Greetings & Salutations

New here, let me introduce myself šŸ¤
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Greetings all,

Any advice is always welcome. Iā€™ve been a long time lurker and this site has been great source for me as Iā€™ve walked my path. I am lucky as my SO is a physicianā€™s assistant for a family practice. She has been very helpful and understanding through this process.

My path, like most, started as a ā€˜coldā€™. Decided to go home early from work since I didnā€™t feel good. Next thing I know, Iā€™m puking out my car door on the side of a rush hour interstate as my head spins round and round. Somehow made it home in between episodes.

Spent the next 2 weeks isolated in my house trying to recover and schedule Dr appointments trying to figure out what was going on. (MRI, ENT, etc) Initial diagnosis was Menierā€™s. Followed a strict regimen of reduced sodium. Did that for 7-8 months with no real improvement. Tried changing meds, additional exercises, etc. My SO made me an appointment with a Menierā€™s specialist in Denver. The appointment was 4 months out, but at least it was scheduled. A few cruel tests later I was told itā€™s VN and not Menierā€™s. One puzzle piece figured out!

What is weird about my VN is that it never got better. I never had an ā€˜episodeā€™, but I never felt ā€˜normalā€™. So back to more doctors and changing up medicationā€¦

I donā€™t have a traditional ā€˜headacheā€™ or head pain. I have fatigue, eye strain, confusion. And not just episodes. I have this 100% of the time. Once we began thinking ā€˜migraineā€™, I began working with my GP on standard migraine meds as we were waiting to get in with a migraine specialist.

After hearing my history, the migranie doctor get me pre-approved for Botox and we begin injections (May 2018). That stopped the overall confusion and fatigue within 3 days. It was amazing to actually feel human again for the first time in 2+ years. We are still working to dial in the exact dose as it wore off a week early this round. Iā€™ve only had 3 sessions.

Iā€™m a big fan of natural solutions to most health issues. For me, this isnā€™t able to be addressed by doing just that. The supplements, diet, and exercise definitely help. Iā€™ve felt a difference when Iā€™ve accidentally run out.

So with that. Great meeting everyone and looking forward to contributing.

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Welcome Jeff!

I grew up in Thornton but left in 1988. Your picture makes me want to go play in the snow. This year, I think I can!

Emily

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I played in the snow last year. My hope this year is to fall over less. I live in Washington state now. Weā€™re in that in between season when summer is gone but there isnā€™t enough snow for alpine fun. Itā€™s all wet lowland stuff for now. And kayaking.

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And your name makes me want to brew beerā€¦ even though I donā€™t drink anymore. Welcome to the forum!

Same here, no meds = almost zero recovery for me. Its a paradigm shift in my brain actually, that at the end of the day it doesnā€™t really matter what you got to do to feel normal.

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I agree. I made very little forward progress without finally breaking down and trying meds. Lifestyle, diet and exercise only went so far.

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Soon you shall drink with them. Glad botox is doing the trick for you !

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