makes it worse plus the lighting.
My vision isn’t constantly blurred but when in lighting or just all of a sudden looking straight an object looks like it is jumping or moving. Horrible feeling.
May have to look for an a sit down or work at home job. Love working retail but it is exhausting because trying to keep balance whole time which is awkward and tiring.
Has anyone had to work in fluorescent lighting in a job, standing all day in a retail position? If so, how do you handle it? Doing physical therapy and was off already three months.
songthrush
December 28, 2019You have just described how my life has been for the past 7 years. No, not really, because at first I was coping, I was working full time, walking my dogs, going out with friends, going into town shopping, cooking, decorating, doing all the housework and having friends over on a regular basis.
I did have to have a lot of time off work but when I was okay I coped.
In 2016 all that changed, my work was deteriorating, I had previously been good at my job, I had already stopped going out. Town centre became a “no-go” area soon to be followed by supermarkets. I cannot deal with the housework so do not invite friends over anymore and my dogs do not get the excercise they deserve.
The very worst thing about this condition is trying to describe it to other people, they cannot see it, they do not think you are lying, merely exaggerating, they are wrong.
I used to get up at 4.45am to set off for work at 8am.
By the time I had walked the dogs before work I felt like I had done a full days work.
I have got out of bed to head to the bathroom for a shower, and found myself stood facing my wardrobe at the other side of my bed. I have got up in the middle of the night to turn off a dripping tap, it wasn’t a tap, it was my tinnitus. I have head butted my garden gate after losing my balance, I have fallen over the vacuum cleaner whilst cleaning, I often walk into door frames,
I also have BPPV which a dozen Epley manoeuvres has not shifted. I go to get a teaspoon out of the drawer and forget to keep my head straight, immediate violent vertigo, I look down at my hand, same effect.
I stagger around like I am drunk when I have not had any alcohol, I could go on and on but I will not.
Thank you for making this so clear, it is just so difficult to make people understand.
Managing Your Vestibular Migraine During The Holidays – True Kaylaisms
January 4, 2022[…] mean, your family can’t see your illness, so they think you’re fine unless you talk to them: whether it’s that they dim the lights […]