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VM & PPPD Diagnosis - Inability to Drive

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 Teri
(@ttbevan)
Active Member
Joined: 3 years ago
Posts: 11
Topic starter  

Hey Fellow Vesties - Hoping for some assistance, please.

My life was turned upside down in January 2020 when I was on the 405 Freeway in Los Angeles at 5:00 in the morning when I was hit with vertigo so bad I almost crashed my car. Thankfully I made it to the side of the road without hurting anyone or myself; but then began a long journey to determine what was wrong with me and finding a path to restore my health.  I felt like I was constantly on a boat on the high seas and was unable to walk without holding on to the walls, standing required leaning up against something. I could not lay down flat and had to sleep sitting up for almost a year. Being in moving vehicle as a passenger was awful and driving myself was an impossibility. After 6 months and numerous doctors visits, I was fortunate to be referred to Dr. Cho at the House Clinic (now at Cedars Sinai) where he diagnosed me with Vestibular Migraine and PPPD (I also have BVD and use Prism glasses). Dr. Cho has been a God-send and after sticking to my supplements plan, the HYH Diet (the Dizzy Cook is the best!) seeing two different PT's; I am happy to report I about 85-90% better but still struggling with driving. Taking baby steps - I am able to drive our golf cart but still have significant challenges in transitioning to a 5000+ Lb. vehicle! 

Do any of you Fellow Vesties with similar conditions have any recommendations or ways to get back on the road again?  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Wishing you all the very best of health and God bless, Teri   

 


   
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(@alexa)
Active Member
Joined: 2 years ago
Posts: 27
 

I was diagnosed with Labyrinthitis about 3 months ago after getting the vaccine. I have been to all kinds of doctors and the latest a neurotologist who told me yesterday that my ear damage was permanent and I will have to retrain myself to walk as if having just one leg. The news were devastating but I refused to believe him since I have a friend that was treated for vestibular migraine after she got corona and was able to recover and she is walking fine again.I mentioned to the neurotologist but he said everyone is different. He told me I had a virus that attacked my left ear and caused the damage. He put me on valacyclovir which is for the herpes virus and to come back in a month for motion and balance testing.I continue vestibular therapy and the newest riding the bike since I read it helps recover your balance. I need to drive every day to work and honestly is easier than walking. I just put my seat very close to the steering wheel and put my head against the head rest for support. I try not to change lanes since turning my head left is very difficult due to the lack of balance. I don't go over 45-50.

Good luck to all. I've read thousands of stories from different forums so far only one full recovery. I guess this will take time but the more we try to go back to our normal life the faster we will get there.


   
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 Teri
(@ttbevan)
Active Member
Joined: 3 years ago
Posts: 11
Topic starter  

@alexa 

Hi Alexa, 

Thank you very much for responding and I am so sorry to hear you have been having these health issues and was diagnosed with Labyrinthitis; especially since it was caused by the Covid vaccine. So many people are suffering from the unexpected side effects of the vaccines and it is very disheartening.

I appreciate your recommendations and I hope that when you go back to the doctor in a month that your symptoms have improved substantially. I walk a couple times a day in my neighborhood and I know this helps me (fresh air and vitamin D are always a plus). I also read a book that Dr. Cho recommended called Rock Steady, the author Joey is great and she teaches you neuroplasticity. https://www.seekingbalance.com.au/rocksteady/ I have linked her website as it might help you too. I will try your methods for driving; my biggest issue is taking corners or like you said, when turning your head to look for cars, etc. 

Thanks again for your support and suggestions and wishing you the very best of health,

Teri

 


   
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